THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 October 1918, Page 3

THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC.

DEPUTATION WAITS ON MINISTERS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Oct 30. A deputation of some forty persons representing the combined liquor trade interests of the Dominion waited on the Prime Minister and Sir Joseph Ward at Parliament Buildings at noon to-day to present a petition containing 30t!,528 signatures, praying that three issues be put on the ballot pajiar, viz-, National Continuance, National Prohibition, and National Ownership. Mr. R. Bollard, M.V.. introduced the deputation. The speakers in support of the petition were Messrs Kernel, Speight and Dwyer, i Mr. Massey, in reply, said there were other petitions coming from other sections of the community, adding that they must not be delayed beyond a few days if the Government was expected to consider them. The Cabinet was engaged in picking up a great deal of information on what was admittedly a difficult subject, and he hoped when the Government legislation came down it would be final and satisfactory. Sir Joseph Ward said he considered the proposal for compensation to the trade had grcal.lv simplified the problem, and that was (lie view he would bear in mind when the matter was before the Cabinet.