FROM TWO STANDPOINTS

Evening Star, Issue 18033, 29 July 1922, Page 3

FROM TWO STANDPOINTS

PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE'S REPORT. [Speoiaii io thb ' Stab.’] CHRISTCHURCH, July 28. . Discussing the report of the Parliamentary Licensing Mr J. J. Dongall, president of the Canterbury branch of the Moderate League, said that so far as the league was concerned, ho could safely say that any improvements in the licensing laws would be welcomed. A great many of the recommendations wore, in his opinion, in the right direction, but the object of the league was State Control in place of licenses to private indiand no matter what improvements in the licensing system wore brought about it was thought that the sale of liquor should be subject to Ctate control. The league considered that liquor was a necessity for the people of this country, and its ramifications were so extensive, and the prospect of profiteering was so great under the licensing system, that it woa considered that whatever profit was to bo made should go to the State. The trade could be much more efficiently controlled by the State than if it were in the hands of private individuals; therefore, while approving of any improvements in the licensing laws, the object of tbe league was to have licensed houses abolished and State Control substituted.

The Rev. J. J. North, the wellknown Prohibition stalwart, commented on the report as follows: It seems to me that the basing of n postponement of Prohibition for the need for securing beds for the travelling public is a very transparent device. Catering is a trade by itself, and can stand firmly on its own feet. The postponement for four years of the effects of the vote is an unparalleled proposal. How honest democrats can make it passes my understanding. The general machinery as proposed by the committee seems to me to be a work of supererogation. The liquor traffic is doomed, and this coming election ought to see, and I firmly believe will see, the end of it. The piece of treason proposed in relation to the Native race looks to mo to bo particularly objectionable. People ought surely to remember that the Maoris were originally Prohibitionists, and that the Maori war was occasioned by disregard of their wish to remain Prohibitionists. The present proposal to place them in the turmoil of a liquor election looks to mo like flying in the face of all experiences.