LICENSING REFORM AT HOME

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12203, 25 May 1905, Page 10

LICENSING REFORM AT HOME

REV. L. M. ISITT'S VIEWS. (SPECIAL TO "THE TRESS.") WELLINGTON. May 21. The Rev. I/eonard M. lsitt. who has been absent from the colony for five years, returned to-day, looking remarkably well and as vigorous as ever. During tho past twelve years he has delivered somo five thousand lectures, sermons, and addresses. During all that time ho only missed two meetings, which he thinks speaks volumes for a cold water regime. He states that tho Evan Roberts Evangelical movement had largely decreased the consumption of strong drink in Wales. The passago of the Licensing Act at Homo hist year had resulted in a huge setback to tho Temperance Reform movement, but while that was tho case the Licensing Commission, tho testimony of nitxhcal men, the fearfully rapid increase of drinking and drunkenness among women, and the realisation by commercial men of tho hindrance that tho drinking habit was to them, under tho fierce competition with other countries, had all combined to rouse public opinion to a determination that something must be done to lessen tho evil. "1 quite expect," said Mr lsitt, "that tho next general election at Homo will result, in the temporary wiping out of the Conservative party, and in the return of the Liberal "party in great strength. The Lords will be a barrier to the Liberals repealing laist year's Act, but the party intends imposing a time limit, at the ond of which every license will he subject to tho vote of the peoplo without compensation. The licensing fees will bo largely increased, and, a-i far as possible, tho powers of the magistrates will be restored." Mr lsitt thinks that Mr Chamberlain's preferential food tariff idea is as dead as it can bo, Tho British Parliament of to-day, he adds, is largely one of mediocrities, and there-is a great dearth of, leaders. The split in tho ranks of tho Labour leaders is, however, very awkward for tho Liberal party. Mr lsitt will - be in New Zealand for somo time. Ho has not yet decided whether or not he will attempt to enter New Zealand politics.