LICENSING REFORM.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 184, 6 August 1925, Page 10

LICENSING REFORM.

(To : the Editor:)

§ir,—l have no "desire to misrepresent the Licensing' Reform Association and freely admit that the two objecbional proposals for which the Rev. Gordon Bell states that his Association does mot stand, are not included in its official proposals for legislation. I "cannot, however, dissociate the from the trade organisations of which it mainly consists, and which" do undoubtedly stand for the proposals. Whom Mr. Bell hath joined together, I dare not put asunder. As to Mr. Bell's views being somewhat divergent from those of the Dominion Secretary oL-the L.R.A., may I quote Mr. R. A. Armstrong, who, writing. ' on- August 1, states that though the proposals objected to are the recommendation's of the Licensing Comiiittee, his association holds that I the people of New Zealand will be thankful to that Parliament that "mil set a reasonable period of years during which the country will be free from a recurrence of the fruitless struggle over prohibition." Mr. Rell states that the Prohibition Party spares no effort to block reform;. If he Were more conversant with the history of licensing legislation in New Zealand, he would know that all beneficial reforms that have been effected in' connection' with the liquor traffic are the result of the efforts of the New Zealand' Alliance, and have' been gained in the face of bitter opposition from' the trade. -As the L.R.A." comprises the trade organisations it is in the happy position" of being able to effect reforms without' recourse to Legislation. Many excellent improvements could- be accomplished if' the companies and individuals owning and controlling hotels, would instruct their' managers, to strictly observe six o'clock closing, to prevent drunkenness, to discourage drinking by' women, to refuse. to- serve youths'under 21 years and in other ways to observe the -present restrictions of the law. By his silence, Mr. Bell apparently admits that'it is impossible- to carry Corporate Control with, the present ■ method of counting votes, yet he urges that Prohibition should • remain /handicapped 'by this unfair system." The j New. Zealand Alliance desires- a two issue .-ballot paper in order that Prohibition may win ori a clear majority vote.; -If' Mr. Bell wishes":-to test the sincerity of the support '.-accorded •to the L.R.A. by the trade,..let him advocate that the three issues, stand entirely separate and his Association will fall to pieces like a house of cards.-r-I;amjietc., ,

/ LOUIS E. FALKNER. President, Auckland Are_ Council, NewZealand Alliance. -

(This is closed. Ed.)