NATIONAL OWNERSHIP

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 293, 30 August 1918, Page 6

NATIONAL OWNERSHIP

MODERATE LEAGUE ENDORSES , PETITION. A meeting of the Central Executive of the New Zealand Moderate Leaguo was held yesterday, Mr. D. M. Findlay, president, being in the chair. Consideration was given to a letter from the National Council of the Licensed Trade asking for the support of the league to the petition now circulated praying that the additional issue of "national ownership" should bfplaced before the electors at the next poll. In tho course of the letter the National Council stated that the determination _to promote the petition had been particularly influenced by the stand, taken by the Moderate Leagno to the effect that the moderate public should have the right to vote on the question of "national ownership," and also that the inconsistent "local option" issue should be done, away with. The petition was carefully examined by the leaguo executive, the members expressing their opinion that tho "Trade's" attitude had now brought "national ownership" forward as a reality possible of achievement in the near future, whereas had organised opposition been shown by tho "Trade," together with the Prohibition Party's active opposition to State ownership, it would have made it very difficult to bring the proposal into the realm of practical politics. In view of this, it was decided .to support the "national ownership" petition, and the following resolution \ras carried:—

"That tho New Zealand Modoratn League, having from its inception in 1914 consistently urged upon the Government the necessity of amending the method by which the opinion of tho pooplo on the licensing question is secured, making the issue entirely a national one, and embracing the question of 'national ownership,' endorses the principle embodied in the petition now being promoted by the National Council, and, while reserving tho right of free criticism of all machinery proposals for achieving the object in view, expresses its gratification that the Licensed Traie of New Zealand is , prepared to endeavour to secure and to accept the decision of the people on the question of 'rational ownership,' and strongly urgei the moderate citizens of the Dominion to avail themselves of the opportunity now offering by supporting the 'national ownership' petition as a demonstration to the Government of the growing sentiment in favour of the State taking over tVo complete management and control of the sale of alcoholic liquors."