THE LICENSING BILL

White Ribbon, Volume 20, Issue 11, 1 December 1948, Page 2

THE LICENSING BILL

lhe long-awaited Licensing Bill has been introduced at last, it has com** as a blow, in many ways, to all who looked for such changes as were likely in some measure to improve existing conditions m regard to the drink traffic. Its provisions DM one with dismay. lhe ridiculous nonsense talked about the lessening of drunkenness by the increasing of facilities tor drinking would be amusing if tilt issues involved were not so terrible. As it is, one feels that the hosts of wickedness are being entrenched more firmly than ever. Thanks to Mr. Milner, the General Superintendent of the N.Z. Alliance, and those associated with him, especially the Presbyterian Assembly Temperance Conunmee, the Bill is not going to have the rapid and easy passage evidently planned and expected by Mr. Nash and those who prepared it. The long delay in making the provisions known, and the introduction of so controversial a measure so late in the session might well have led to its passing through without any proper opportunity for investigation of its implications to be made. Mr. Milner’s persistence and vigilance have prevented this, and we owe him our gratitude. The splendid stand being taken by Princess Te Puea and other King Country Maoris of high rank, has given us great inspiration in our efforts to stay the hand of those who would violate the “Solemn Pact” so well and completely authenticated by unimpeachable authorities. Our prayers should be offered for the success of their plea to His Majesty to refrain from asserting to any Parliamentary enactment that would transgress this Pact, and all our influence should be brought to bear on those able to assist or hinder the passing of legislation by which liquor can be legally sold in the King Country. The promise of a referendum on the issue of the extension of the hours of sale should make us realise that there is much work for us to do in preparing for this. The example of New South Wales should, and probably will, influence the vote in NewZealand, but our prayers and work will have to be constant. If we can do no more than to impress on the indifferent voters the necessity for them to vote if they are to preserve for themselves as well as others, the measure of security from crime and clanger which early dosing has given; let us see to it that we DO so. By talking about it, praying about it, and doing all possible to awaken our friends to the realisation of the retrograde natuie of this proposed change, w r e are able to affect the issue. By letters and telegrams to M.P.’s and Ministers, something can be done and we should watch the papers carefully so that no chance i* lost. The Gambling Referendum should also give us reason for redoubling our activity. We understand that this is to be taken on the same day as the Licensing Referendum, early in the new year.