LICENSED VICTUALLERS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 12933, 12 October 1907, Page 4

LICENSED VICTUALLERS.

NEW A PRESIDENTIAL CIRCJJL~Ap. Mr J. 6. Palmer, of «ie Licensed Victuallers' Association iot New Zealand, has (says the "New ilealand Times") issued a circular which has been sent to all hotel licensees and also to each member of Parliament. Following is the policy submitted by Mr Palmer for the consideration of those circularised: — A CLEAN TRADE. "The advocacy of a clean, legitimate trade in all respects. 1 desire to epeaJs plainly on this eubject, for I think it would be difficult, to enlarge too mupn upon its urgency and importance!. Licensees w.ould do well to see that their houses, appliances, and utensils are at all times kept scrupulously clean. Licensees should anako every effort to see that the reasonable requirements or customers, lodgers, und guests receive proper and • prompt attention. The dispensing of good and genuine- liquors in a matter that is exercising the public mind, and licensees would be vise in paying careful and proper regard to this phase of the question. A strict observance of the licensing laws is also absolutely essential. There are many licensees who nre observing these rules, but there are also many who are not doing so, and it is to them that my remarks are particularly directed, in the interest of themeelves- and tho whole trade." The establishment of a. New Zealand Licensed Victuallers' Instituto is suggested, with headquarters lit the seat of Government, to provide a place for meetings and the reoeption of licensees from afar, members of Parliament, and other visitors, tho publication of a trado journal, exchange of newspapers and the collection and distribution of literature. The establishment of such an instituto would be also in the nature of a protective association, allowing members to exercise influence in the framing of enactments on liquor legislation, to provide for tho institution of local organisations affiliated to the central body, and. to arrange for the services of. lecturers, organisers, and agents in menaced districts. Tho further objects of the association would be to take any action it might think fit to defeat legislation unfriendly to the trade, and to periodically place the true position of the trade before the Government. THE LABOUR QUESTION. Mr Palmer sets out that it is necessary there, should be better regulation of the employment of labour, and swggests that the trade should establish a labour bureau of its own, since there are so many bureaus that do not give satisfaction to licensees as employers. The circular shows that a proposed bureau of the kind mentioned might bo niede not only self-supporting, but might provide funde for other purposes of the association. The labour aspect ie considered to be such en important factor in the conduct of tho trade that the attention of all licensees is specially asked for this proposal of the president. 3lr Palmer continues:—"Licensees ehould, if they approve my programme, endeavour to throw off any personal feelings of petty jealousies which may exist, and whether they have short leases or long leases, bo they owners and tenants, or tenants only—having big interests or small interests —realise that there is one common cause to consider, and that whole-souled support should be given to the working of an institution which has for its solo object the protection and advancement of tho licensed trade. LEGISLATION. "It is well known that tho present licensing laws are not only defective and anomalous, but they are inequitable and unfair alike to tho public ana the trade, which means they are capable of improvement and ought to be improved. Under existing conditions, howler, it is almost hcpeless to expect a change, and I *m strongly of opinion that betterment can only be brought about by demonstrating improved conditions, and by sliowin- , complete unity of action coupJ&d with genuine, perseverance. In this connection I thyik that periodical visits should be made to tho several districts throughout tho Dominion', cither by myself or gpme accredited , officer of tho association, for the purpose of receiving and imparting information, and generally keeping in touch with tho requirements of the trade. This, however, necesarily means expense, and it is only reasonable'to expect that such expen. c o should bo borne by the trade as a whole." The enbscription for the current year has been fixed at £1 per hotel.