The New Licensing Bill.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 19, 13 August 1895, Page 2

The New Licensing Bill.

OPINIONS OF BOTH PAETIES. An interview took place at Wellington on Monday afternoon between the Premier and a deputation from the New Zealand Brewers', Wine and Spirit Dealers,' and Licensed "Victuallers' Association in reference to the Government Licensing Bill. The deputation consisted of Messrs M. Kennedy (President), H. J. Williams. W. C. Hill, T. H. Barnett, and O. Louisson. The deputation objected strongly to several clauses of the bill and urged upon the Premier to get them altered. The Premier, in replying, «aid that there was something in the request of the deputation that in cities where licenses bore the proportion of 1 to SCO of population there should ba no minimum of reduction fixed, the matter being left to the committee. He would not strenuously oppose an amendment to that effect.' There would he no hope of altering the " bare majority " for reduction to a "three-fifths majority." He thought it unfair that votes cast for reduction should also count for Prohibition, but the House would probably insist on this. It would probably be decided that electors could vote for reduction, for 'Prohibition, and for' colonial Prohibition, or to remain as at. present. The provision requiring hotels against which convictions had been recorded to co first in case cf reduction was popular, and the only way to amend it would be to provide that, where the landlord changed the tenant against whom a conviction was recorded, the conviction should not count. Ha would not have " tied houses " dealt with in the Bill. At a meeting of the committee of the Christohureh Progressive Liberal Association on Wednesday night, the Government Licensing Bill was discussed. It was resolved — " That those clauses referring to majorities are illiberal, inasmuch as the ripht of a bare majority to rule is not recognized." The tariff was also considered and condemned as not tending to foster colonial industries. A large public meeting was held in Kaitangata on Wednesday night. . The following resolution was passed unanimously : - "This meeting, having heard an explanation of the provisions of the Government Licens> ing Bill, and of Mr MoNab's Bill now before the House of Representatives, sails upon Mr James Allen, M.H.1?.., to support Mr McNab'a Bill, and to oppose all the provisions of the Government Bill which are not in accord therewith." At a meeting of the committee of the Terauka Prohibition League it was resolved, after due consideration of the Government Licensing Bill and the Alliance Bill, to request the Temperance members of the House to stand by the Alliance Bill, of which Mr McNab has charge, as the only fair and satisfactory settlement of the drink question.