LIQUOR IN KING COUNTRY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 7 August 1926, Page 8

LIQUOR IN KING COUNTRY.

DEPUTATIONS TO NATIVE MINISTER-.

(BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION.) WELLINGTON. Aug. 6. Two deputations waited on tlio Minister of Native Affairs, the lit. Hon. J. Gr Coates, in regard to liquor in the Kino Country. The first represented the ‘Ffgatiinaiiiawapoto tribe, which presented a document signed by 35 eliiefs opposed to tha petition to establish licensed houses. Mr Coates: “Have the natives considered the question of a referendum? The spokesman replied in the negative, and added that they did pot desire' it. _ Mr Coates: What proportion of the population wish to stick to thei pact'; The spokesman: ‘T. think a xnftjoritv.” He admitted that there was a divided opinion on the matter. The petition in circulation did not hafie the backing of any of the chiefs. He alleged that the leader of the movement wa.-s a native with interests in a. hotel proposition at Te Ivuiti. Mr Coates said that Cabinet was anxious to know the feelings of tlie leaders of the tribes. There were other opinions to be heard. .When they had been stated he would be able to givb a reply.