TEMPERANCE REFORM.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 148, 21 June 1912, Page 8

TEMPERANCE REFORM.

AH AUCKLAND DEPUTATION. TO TEE CITY MEMBERS. STATEMENTS ON VITAL 'POIXTS. The extinction of barmaids as a class, •the abolition of private bars* in hotels, the prevention of the sale of liquor to minors, and provision for a bare majority vote in connection with the ' no-license law were issues which a deputation irom the associated Churches of Christ placed before Auckland members of Parliament yesterday afternoon with earnest requests that they -would use their influence and votes in securing amendments to existing Acts for the attainment of the desires set forth. The deputation consisted of a round dozen, including three .ladies, and the members in attendance at the appointed "" place—the V.M.C.A- rooms—were Messrs A. E. Glover (City Central), J. S. Dickson (Parnell), and A. Harris (Waitemata). Messrs. H. Bradney (City 'West) -and : 3. Payne (Grey-Lynn) forwarded apologies owing to absence from Auckland. Mr. F. La wry, ex-member for Parnell, was also present. . BANE OF THE BARMAID. 'After the deputation "had been Introduced by Mr. H. K. Bagnall, the Rev. F. W. Greenwood spoke as president of the committee formed to urge a camipaign of reform. "'As a preacher of the gospel," said the speaker, "I don't •believe in bringing politics into religion, I>ut I do belies* in bringing religion into politics. With regard to barmaids, ihe complained that the intention of the Jaw already enacted was 'being flouted because of a flaw. While the registration of barmaids for service in public bars had ceased, unregistered girls were being employed for the salo of liquor in other parts of the hotels which were termed private 'bars. As a beginning towards the eventual extinction of barmaids as a class, the deputation urged an amendment prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquor anywhere by any unregistered barmaid. "We stand for the protection of man-hood," said the speaker, "and as that is degraded by :barmaids, we fight for the upraising of ■womanhood." (Hear, hear.) The speaker quoted newspaper extracts •from various parts of the British Empire in support of the contention that the barmaid system >was exceedingly detrimental both to the men who were lured to excessive drinking and to the girls themselves from a moral and health point of view. Mr. Greenwood •also urged the abolition of private bars and a clearer definition of the law prohibiting the sale of liquor to youths under 21 years of ago. either for consumption on or off hotel premises. He further asked support for the bare majority proposition. ''■We hold deep convictions that these ■wrongs should be righted," concluded ■the speaker, "and ive are determined to agitate until the laws are amended in that direction." (Hear,, hear.) "\ MR. PAYEE'S POSITION. A letter was read from Mr. Payne, M.P., stating that he had advocated the abolition of barmaids for years past. He reminded the. deputation that in his electibn eanjpaign he" had suggested that liquor should be sold only in public bars with clear glass windows facing on the streets. "With these."' the letter concluded, "the back door dodgers would pass put of existence.' , VIEWS OF MR- BRADNEY. Mr. Bradney, M.P., wrote that he was in favour of the four proposals put forward. His election pledges prevented aim from supporting the bare majority vote on the no-license question. He considered the abolition of tied houses a most pregnant issue. THE MAJORITY QUESTION. , Mr. Bagnall said that i! the bare majority vote was not obtainable, they •would ask members to support a "forty-! five fifty-fifth" vote in etcrms of the famous compact .accepted two years ago. Mr. Harris: Do you ask for that vote? Mr. Greenwood: We ask for a bare majority vote. ■ .('Hear, hear.) As Christians we believe that the whole business is sinfujj and we cannot ask for less. (Hearyhear-) . . h SMR. X?H)VER'S IDEALS. Mr. Glover; -;stated in reply- to the deputation that "he desired to see humanity uplifted just as they did. At the same time, he had , made- certain platform pledges, and he knew that those present would not like to see him play the dishonourable part of 'breaking them. "Later on, perhaps, when the ■wheel of time has turned round still more," he added, "but for the present I must keep my pledges." He contended that every man and woman had a right to live, and.he would be loth:to'remove thc v props which supported these girls, many of whom were thoroughly respectable and'-sunported needy parents. He give early notice of motion 4!r the House to provide Jor the appointment of inspectors -to ensure the sale of pure ' liquors. He further agreed that no woman-•without a-certifieate of registration should:be behind a bar, and that po-one under-.the age of 21 years should be supplied with liquor. (Hear, hear.) MB. HARRIS FOB TEMPERANCE. 'Mr. Harris sWd that he was in •thorough accord' with the aims of the . Temperance.:party,--. having- feught his campaign''on, that iplatfornj. The fiajr in- the Act -which failed to prevent the •employment of unregistered barmaids ■was deplorable; and shouia be set right. He -would-' oppose the further registration of'barmaids, and woaia do-fiis bast to prevent the sale of intoxicating liquor to minors. As a democrat, he supported a bare majority vote. (Hear, hear.) (PLEDGES OF 'MR. DIOKSOX. Mt.j Dickson .briefly explained that he favoured; amending , the law _to prevf.-nt the -of unregistered barmaids. He did not believe in a person under the age of 21 years being "served with liquor. There were differences of opinion;- lie said, as to what'constituted a private bar. On the no-license question. he~ was "pledged to support ..its "three-fifths majority." "I do not say," lie'added, "that after serving a term in 'Parliament-1 will not be free to change my views." . (Hear, hear.)' ■Mutual appreciations -were expressed concerning the satisfactory nature of the proceedings..'