LIQUOR REFORM

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 170, 21 July 1941, Page 2

LIQUOR REFORM

"SANER LAW" MOVE

NEW SOUTH WALES DEMAND 5 (0.C.) SYDNEY, July 16. To help the State Government establish "a saner and more reasonable liquor law," a committee of three Government officials will prepare a report for the Minister of Justice, Mr. Downing. While announcing this last night (states the "Sydney Morning Herald"), Mr. Downing said that the committee would consist of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mackay, the Under-Secretary of the Department of Justice, Mr. N. C. Nott, and Mr. P. 11. Eldridge, secretary to the licensing magistrate—the three men he considered had the best knowledge of the operation of the liquor law. The committee would suggest changes "to bring the law into line with modern conditions." "After careful consideration of the existing legislation, I am convinced that it is antiquated, unsuited to present-day conditions, and in need of immediate review," Mr. Downing said. "It is common knowledge that every day glaring instances can be seen of the unsatisfactory working of the present law. "Vice and Rackets" "Sly grog selling is flourishing, despite every effort on the part of the police to keep it down; in the train of sly grog comes its inevitable attendants, vice and racketeering. "Part of the task of the committee will be to examine the operation of the liquor laws of the other States. The results of this aspect of the inquiry will be incorporated in the report to be made to me, and will, no doubt, affect any recommendations the committee may make. "The need for reform of the liquor laws is not something that has cropped up overnight. It has been recognised for years. "Despite this, and despite the growing public demand that some- | thing bo done. Governments in New i South Wales have shirked the issue j because it is controversial. "The present Government does not intend to be put off by this consideration. We are faced \vith a situation which is an outrage to the public good and to common sense. It is our intention to do our best to establish a saner and more reasonable state of affairs."