LICENSING CONTROL

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28983, 26 August 1959, Page 14

LICENSING CONTROL

“Weakening” Of Commission

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 25.

The Government’s decision to put the Licensing Control Commission on a part-time basis was a retrograde step and to be greatly deplored, the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Holyoake) said today. “At the moment, the reform of our licensing laws is receiving much public attention, and it is quite evident that changes in them would be welcomed.” he said.

“In 1957, the National Party devoted considerable attention in its Selection manifesto to this matter. It was convinced at that time that there was need for a comprehensive overhaul, and nothing has happened since that would affect that viewpoint," Mr Ilolyoake said.

“The Licensing Control Commission, which has now been in existence for 10 years and has gained a great deal of knowledge of the licensed trade, could give valuable assistance in advising governments of the desirability of making improvements to existing conditions and how to bring about improvements.

“In these circumstances the Government could not have picked a more inappropriate time to weaken the commission in the way that it has decided to do,” Mr Holyoake said. “It seems strange, too, that the Government decided to dispense with Mr Goulding's services at such short notice, in view of his expressed willingness to continue in office till the end of this year, and in view also of the early fixtures for the Auckland review of the distribution of licences and other important matters. “In addition Mr Goulding’s views on a comprehensive revision of our licensing laws would have been invaluable,” he added.