LICENSING LAWS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 70, 23 March 1945, Page 6

LICENSING LAWS

WORK OF COMMISSION DISCUSSION ON PROCEDURE P.A. WELLINGTON, this day. The Royal Commission appointed to investigate the Dominion's licensing laws held a short sitting this morning and adjourned until this afternoon. It Is expected it will adjourn to-day until after Easter. In a discussion on future procedure, the chairman, Mr. Justice Smith, asked if counsel would be prepared to submit their observations regarding the evidence when the commission resumed. Mr. Willis (counsel assisting the commission) said he proposed to produce other Government officials for cross-exami-nation, and would then call independent witnesses, such as the R.S.A. Then the New Zealand Alliance would present its case, and the trade •would follow, but he was not closing the Crown's case. He reserved the right to bring additional evidence if Tequired. , „ Mr. H. F. O'Leary, K.C., representing the New Zealand Licensed Victuallers' Association, said the trade had been placed in the position of defendants, and did not feel disposed to place its case before the commission until the whole of the evidence, including that in other centres, had been brought. It was extremely doubtful if they were ready to proceed in Auckland. _ The chairman said the commission would consider the matter further.