N.Z. MODERATE LEAGUE

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2751, 20 April 1916, Page 8

N.Z. MODERATE LEAGUE

| 1 At a'meeting of . the Central Executive Now Zealand Moderate League, held last evening, the question of soldiers and liquor was further discussed, an d the following resolution carried:— ' The Executive of the New Zealand Moderate ; League congratulates the I'nme Miuister and the Minister of i Defence upon the manner in which, , by citing military records, and by their recognition of - plain facts, they have cleared the good name of our- eoldiers from the direct and implied accusations of excessive drinking, and, having regard to the expressed disposition of government to introduce legislation affecting the licensing question during the approaching session, resolves as follows:—

1. That in view of the reply to' the league's questions received from the Minister of Defence, the subsequently published figures from the military authorities, and tho recent statements of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence, combined with the proved exemplary behaviour and sobriety of tlio men of our Expeditionary Forces, the evidence accumulated does not indicate any need for alterations in! the present licensing regulations on the ground of military exigenoy, "and .therefore the Moderate League is of the opinion that no restrictive measures are justifiable on that ground. f 2. That- such questions as- early clos--mg and anti-shouting'must therefore be viewed purely from the point of view of their necessity or otherwise for the well-being, of our civilian life and the population as a whole, and this being, •so, that .tliey should be considered only as a possible part of a studied and comprehensive licensing policy, and should be made the subject of full inquiry in pommon with the suggestions already placed before 'Government by the Moderate League, at such, time as Parliaand the people can deal calmly and judicially With this very involved question. -

■: 8. That any proposals in the nature of panic legislation or temporary measures are dangerous arid without warrant on tile evidence adduced, and that alterations to the Licensing Law should <>nly be made with a view to. permanonfc reform, on proof, after thorough investigation, of their probable benefit, their efficiency, and_ the practicability of effective administration. , ' 4. That it be the recommendation of the league to Government that no partial licensing legislation be attempted until the whole question can be made the subject of a commission of inquiry at, such time as Government considers advisable, with a view to formulating a bold policy of licensing reform.