New Zealand Prohibitionists

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume IV, Issue 1055, 1 August 1904, Page 2

New Zealand Prohibitionists

Deputation to Premier Interesting Speeches on Licensing Matter The Premiers Reply

By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wbmjngton, this day. A miuie deputation, representing tho Pi'ohibicion Patty throughout the colony, waited on the Premier on Saturday afternoon,

Tho Rev. J. Diiwson said that tho deputation represented a solid body of 150,000 voters of all shades of polities, Mr A. W, Atkinson said that Hie dopu tation came in the namo of democracy and justice to urge that the country should no longer be subjected to the outrage and scandal that had been revealed by the upsetting of the licensing polls in the Newtown and Bruce districts. They did not ask for a substantial change in the licensing law; they simply wished lo ensure that tho powers of the peoplo over liquor licenses should be made a reality instead of a farce, as tho decision of the Privy Council has nn.fortuus.toly revealed to them. They simply asked that Mr Tanner's regulation of Local Elections Act Amendment Bill he taken up by the Government and placed on the statute book this session. There was not a syllaI ble in this Bill favouring one side more than another,

Tho representatives from Ashburton expressed indignation at the wild statements that were being made by their detractors, and gavo instances of the success of tho prohibition rogimo i/> the district. Souio of the deputation ontcrod a strong protest against clause 9, which thoy declared was not asked for or desired by tho peoplo of tho colony,

Tho Rov, Mr, Isitt stated that unless their claim to have tho liquor traffic inado subject t) tho will of tho peoplo was ac* ceded lo it would bo necessary lo form a toinporaneo political party, although the temperance peoplo did not want to Inlve this course forced on them. Mr, Seddon said ho hid boon informed by a momber of Parliament that tho Rev, Mr. Isitt had hud an understanding with Mr Massey, loader of the Opposition, Was that so?

Mr. Isitt roplifid," Absolutely no." Ho had said nothiug to Mr, Massoy that he would not say here. > Mi', Soddon said ho accepteiUhat assurance, lie wont on to aay, in reply to n request that tlio importation and sale of liquot in the Cook Group should bo prohibited, that so long us ho was head of the Government tho natives in those islands would not be allowed to obtain liquor, 'iho members oF tha Ministry were unanimous in desiring to guard tho natives as far as possible against tho evils of imoxiciting liquors. Ho denied that elauso 9 was first suggested by him as a jolio. Rotor, ring to voided pollis, ho deolared that as far as ho himself and hi- colloaguos could go the will of the peoplo should havo effect, Tho Government would mako provision for the d ofection of the law in regard to n second poll in the Lioensiug Bill. Ho could not say that tho Government would tako up Mr Tanner's Bil 1 , as Iho Government hod alroady hud a Bill prcparod which would bo satisfactory to the deputation and meet what they desired in this matter, It had been suggested that the principal object in elauso 9 should be referred to a voto of the poople at tho next goucral oloction. Tho views of the deputation would bo carefully considered by tho Cabinet, flo had never uiado tho licensing question a party ques. tion, and would nevor do so. Tho Licensing Bill and Regulation of Local Eloctionsßill would bo introduced by tho Government this session, Uivlot the latter measure a roonrronco of tho Newtown and Bruco troubles would bo impossible, ThoGovomuiont would do their best and get thoso Bills on the statute book,