THE LICENSING REFERENDUM.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 January 1919, Page 3

THE LICENSING REFERENDUM.

MEETING OF CITIZENS. The New Zealand Moderate League, which has its headquarters in Wellington, has decided to organise a. campaign of public meetings throughout the Dominion for the purpose of acquainting the people of the changes recently ma.de in tile licensing law and the consequences that will follow the votmg at the special poll to he held on April 10 next. A public meeting will be held in the Empire Theatre, New Plymouth, on Tuesday, at 8 p m., when addresses will be delivered by Mr. D. M. Findlay, president of the league, and Mr. I!. A. Armstrong, Dominion secretary. Mr. Fiudlay is a prominent barrister and solicitor of Wellington, and i 9 well known in general, commercial, and professional circles. He was president of the Third Wellington Military Service Board, as a member of the Commercial and Professional Advisory Committee oi the National Efficiency Board. He U also well known in labor circles, being counsel to the New Zealand Trades and Labor Council. Mr. Findlay has given a close and thorough study of the liquor question and licensing law, both in New Zealand and m other countries and is an authority on th» subject of State ownership, which is now occupying the attention of all tb_e most prominent tern perance reformers' in Great Britain, including the Prime Minister. Mr Lloyd George. Ke is an interesting and able speaker, and citizens interested in publie questions should avail themselves of the opportunity of learning what the present position is in regard to the licensing question which is now coming into prominence oil account of the near approach of the special referendum,

Mr. T>. A. Armstrong " in* also well known as a student of public affairs and a speaker of particular ability He is probably best known through his work during the war period as national president of the Second Division League, which organisation, under his direction, brought about a remarkable betterment m the con3itions of service for all soldiers and their dependents. lie will also be remembered some years ago on the Knyvett defence case for the purpose of inducing the Government to give the right of free trial by court-martia! to every unit of our Defence forces. H« is .also well known in art and literary circles, and was first president of the Auckland Arts and Crafts Club, As one who has been in close touch wiyi political life in this country, he is particularly qualified to speak on the democratic questions of the day, and as lie is a fearless critic and a straight talker, his address is sure to be of great interest at the present time. Jt is anticipated that; the seating ''accommodation at the Empire will be fully taxed on Tuesday night, as, owino to the short time available before the referendum, the speakers can ouly visit each centre once.