STILL HOPEFUL

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 149, 23 March 1928, Page 3

STILL HOPEFUL

ALLIANCE AND LICENSING QUESTION Bx Telegua-Ph.—press association. Napier, March 22. Addressing a meetiug at Taradale touigut, Air. C. Edmonds, secretary of the new Zealand Alliance, reviewed the history ot the Licensing question during the last sessiou. . “On the last day of the session,” he said, "a deputation of dry members of flip Reform Party waited on the Prime Minister, wlieu it was suggested that a caucus be held in January in order that the Party might discuss the question. So far there are uo indication that a caucus will be held ut an early date. From my knowledge of our movement in the Dominion, there is not the slightest’ chance of auv departure from the principle of a bare majority on a two issue ballot paper. We are assured by our friends iu the Government party that the question must be considered again during the coming session of Parliament, and we are still hopeful that the 1928 licensing referendum will be taken on a two issue ballot paper, and be decided on a bare majority vote. ’’lt’ the natter is not settled .luring next session, then the question must become a vital issue at the next general election. The responsibility for this must rest bn the Legislative Council, and in tlie main, on (lie leader of the Council. No question was ever settled until settled right, and we intend to continue to fight for (he right of the people to abolish the liquor traffic by a free democratic vote.” ‘