N.Z. LIQUOR POLLS.

Grey River Argus, 8 May 1926, Page 6

N.Z. LIQUOR POLLS.

ALLIANCE AGAINST ANY CHANGE PREMIER SI’GGESTS COMPROMISE WELINGTON, May 7. A deputation from the New Zealand Alliance waited on the Prime Minister and Attorney-General (W. D. Stewart) to day to place before them a number ot matters dealing with licensing Huislat ion. 5 Various speakers expressed opposition to any extension of the time between the licensing polls, or alternation in the law which now provides that the licensing poll shall he taken on the day of the general election, or any increase in the facilities for a<lditional drinking, and also asked that the ballot paper should be altered to contain two issues only. In replying, the I’riine Minister stated that a licensing bill was being drafted for prison tn Parliament this session. Ho suggested that representatives of the parties interested in .'the licensing question should meet in conference with me Government to see on what point at issue a common agreement could be arrived at with a view to improving the licensing laws. Mr Coates stressed the urgency of holding a conference without delay, in view of the early approach of the session. At the Alliance annual meeting there are 100 delegates. Mr Boyd (Christchurch) president, occupied the chair. Referring to the result of the 1925 poll, he. said that although victn’-y not yet won, he linked himself with the optimists. The annual report which covered operations in 1925, and embraced a comprehensive review of the. anti-alcohol and prohibition pro-: gross throughout the world was adopt- , cd. as was also the. financial campaign budget fnv 1926-27.

The evening session Svas devoted to discussion on 4 ‘Our Education Policy Programme” introduced by G-. A. ,Tuck, research secretary. Keenest interest was displayed in the subject. It was decided that particular attention be paid to the education of ch’Mren and adolescents.