SYDNEY EARLY CLOSING.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17099, 23 February 1916, Page 7

SYDNEY EARLY CLOSING.

LIQUOR TRADE COALITION,

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright, SYDNEY, February 22.

An industrial coalition of the liquor trade is proposed in order to oppose early closing.

The Rev Bathgate, preaching in the Lithgow Methodist Church, in favour of early closing, chose as his text: " Howl'ye drinkers of wine, for it is cut off from your mouth." The Hon G. F. Pearce explains that the Early Closing proclamation will be temporarily withdrawn immediately normal conditions prevail. (Received Februarv 22, 11.35 p.m.) SYDNEY, February 22.

At the Central Police Court there were twelve charges of drunkenness on Monday morning, about a quarter the usual average prior to early closing. Other Courts showed ,a similar reduction-.

The City Council has decided to erect more drinking fountains in the streets. The weather conditi6ns\generally are very sultry.

REFERENDUM SUG GESTED. (Received February 23, 1.10 a.m.) SYDNEY, February 22. After further consideration of the eariy closing question by Cabinet Mr Holman stated that tho decisions reached would be referred to the caucus. Other sources state that it is possible that a Bill will be submitted to Parliament with the approval of caucus providing for submission- of the whole question to a referendum.