LICENSING AUTHORITY

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 99, 28 April 1945, Page 9

LICENSING AUTHORITY

CENTRAL BODY PROPOSED

Before the Royal Commission on Licensing yesterday the general superintendent of the New Zealand Alliance (the Rev. H. W. Milner) was crossexamined at some length by Mr. H. F. O'Leary, K.C., on behalf of the National Council of the Licensed Trade concerning the proposal that a central licensing authority should be established. "The Under-Secretary of Justice (Mr. Dallard) mado a similar suggestion," said counsel. "Who had the idea first—you or Mr. Dallard?" The witness said that he had taken the idea from the report of the British Royal Commission on Licensing. The chairman (Mr. Justice Smith): Independently of Mr. Dallard?—Yes. I have had no contact with Mr. Dallard. The first time that I saw him was here. In reply to counsel, who asked what the proposed authority should be representative of, the witness said it should not be representative of anything. It should comprise the best minds available, and it should be presided over by a Judge.

Counsel: By Mr. Dallard's suggestion at least half of its personnel would be civil servants.—lt should have some of the keenest-minded business men.

Anyone connected with the liquor trade should be disqualified to sit on it?— Yes.

Then, as a matter of justice, should not the alliance also be disqualified? —I don't know that it goes as far as that, for we have no financial interests.

Could it not be suggested that you have a bias? —It could be suggested.

What do you say of the Scottish Commission's report that there should be absolutely no disqualification (for a member of the trade)? —I think it would be unwise to sweep aside that disqualification.

According to Mr. Spratt (counsel for the alliance) such an authority would have sweeping powers. It would' deal with leases, mortgages, contracts, goodwill, inspection, the review of brewery licences, and ever so many- more matters? —That is so.

Then I suggest that if you give the authority such powers the liquor trade should bhave representation upon it? — They would have ample right of appeal to that body, or beyond it. Would you abolish the present licensing committees?; —No.

But in major matters they would be subject to the control of the central body?— That is so.