SIX O'CLOCK CLOSING.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 September 1917, Page 5

SIX O'CLOCK CLOSING.

DEPUTATION TO PEEMIER. By Telegraph.—-Press Association., Wellington, Last Night. A deputation, consisting of several •■ '■::. thousand people, met the Premier and ," Sir Joseph Ward in Parliament grounds after the/House rose at 5.30, for the purpose of bringing under notice the'demands of the temperance party, and business men on the subject of six o'clock y closing of hotels. The speakers, were. the Rev. Smallfield (Auckland), A. iR. Atkinson (Wellington), John Ortirt (Auckland), ..Holland (Mayor of Christchurch), who were introduced by Dr. Newman, M.P. Mr. Atkinson contended that New Zealand mas the only country amongst the, belligerents which, had not done anything to limit the liquor traffic. Messrs Holland and Court declared that the business men of the Dominion wanted sis o'clock closing, and would not be satisfied with any compromise. . • Mr. Massey, in reply, said the position of the Bill before Parliament was evidently not understood by some of the, npeakers. It was not introduced at. tho eleventh hour, mit as the result of a promise given immediately after his re- , turn from Britain. The Bill was they most important measure of lkjuof reform ever presented to Parliament, and . instead of the Government being blamed | and abused they should receive the ; thanks of the deputation and the pedple • for their efforts, in the direction of licensing reform. The gathering concluded with singing the National Anthem and giving cheer* for six o'clock closing.