THE LICENSING POLL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXXII, Issue 2768, 28 August 1931, Page 5

THE LICENSING POLL.

SUGGESTED POSTPONEMENT. •PROTEST TO PRIME MINISTER. A strongly worded telegram has been despatched to the Prime Minister (Mr G. W. Forbes) by Mr W. Simpson, the Mayor of Eketahuna, protesting against the suggested postponement of the licensing poll this year. Mr Simpson has also indicated that he is prepared to take a deputation to. Wellington, if necessary. Pongaroa is. also moving m the matter.' Both these districts are in the dry Masterton electorate. At Eketahuna last election 1,220 votes were polled in favour of restoration, and 600 against; at Pongaroa the voting was—for 418, and against 155. Over the whole electorate, however, voting was—for 4,407, and against 4,523, so that the issue was carried in favour of no-license by a majority of 476. Those in the town of Masterton in favour of restoration are not organised, so, it is unlikely that any concerted action will be taken in the matter by them. It is stated, however, that 80 per cent, of the businesses in the town are in favour of restoration, and it is considered that if a poll is taken this year there is a distinct possibility that the 300 odd votes required to carry the issue will be cast in favour of restoration.