CLUBS IN DANGER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 49, 15 July 1914, Page 2

CLUBS IN DANGER.

I'-iiOM TillC XO-LK/KXSE CAUSE

Per Press Association. •Wellington. .liilv 14,

The licensing question and the proposed legislation dealing with the threefifths majority were the subject of inother deputation to the Premier to-d.uy. The deputation, whic'h represented over forty clubs throughout New Zealand, with a membership of over 20,000, asked for .the maintenance of the three-fifths majority. The speakers were Messrs. W. Hridson (Wellington). T. B. Williams (Wanganui), and F. Earl (Auckland). It was pointed out that the deputation, representing a large section of that moderate element in the community, which was never given any voice in the i proposal brought, forward by the pro- ' hibition party and the trade) entered a strong protest against the manner in which amendments to the law were carried out solely between the brewing interests and the no-liquor party. The; financial arrangements of clubs had been based a good deal on the revenue from the sale of liquor and great financial disturbance would result if liquor were prohibited. It seemed outrageous that a proposal should be put forward capable of destroying clubs as a social institution. Then there was. the entertainment of distinguished strangers, and if clubs were to he swept away thev would have a very drill) life in the community. Tlic Premier said that what the result of the ISill would be he was unable io say at the moment. There were differences of opinion even among members of the Ministry. When the Bill came up for the second reading lie would ((resent the views of the deputation to ihe House. '