THE LICENSING BILL.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 147, 28 July 1914, Page 5

THE LICENSING BILL.

THE COMMITTEE STAGE.

DEFEAT PREDICTED.

[From our own Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, July 27.

To-morrow the House will be asked to consider the Licensing Bill in Committee. The supporters of the measure are no more optimistic than they were yesterday, and it seems almost certain that when a crucial division is called there will be just enough votes on the side opposed to the measure to compass its defeat. The division will probably be taken some time to-morrow evening, after a debate which is bound to be full of interest. At the same time there have been so many surprises of late that really one cannot depend upon the Order Paper as to what business will actually be before the House. If, however, as is expeeted, the Licensing Bill does come on, and has an uninterrupted run through Committee, those who regard the question as one of life or death should not be left much longer in suspension.