TEMPERANCE ITEMS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4639, 3 February 1894, Page 3

TEMPERANCE ITEMS.

Writing from Wellington, New Zealand, to the British Weekly, a comspondent says The Temperance question lias figured largely in the present session of Parliament. Sir Robert Stout introduced a Bill which gave the people the power of tbe Direot Veto, This was defeated by a narrow majority, whereupon the Government introduced a measure which was to satisfy both parties, and has .satisfied neither. It plays, however, into the bands of the brewers and publicans, and has aroused tbe intense opposition of tho friends ofProhibicion. ' It increases the area of the electoral district.exterds the term of the licenses, and tbus cJw-s a vested interest, requires half the electors to poll and tbree-fiftbs of these to yote for a reduotion of tbe houses before tli e traffic can be limited. Tba Bill has been so emended in the Legislative Council that it is not likely to be accepted by the House of Representatives again, and become law this session. The question is likelier to be deferred for ao appeal to the people at the next general election, and the enfranchisement of Women inspires the Prohibition paity with hope that a Direct Veto Bill may then find favour." The regulwr monthly meeting of the Maßterton Kechabites (1.0. R., No. 38), took place in tbe Forester's Hall last evening. Bro. 3.Carpenter, 0.E., presiding, The following officers for the ensu«SLterm were installed during'tVj evßhg: 0.R., Bro, J. Carpenter; D.E, Bro. W.Betty; Seo,, Bro. J. J. Falk; Tteas., Bro. J. C, Ingram; R.S., Bro. B. Finlayson; C.S., Bro. W. Byford; Levite, Bro. R, J, Field; Guardian, Bro. C. Jones. ■ Three aew memberfl were proposed and tho meeting closed with the usual ceremonies.