AUSTRALIA

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 March 1942, Page 5

AUSTRALIA

DAY OF PRAYER. SYDNEY, March 16. All Australian churches were crowded yesterday, when, in response to an appeal made by the Prime Minister (Mr. Curtin), a national day of pra_yer_was held. LIQUOR RESTRICTIONS (Recd. 12.50 p.m.) ( CANBERRA, March 17.. Powers to reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages in Australia, and to stamp out abuses of the hqtior laws, are taken in National Security Regulations which have been gazetted. . . ’ -r,- +■> The main provisions are: Firstly, the production and sale of beer and <'oirits is to be reduced by one-third. Secondly, the State Premiers have been given virtual control of the liquor industry in their States. Thirdly, the police are given powers to enter, by force if necessary, premises where it is believed liquor is being sold illegally. They also have the right to search persons on the P * Theban on liquor advertisements applies to newspapers and periodicals, and to signs and display advertising on vehicles, hoardings, and buildings. PERTH, March 17. From to-day, six o’clock closing of all hotels, wine saloons, and clubs comes into force in Perth and Fremantle. The restricted hours have been introduced by the Premier (Mr. . Willcock), in an attempt to control increasing drunkenness. The hotels formerly closed at 9 p.m.