ABSOLVED FROM PROMISES

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 49, 26 August 1931, Page 10

ABSOLVED FROM PROMISES

ATTITUDE OF ALLIANCE

The general opinion amongst members is that the Licensing Poll-Amend-ment Bill will be opposed by a substantial but very active minority.

Members who arc pledged to the triennial poll point out that they are absolved from their promises by the attitude of the New Zealand Alliance, which has been the prime mover in the suspension of the poll. It was the Alliance which sought tho opinions of candidates during the election campaign, and since that body has voluntarily forgone the right of a poll, it is felt that the promises niado have been automatically cancelled in the light of tho economic situation.

"There is an extreme danger in the postponement of the poll," said one member to-day. "It means that the Trade will be free to spend its money in other channels, and it might sponsor candidates who will pledge themselves to legislation extending the facilities of brewers and publicans. I hope that members will consider this aspect of the position-before voting on the Bill."

Members representing constituencies in which the local option question is a burning one are in a delicate position. At the last poll there was a marked difference between the attitude of local Restoration and National Prohibition, and it is difficult for those representing no-license areas to gauge public opinion in their electorate.