LOBBY VIEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVII, Issue 9052, 24 July 1917, Page 3

LOBBY VIEWS.

AVELLINGTON, July 23. The'offer made- by the deputation from the licensing, trade to the Prime Minister on Saturday of 9 o'clock closing of hotels withoiit compensation to the licensees, provided . the antishouting regulations are abolished, has been the subject of considerable comment in the lobbies, and already it is reported that, the attitude of some members who were, in favour of 6 o'clock closing is weakening. Compromise is in the air, and the probability is that, the solid party in the House in favour of the, " irreducible minimum " will be much smaller than was anticipated a few days ago. A large section of the House is in favour of accepting the Government's proposals when they come down, preferring; to leave it to Cabinet, to say what is the fair thing. However, a powerful section of the House, -comprising members outside the Prohibition Party, are determined upon 6 o'clock closing, or, . failing this, the taking of a referendum by the people on the question. ..They oppose the Trade's claim to compensation, and declare that the ; Trado can fight this out "in the „.-•■ V:'.

In the event, of the Government— \vhich is considered likely—bringing in some other proposal than 6 o'clock closing,' it tnay '"bo taken' for ■'granted that an amendment in • favour of: the " irreducible ■■minimum; ". will immediatolv be moved.