LIQUOR POLL

Evening Post, Issue 86, 8 October 1936, Page 5

LIQUOR POLL

"A SOLID VICTORY"

VICTUALLERS GRATIFIED

(By Telegraph—Picas Association.)

DUNEDIN, October 7

The annual meeting of the United Licensed Victuallers' Association of New Zealand was held here today, the president, Mr. J. W. Young, being in the chair. There was a large and representative attendance of delegates from the' North and South Islands. The annual report and balance-sheet, as well as the treasurer's report on the finances,, were adopted.

The president, when speaking to the report, said the licensing poll was taken since the last annual meeting and the result had proved most gratifying. It was interesting to note that Prohibition had reached its high-water mark in 1911 and had receded in 1914, maintaining this level with slight alterations to 1922. In 1925 a change was indicated, and since then each poll had resulted in a decreased percentage of votes, until in 1935 only 29.58 per cent. of voters favoured Prohibition. Continuance had definitely improved its position from 44.17 per cent, in 1914, with a slight setback in 1919, until 1935, when 70.42 per cent.. of voters favoured the existing conditions.

In last year's annual report the executive council had appealed strongly for 100 per cent, unity with a view to obtaining a solid victory, and the retailers were to be congratulated on this great: effort. The general organisation conducted by the national council and provincial councils throughout the Dominion had, the president stated, proved itself in every phase of its activities, and the results justified amply the wisdom and judgment "of those responsible. ' Their personal and collective activities had been well repaid by the fine vote recorded for the continuance of the licensed trade in the Dominion. Such was the will of the people, and it would be for them to merit the continued good will of the people. . . ' The following' were elected as officers and executive council for the coming year:—President, Mr. T. Coltman (Wellington); vice-presidents, Messrs. M. O'Brien (Southland), F. M. Drewitt (South Canterbury), and A. G. Davis (Marlborough and Nelson); executive, Messrs. O. S. Burt (Poverty Bay), E. J. Kiely (Hawke's Bay), P. S. Finlayson (Taranaki), G.'Luoni (Wangamii and Palmerston North), R. Stewart (Wellington), R. Berryman (Wellington), A. Barrett (Canterbury), J. Daily (Westport-Buller), and F. J. Kay (Otago); emergency committee at Wellington* Messrs. T. Coltman (president), R. Stewart, and R. Berryman; auditor, Mr. J. Ray ward (Wellington); secretary, Mr. Frank J. Oakes (Wellington).

At the close of the conference a presentation was made to Mr. J. W. Young, who had relinquished the position of president, which he had held since 1933, " and is also retiring from business, and therefore is not eligible to hold office.