LICENSING LAW.

Feilding Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2198, 18 October 1913, Page 4

LICENSING LAW.

PROPOSALS FOR THIS SESSION.

lihe question of licensing legislation is forming the subject of interested discussion in the lobbies. It is generally anticipated (says the Post) that the Government will bring down a 13111 this session, although it is understood that Cabinet lias not yet come to a decision on the subject. It is recognised by all parties that the question is, perhaps, one cf the most delicate matters that representative politicians are called upon to deal with. For that reason the matter will not be pub forward by the Government as a party question, and in this connection it may be pointed out that the Prime Minister has stated publicly that no member will be. asked to vote against his election pledges. The matter is one for per-" sonal decision. As to the provision of tho Bill — if it should be introduced—it is accepted as practically certain that it will contain a measure of sa_tisi action to contending parties outside tho House. Probably it will provide that the shrec-fifths majority m regard to local option will be retained, but that a reduction to 55 per cent, will be substituted in regard to the vote on national prohibition. j "Well-informed members appear to believe that a majority would be found in the House against any prol>osal to alter the existing law governing the local option vote, and that, on the other hand, a reduction of tlie majority required "for national prohibition would be carried.