LICENSING REFORM.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9650, 15 November 1909, Page 5

LICENSING REFORM.

By Telegraph—Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, November 13. The compromise in Wellington between representatives of the New Zealand Alliance and of the Liquor party was touched upon by Sir Joseph Ward when he was speaking to a reporter yesterday. It was pointed out to him that according to a special telegram from Wellington, some representative liquor men in that city had said that the compromise was arranged entirely without their know- J ledge. That, Sir Joseph said, was a point on which he was not able to speak. As far as New Zealand is concerned, he added, if we wish to have a legitimate test of the views of the people on the liquor question a Jclear and definite issue should be placed before them. It is exceedingly difficult to say what will be the outcome of a consultation of the people through the Dominion, but in my judgment it is desirable that an opportunity should be given. I have seen the'views expressed in the newspapers by certain sections of 'the trade' in Wellington, but should have thought that they would be ready and willing to trust the people and to enable the proposals which large numbers on both sides have agreed to as a definite basis for legislation to be submitted to the .people,"