PROHIBITION ISSUE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 25 June 1927, Page 7

PROHIBITION ISSUE.

DEPUTATION FROM LICENSED TRADE. i lIY TFijKUIIAIMI I*ll libs ABSOUIAT»O/ % '.. ) WELLINGTON, June 24. The views of the licensed trade upon the question of licensing legislation, >s opposed to the requests made to tlie Government last week by the New Zealand Alliance, were placed 'adore the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates to-day by a large deputation. The president ol the national council of the licensed trade (Air. A. S. Bankart) said that the Alliance stood tor total abolition of liquor, and it was no part of its purpose to advocate- any reforms in Die. conduct of the trade. The demand for the retention of liquor had been conbistently confirmed at the polls. He urged that- an extension of time for the taking of polls would prove an important factor in giving better results in the conduct of the trade. To improve buildings and facilities to cope with the needs of the travelling public considerable expenditure- was necessary. but capital would not be forthcoming unless the tenure was made more secure. He objected to the demand of the abolition of the second issue on the ballot paper, which was the direct outcome of a compact:, or compromise made between the contending parties. If there were any alteration the Legisature should consider reverting to the three-fifths majority. Mr. Coates said that he could only answer the deputation as lie did that from the Alliance, that n Bill was being drafted; that it would contain certain proposals, and that it. was hoped members of Parliament would have the opportunity to discuss and express their views. “T will leave it at that,” lie said.