LICENSING LEGISLATION.

Evening Star, Issue 14214, 13 November 1909, Page 8

LICENSING LEGISLATION.

WHAT THE ALLIANCE SAY. [From Our Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, November 15. Concerning-the projected Liquor Bill the Rev. Mr Dawson, secretary of the New Zealand Alliance, says that the conference at which the compact with the “ trade ” was arrived at was thoroughly representative. .At Dr Findlay’s request the Noliccnse party have been consulted very extensively—from one end of the Dominion to the other, as a matter of fact. He denies that the policy of the No-license party has suffered modification. They assorted their right to the bare majority, but expediency had dictated that a measure of reform which was found to he attainable should be accepted. The elimination of the Reduction issue was a concession to the wishes of the “ trade," bnt though the No-license party would have been prepared to have retained it, they recognised that this provision was sometimes a hindrance us well as a help. Both Mr Massey and Mr T. K. Taylor say that, no outside bargain can hind Parliament or relieve members from their election pledges. The member for Christchurch North adds that issues have been raised in this agreement upon which the electors have not been consulted, and if the Government insist on the Bill and nothing but the Bill it will never go through this session.

A caucus of the Government party has been called for Tuesday forenoon, when land and liquor will probably ho the main issues discussed.