HOTEL BARS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3147, 27 July 1917, Page 4

HOTEL BARS

THE EARLY CLOSING QUESTION, Kt tho Farmers' Union Conference yesterday, Mr. G. Sheat (Dunsandel) moved: "That the Efficiency Board bo asked to represent to the Government that it is desirable that in the interest cf r.ationi.l efficiency and public and private eco-' nomy that the Government should intoduce 6 o'clock closing for the sale of alcoholic liquors for the period of tlva war and for six months afterwards. Mr. J. Boddie (Tβ Kuiti) seconded. The motion was supported by Alajor Lusk (Auckland) on the ground of economy. , i Mf. G. Anderson moved rn amendment to the effect that in the event of 6 o'clock closing being earned wet canteens should be provided at tho military "Tstrong opponent of the .-lotion was Mr A. Mackay (Marlboroiigh). He said such a proposal was against the spirit of British justice and fair play* In any case, there was no occasion for' farmers to take a hand in Mich a question. Thev had no justification for bringing it 'forward in connection with the war, and the matter should bo Jelt for settlement at a general election. The amendment was seconded by Air. A. P. Whatman (Mnsterton). He he Id that it was best that the soldier should be allowed to get liquor lmdor proper D Duxfield (Auckland) said tho motion should not have found its way on to tho order paper. Now that vt was there, and was moved at the conference no solid argument had b»en made in favour of it. Six o'clock closing i would not euro any existing evil. By staying at hotels, soldiers wonld be able to set liquor after C o'clock. Mr \. E. Washer (Hawera) said 6 o'clock closinj might lead to moro drinking among soldiers than now cecurred, as bottles mfelit be taken away. _ The subject was consideed out r.t place by Mr. A. Robinson (Wanganui). He preferred the amendment to the motion Mr P. TCeegan (Taneatua) raid that if wet. canteens were needed- the military authorities should ask for them. The amendment'was lost. Nine voted for it, and 19 against-. The motion was carried by 21 votes- to 8.