WELCOMES TRIAL OF STRENGTH

Evening Star, Issue 19711, 11 November 1927, Page 6

WELCOMES TRIAL OF STRENGTH

Hi. ALLIANCE STATEMENT

[Pek United Psess Association.]

WELLINGTON, November 11. The New Zealand Alliance issues the following statement: — “ As it lias been suggested in some quarters that the Alliance is not desirous of the Licensing Bill now before Parliament being allowed to proceed, because it contains some provisions to which the Alliance is definitely opposed, we, desire to make the position quite clear. The Alliance has repeatedly asked the Premier to bring down a Licensing Bill and give it a fair run. The Premier has given an assurance that Parliament will have every opportunity of reaching finality on the matter of licensing legislation this session. This statement we consider is entirely satisfactory. “While the Alliance is definitely opposed to some of the main provisions of the Bill, particularly the exclusion of time between polls, and- llio 65 per cent, majority, wo are of opinion that members of Parliament should be given the opportunity of deciding these momentous issues in accord with the pledges given to their constituents at the last election, ft has been stated that an attempt will bo made t kill the Bill on the second reading if such an attempt is made the people of the dominion will understand that such move is dictated by the liquor interests, and not. by those who aro desirous of securing a two-issue ballot paper on the basis of the bare bajority, and who are opposed to an extension of time between licensing polls."