DEPUTATIONS TO THE PREMIER.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVI, Issue 11052, 2 September 1896, Page 5

DEPUTATIONS TO THE PREMIER.

Ter Press Association.'] WELLINGTON, Sept. 1. A deputation consisting of Messrs Lamb (Christchurch) and Hyde and Batkin (Wellington) waited on the Premier tonight, respecting the proposal to license tobacconists. They asked that grocers and others who sold tobacco as an adjunct to other goods, should pay a higher license fee than tobacconists. Mr Lamb, who acted as spokesman, pointed out that tobacconists were subject to unfair competition by grocers and others, and that a great deal of tobacco smuggling was done in connection with small shops. The Premier said that it would not be right for the State to make any difference in license fees in order to give tobacconists a monopoly of the trade. As to smuggling, when it was found out the shopkeepers found guilty of it would have their license taken away, which would have the effect of stopping the practice. He would, however, consider the suggestions made by the deputation, as the Government were only too glad to have the assistance of practical tobacconists in order that the proposed legislation might he as perfect as possible.

A deputation, introduced by Sir R. Stout, waited on the Premier to-day and urged the Government to introduce an amendment in the Rating Act to provide that fixed machinery not deemed ; an improvement under the Rating Act, should he exempted from local rates. Mr Seddon promised to get a clause drafted and introduced in one of the Bills now before the House. He expressed himself in favour of what the deputation asked.