THE LICENSING POLL.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 June 1919, Page 5

THE LICENSING POLL.

THE FINAL FIGURES. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. In accordance with the provisions of the Licensing Amendment Act, the Minister of Justice notifies by Gazette notice to-day the result of the special licensing poll taken on April 10. The total returns are as follows: In the licensing districts the electors on the roll numbered 628,632. Valid votes recorded ...... 478,312 For Continuance 232,208 For Prohibition 246,104 Prohibition majority ....... 13,896 EXPEDITIONAEY FORCE.

IN FAVOR OF STATE OWNERSHIP. Wellington, Last Night. Interviewed as to .the result of the liquor referendum Mr. D. M. Findlay, president of the Moderate League, said it was fortunate that the nature of the poll gave a clear demonstration that the overwhelming vote of the soldiers was against prohibition. Their splendid record and great experience gained in the service ahould commend their views and wishes to the greatest consideration. The league had protested against the waste of public money and human effort involved in the referendum, and the result justified the contention. In view of the repeated failures in attempts at prohibition, the nex* poll resolved itself into a test whether the rank and file of the prohibition voters would support the great reform of State ownership. The unmistakeable victory won over prohibition must not be taken by the trade as an endorsement of the existing conditions, fhe league Was determined to press for reforms, and was now organising to secure State ownership at the. forthcoming poll.

Con. Pro. United Kingdom .. 15,875 3,955 49 Egypt ....,..: 1,853 444 35 1,482 Ou board .troopships 9,825 1,758 7,723 Grand Totals .... 264,189 253,827 518,016 Continuance majority .... 10,362