LICENSING BILL

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 149, 24 May 1928, Page 8

LICENSING BILL

TO BE INTRODUCED AGAIN

PRIME AIINISTER’S PROAIISE.

(By Telegraph.—Special to Standard.) WELLINGTON, Alay 24.

That a Licensing. Bill will be again introduced this session was a promise mado to a large deputation from the New Zealand Alliance by the Prime Alinister to-day. Its speakers, Air Chas. Todd (president), Air C. A. Edmond (secretary) and Airs T. E. Taylor succinctly put the organisation’s request that a bill be introduced early providing for a two issue ballot paper and a bare majority decision thereon. “You are tho responsible man, Air Coates,” declared Air Edmonds, “and we plead for the right to give tho people a democratic ballot paper.” The Premier suggested_ that if anyone wanted to get experience of political life ho should introduce a Licensing Bill. “And I need hardly tell you that you will get all tho excitement and a great deal more information than by dealing with any other subject.” (Laughter). He traced the history of the hill which was introduced following a promise by bis predecessor. He paid a tribute to tho sincere earnestness and devotion of those who believe in prohibition, declaring that he was not unmindful of tho great body of people behind that movement. Ho had introduced the bill for tho purpose of raising tlie licensing question and of possible points of compromise between tho opposing numbers. It was absolutely non-party, and his ministerial colleague, Air A r oung, sitting beside him at the dejnitation, did not support him. (Laughter and applause). When the bill took a shape of which ho disapproved ho reported progress to get in touch with the various members of his party to bring about a series of conferences. Many were held, but no compromise was secured. Therefore, ho left it to Parliament, and ho believed that that was the attitude of Sir Frances . Bell in the Legislative _ Council. There was ... no intention to dodge the question. but he . definitely held that where a big social change was involved it was safer to have public opi/iion behind it to ensure that the law be carried out and that when a law was passed it should be carried out to finality (applause). Except by means of a preponderance of public opinion, he would he nervous and concerned over compliance with the law. In view of tlie almost general desire of members and a great proportion of the public that, tho licensing . question be settled if possible the bill would be again introduced during the coming session. “I think it a matter of duty on my part that Parliament should again have this opportunity of considering it.” (Applause). . Air fcoates added that he earnestly believed that if liquor was to continue in the Doimnion there was ample room for reform in the liquor trade. As for tho deputation’s suggestions that the country’s youth was being demoralised, one had only to see in our schools and compare them with other parts of the world the bright, keen ©yes, intelligent faces, and confident look of our children to tell definitely that, from this young nation going back, it was still striding ahead.