SALE OF WINES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 171, 22 July 1931, Page 8

SALE OF WINES.

AMENDMENT BILL DISCUSSED. OBJECTION BY N.Z, ALLIANCE. Reference was made at a meeting oi the council of the New Zealand Alliance - on. Monday -evening to, the Licensing Amendment Bill, the first reading for which was secured in Parliament a few clays ago by Mr. H. G. R. Mason, M.P. It ■ was stated that, while copies oi the new bill had not yet reached Auckland,, it was apparently on similar lines to that previously introduced by Mr, Mason, which sought to remove the restrictions that at present confined the sale of wine to the wine maker's own product and from his own premises. The bill provided for the establishment oi numerous wine shops in the cities, where New Zealand wines of any make could be obtained in small quantities. It was recalled that the bill had been referred to a special committee, which had taken evidence for and against the proposal? mid had definitely decided against the bill. The secretary of the Alliance council .stated that complaints had been received itfmcerning the sale and supply of wine at dances in the districts where it was manufactured. Considerable intoxication had taken place at the dances. It was regrettable that boys and girls under the age of 21 years, who were not entitled to purchase liquor, could obtain it without restriction at country dances. Members expressed the opinion that Mr. Mason's action in supporting the interests of a few of his winemaking constituents was against the welfare of the young people in his own and other electorates. The council decided to write to Mr. Mason and other Auckland members objecting to the pro po-sed legislation.