Criticism Of Statement

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30882, 15 October 1965, Page 3

Criticism Of Statement

f.Xcui Zealand Press Association) t WELLINGTON, October 14

The general superintendent of the New Zealand Alliance (Mr T. J. Young) tonight criticised the statement by the Minister of Justice (Mr Hanan) on the liquor laws.

“Much of what is anomalous about the laws has been created by Mr Hanan’s own legislation over the years,” he said. Mr Hanan had told Parliament that the root of the great majority of the anomalies still to be found in the laws were because of 6 o'clock closing. Mr Young said the anomalous aspects of legislation were that the national ballot paper was ill-adapted to ascertain the real will of the people, and that restaurant licences intruded into nolicence areas. The hours should remain as they were unless the people wished a change, he said

“We think the solution to the problem lies in a referendum." Mr Young said, “and are quite ready to meet the decision of one.”

The convener of the Presbytery committee on liquor problems and alcoholism, the Rev. C. H. Morley, said today the Presbytery passed a resolution in July opposing later hours or staggering of hours which would bring this about.

There had been no change in policy. “We feel any change of hours should be decided by referendum,” he said, “which is the policy of both political parties." The chief executive of the National Council—which represents breweries, hotels and wine and spirit merchants— Mr J. W. Thompson, said his industry would provide liquor in the hours the public wanted.

“We are not going to say what the hours should be," he said “They are up to the public."