LICENSING MATTERS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2648, 19 April 1894, Page 4

LICENSING MATTERS.

The Dunedin Star states authoritatively that there is little likelihood of any member of the Dunedin Licensing Committee signing a conditional license for race meetings, sports, or smoko concerts. The Colonial Secretary, replying to Mr William Hutchison, M. M.R., says that in the matter of ballot papers no instructions were issued by the Government to Returning Officers, respecting sections 17 aud the third schedule, or upon any other matter connected with the conduct of the licensing elections and local option polls. As to “ informals ” the Government consider it undesirable to furnish a legal opinion as tho matter is coming before the courts. Promises are given of euqui.y into all cases whoso names were improperly

struck off the rolls on receiving a list of names. .* . The hearing of the petition against the validity of the licensing election and local option poll for the Clutha district came on at Balclutha on Monday before Mr Hawkins, S.M. Counsel for petitioners stated that it was not the committee but the local option poll that they desired to attack. There was grave doubt as to whether the Magistrate could adjudicate on the poll. However, it could be more conveniently and effectually attacked in the Supreme Court, and the petition would therefore not be proceeded with just now. The Magistrate agreed, and allowed defendants 3 guineas costs. A convention of representatives of the various temperance organisations throughout the districts of the Wellington, Hawke’s Bay, and Taranaki, is to be held at Palmerston North on the 3rd May. The subjects to be considered are: —(1) The results of the recent licensing elections, and to determine what further legislation is to be asked for at the forthcoming session of Parliament ; (2) to decide upon a course of united action on the part of temperance bodies within the districts named; (3) to arrange for the further promotion of the prohibition movement, and discuss the establishment of a head prohibition agency for the colony.