LICENSING MATTERS.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 16037, 20 October 1917, Page 9

LICENSING MATTERS.

QUESTIONS IN THE HOUSE

(srr.cr.x to "the press."l

"WELLINGTON", October 19

Questions relating to licensing matters «cre asked of Ministers in the House of Representatives to-day.' Mr Glover asked the Prime Minister whether the Government would amend the Licensing Act to permit of billiard rooms in hotels remaining open alter G o'clock in the evening. Mr Massey said the Government did not intend to introduce amendments to the Licensing Act this session ; therefore it was not possible to do what the hon. member suggested . Mr McCallum asKed the Minister or Finance if the Government wouid permit of the dilution of retailed spirits to the extent of 33 per cent, instead of 25 per cent., and allow of the retailing of non-alcoholic drinks in hotel premises outside of the bar after six o'clock in the evening. Sir Joseph Ward stated that tne matter of dilution of spirits was before Cabinet for consideration some time ago, and instructions had boen given to have a dilution craried out to 33i per cent. If that were insufficient a dilution up to 30 per cent, might be taken into consideration. Regarding the selling of soft drinks in hotels, there was, as far as lie knew, nothing in the law of the land to prevent it.

THE EARLY CLOSING BILL. ANOTHER CONFERENCE TO BE ' HELD. rpiUSSS ASSOC CATIOI* TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, October 20. In tho House of Representatives early this morning, the Prime Minister announced that the Managers of the Legislative Council and the House of Representatives hod come to an agroetauent on Clauses la, 3a 4a. and 4c of tho Sale of Liquor Restriction Bill, but not in regard to Clruscs 4d and 4e. He moved that the House should agree witjii tho first part of the report, but should roqurefc another conference with tho Legislative Council with regard to Clauses 4d and 4e, the ilon. W. D. S. Mac Donald, Messrs Witty, Parr, and the mover to bo managers to confer with tho Council. This was agreed to.