LIQUOR IN KING COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16569, 5 June 1914, Page 2

LIQUOR IN KING COUNTRY.

LOCAL BODIES PROTEST AGAINST RESTRICTIONS. MUNICIPAL CONTROL FAVOURED. [Per Press Association.] TE KUITI, Juno 4. A conferenco of local bonies in the King Country to consider the liquor laws was held at Te Kuiti. Mr John Ormsby, of Otorohanga, was chairman, and others present were Messrs E. Martin (To Kuiti), Allanson (Kaitieke), Wilkie (Ohakune), Berry (Waitomo), Boddy (Awakino), Sandison (Ohura) and Short (Taumarunui). The chairman referred to the fact of having been connected with the placing of the restrictions on the district. The conditions had changed, and the restrictions did not restrict, as had been fondly hoped by the Maoris. They had to deal with the new' conditions which had arisen. The Europeans now outnumbered the Maoris by ten to one or more, and had a right to be heard. A motion was carried as follows: — “That this meeting,, representing the various local bodies of the Rohepotae, unanimously resolves that the restrictions proclamation made by Section 272 of the Licensing Act, 1910, should be annulled.” A motion in favour of municipal control of the sale of liquor in the district was carried, also one to the effect that a deputation should wait on the Prime Minister on the occasion of his visit to Te Kuiti on June 18. It was further resolved that a deputation should wait on Ministers and Parliament during the coming session.