LIQUOR REFERENDUM.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 70, 23 March 1928, Page 3

LIQUOR REFERENDUM.

PROHIBITIONISTS' HOPES.

TWO-ISSUE BALLOT PAPER.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

NAPIER, this day.

In addressing a meeting at Taradale last night, Mr. C. Edmonds, secretary of the New Zealand Alliance, reviewed the history of the licensing question during the last session, and went on to say: "On the last day of the session a deputation of 'dry' members of the Reform party waited on the Prime Minister, when it was suggested that a caucus be held in January, in order that the party might discuss the question. So far there are no indications that a caucus will be held at an early date. From my knowledge of our movement in the Dominion there is not the slightest chance of any departure from the principle of the bare majority on a two-issue ballot paper.

"We are assured by our friends in the Government party," said Mr. Edmonds "that the question must be considered again during the coming session of Parliament, and we are still hopeful that the 1928 licensing referendum will be taken on a two-issue ballot paper, and be decided on the bare majority vote. If the matter is not settled during the next session, then it must become a vital issue at the next general election. The responsibility for this must rest on the Legislative Council, and, in the main, on the Leader of the Council. No question was ever settled until it was settled right, and we intend to continue to fight for the right of the people to abolish the liquor traffic by a free democratic vote."