NO-LICENSE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIII, Issue 8850, 29 May 1914, Page 6

NO-LICENSE.

DEPUTATION TO PRIME MINISTER. (Per Press Association.) INVEROARGILL, May 28. The Right Hon. W. F. Massey received several deputations this morning on local matters, and left before noon by special train for Balclutha. One deputation, from the No-license party, urged upon the Premier the necessity of having the promised Licens-I ing Bill introduced early in the session, and suggested, in the event of national prohibition being carried, that' the time elapsing before it came into operation be, reduced from four years to one year. It also pointed out, in the matter of the Magisrate's decision in the recent liquor case, Police v. V. Ooleman, proprietor of the Club Hotel, that there had been a good deal of indignation in , No-license circles in conn-ection.with it. There was likely to be an appeal^ and should the Supreme Oourt uphold the judgment delivered by the lower Oourt, it suggested that the law should be amended. The Prime Minister said the Licensing Bill would be introduced early, so that every member would have an opportunity of expressing an opinion on it. Every member was pledged to_a certain course of action, and the Bill would have a fair and strong run. Referring to the question of the lapse of time, he stated that if No-license or national prohibition were carried, there would be a very important change in the finance of the county. Four years might be too long, but anything less than two years would not be reasonable. As. to the recent judgment referred to, the. Government could not interfere with it, but after, the appeal had gone through the Supreme Coiirt the Government could, if necessary, introduce legislation with reference to the Act.