LIQUOR LAWS IN N.Z.

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26513, 30 August 1951, Page 10

LIQUOR LAWS IN N.Z.

STRICT ENFORCEMENT ADVOCATED

METHODISTS’ VIEWS ON ALLEGED ABUSES

Concern about the continued alleged disregard of the laws governing the sale and distribution of alcoholic liquor, particularly by those connected with after-hour trading, was expressed by the annual synod of the Methodist Church in North Canterbury yesterday. A resolution was passed urging that the annual conference of the church, to be held in Auckland in November, should make representations to the Government to provide for the more rigid observance of the existing laws. “It is obvious that the present threeissue ballot paper is misleading and the introduction of a fourth issue on a separate paper will - tend to create even greater confusion.” said a report by the temperance committee on the periodic licensing polls. Several members of the synod alleged that the licensed trade was making a deliberate attempt to undermine the expressed wi'l of the people against 6 o’clock closing. "The 6 o’clock closing was affirmed by an overwhelming majority,” said the Rev. Raymond Dudley. Every week in the press there were references to “guzzling between 5 o’clock and 6 o’clock.” These were back-door and undemocratic methods, and he was disappointed that the New Zealand Alliance had not raised its voice when the Licensing Control Commission had sat in Christchurch.

Disappointment about the absence of a representative of the New Zealand Alliance on the Licensing Control Commission was expressed in a resolution passed by the synod. “The synod expresses its concern that no contrary evidence was given before the commission in rebuttal of the contentions that existing liquor laws encouraged prodigal drinking between 5 o’clock and 6 o’clock,” said the resolution.