OVERHAUL NEEDED

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20821, 3 June 1939, Page 6

OVERHAUL NEEDED

LIQUOR IN KING COUNTRY LICENSING COMMITTEE’S VIEW (Special to Times) TE KLTTI, Saturday The Waitomo Licensing Committee, at its annual meeting, after discussing the problem of liquor in the King Country, adopted the following resolution, which was read by Mr A. 11Freeman, S.M.:— " That this Licensing Committee is seriously concerned with the Mate of affairs concerning the licensing laws in the King Country and that sly grogging is demoralising a section of the young people in this district, par;icularly among the Maoris. It feels that the time has arrived for a complete overhaul of the laws relating to the sale of liquor in the King Country, and that they should be brought into line with the laws of licensed districts." “We all know the position appertaining in the King Country, and 1 do not think we can speak too strongly on this matter,’’ said Mr Freeman. " The police are doing their duty, but we know that they are practically helpless. On account of the advent of the motor-car it is impossible for them to stamp out the liquor traffic in this area.” Unanimous Support All the members of the committee spoke in support of the pronouncement. Mr C. Elliott said that as one who had been interested in temperance reform for more than 30 years he felt that some change would be welcomed. He was convinced that the ordinary I hotel system would cure the trouble. However, the position definitely warranted some change, probable to municipal or State control of liquor sales.