THE NEW LICENSING BILL.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXIX, Issue 204, 19 August 1893, Page 3

THE NEW LICENSING BILL.

1 FAVORABLY RECEIVED IN THE HOUSE. THE SECOND READING CARRIED. [gPKCIiTi TO EXPRESS.] Wellington, August 19. In the Lower House the Premier moved the second reading of tbe long expeoted Alcholic Liquors Sale Control Bill, and m a speeoh lasting about an hour and a-half, lucidly explained its provisions. He said the Government recognised it was their doty to place the liquor trade under control, and give more power into the hands of the people. Referring to the crucial point of tbe Bill (olausa 15), which provides for a three. fifths majority, he said the Government had been pressed to alter this to two-thirds of the total votes on the roll, and a bare majority of the votes polled. But the Ministry could not adopt this suggestion. He strongly defended the provision m tba Bill placing Clubs on the same footing as licensed houses. Tbe debate on the Licensing Bill was carried on till eleven o'clock, when the second reading was agreed to on the voices. TheHon Mr Seddon.in replying, expressed hia pleasure at tbe friendly manner m which tbe House had received the Bill, and acknowledged the kindly sentiments of members m regard to the way m which it had been framed. After the second reading was carried, the Premier said he would like to go into Committee on the Bill at odod, so that it might be advanced a stage. Tha House agreed to this course, and as soon as the measure got into Committee progress was reported, Tuesday being set down as the day for resuming. The bill met with a remarkably favorable reception, and there is little doubt it will go through the House without much amendment. Ministers are undisguisedly pleased at the success of their efforts on the licensing question.