DRINKING LAWS

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31195, 20 October 1966, Page 2

DRINKING LAWS

Referendum Promised

The Minister of Justice (Mr Hanan) has assured the Association of Presbyterian Women in Christchurch that the National Party would hold a referendum before changing the trading hours for liquor.

Telegrams were sent by the association to the leaden of the National and Labour Parties. No reply has yet been received from the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Kirk).

The association will press for a petition to Parliament from the national annual meeting in November concerning the referendum. At the association’s monthly meeting appreciation was expressed for the amount of research undertaken by the assembly committee on liquor problems and alcoholism but a resolution was passed asking the committee to postpone action until the views of the women of the church had been assesed. A subcommittee will be set up to plan a questionnaire to clarify the opinions held by the women on extended and staggered drinking hours, law enforcement, drinking by minors and other relevant questions. “I believe that women should discuss these matters personally with their Parliamentary representatives whenever possible,” said Mrs A. H. McNeill. “They should seek an assurance that no changes will be made without a referendum.”