LICENSING LEGISLATION.

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 45, 17 November 1925, Page 10

LICENSING LEGISLATION.

EARLY. ACTION URGED

INTERESTING CORRESPONDENCE

The New Zealand Licensing Reform Association has taken prompt action to secure the early consideration of licensing legislation by the Government. The representations being made to the Prime Minister are shown in the following correspondence:—

November 9, 1925. The Lion. J. G. Coates,

Prime Minister, Wellington. Sir. —In response to a request from our branches throughout the Dominion that this association should deal promptly with the situation arising from the result of the recent licensing poll, the Dominion Executive met to-day for the purpose of examining the position, when the following resolution was carried:— (a) "That the Prime Minister be requested to take early steps in preparation for the fulfilment of the promise given by him before the election, viz., on August 7, that if the party of which he was leader were returned to newer legislation would be introduced in the next session of Parliament." (b) “That the universal defeat of prohibition throughout the Dominion synchronises with the sweeping victory and return to power of the party led by the prime Minister.” (c) “That the great increase in the vote for the middle issue of State purchase and control as between prohibition and continuance is a clear indication to Parliament that the people desire reform of the licensing laws, and the appeal to the electors' by this association was made on those grounds.” (d) “That the great increase in the middle issue vote is clearly a mandate to Parliament for the retention of ■ a third issue of reform as between prohibition and continuance, thus protecting the franchise of those who cannot conscientiously support either prohibition or continuance." (e) “That for over twelve months the people of New Zealand have had before them the definite proposals for licensing reform as recommended to Parliament bv the Parliamentary Licensing Committee, the report of which committee, it has been clearly understood, would be made the basis of licensing legislation, and that, therefore, the combined votes of continuance and State control constitute an endorsement of that report.” ■■ (f) “That this association also claims that the vote is an endorsement of its request that the proposal of corporate '-control should be substituted on the ballot paper in lieu of the present issue of State purchase and control; and that as the Parliamentary Committee recommended the corporate control proposal for the consideration of the Government any legislation introduced should provide for such substitution.” (g) “That as this association comprises the promoters of corporate control and their supporters among the clergy and ’laity throughout New Zealand, the New .Zealand Moderate League, the associated clubs of New Zealand, and tlie licensed trade, the request contained In these resolutions may properly be described as the s organIseil v ‘ce of that substantial majority of the electors who declared at the poll against prohibition." The Dominion Executive feels confident that the long-standing promise of the late Right Hon. W. F. Massey,, as subsequently endorsed by yourself, will be fullled, and would strongly urge that the matter o{ the form and substance of a Bill for the amendment of the licensing laws be made the subject of immediate consideration by the Government.

I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, (Sgd.) R. A. ARMSTRONG, ‘Secretary, N.Z. Licensing Reform Association. Prime Minister’s Office, ‘ Wellington, November 11, 1925. Sir,—l have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th instant forwarding copies of resolutions passed bv the Dominion Executive nt the New Zealand Licensing Reform Association relating to the licensing laws. Tn replv, I have to inform you that I have carefully noted the representations contained in the resolutions, and shall be glad to give them careful consideration when licensing legislation is next under review. I have thq honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, (Sgd.) J. G. COATES, . Prime Minister.

Wellington, November 16, 1925. Hon. J. G. Coates, Prime Ministet, Wellington. Sir,—Your letter of November 11, replying to our communication of 9th instant, was placed before a meeting of the Dominion Executive, specially called for that purpose, when it was resolved to write you again pointing out that this association feels justified in maintaining that licensing legislation should be treated as being among questions of the first importance in the coming session; and that, in view of the recent declaration of the electors, it should be made the subject of special consideration by Cabinet at the earliest possible moment. My. executive would be grateful to know when action in the above matter mav be anticipated. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, (Sgd.) R. A.' ARMSTRONG, Secretarv.