LICENSING POLL

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 218, 15 August 1931, Page 8

LICENSING POLL

CONSIDERATION BY GOVERNMENT Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Aug. 15. An announcement that Cabinet Yvould consider the New Zealand Alliance’s proposal regarding the licensing poll was made by lit; Hon. G.W. Forbes in an intervieiv to-day. Ho said that he had received a communication from the Alliance, but he could not indicate the OoY'ernment’s action until Cabinet had considered tho question. Any amendment to the prosont triennial polls Yvould have to be dealt with by Parliament. The Government, of course, welcomed any economies, he added jocularly. LICENSED TRADE OPINION. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Aug. 15. Commenting on tho Netv Zealand Alliance’s decision Yvith regard to the licensing poll, Sir Alfred Bankart, president of the National Council of the licensed trade, expressed pleasure that the Alliance had approached the question on broad national lines. At the general election nothing should be allowed to divert the electors’ attention from the problem of measures that would hasten the restoration of prosperity. In the past the licensing poll had been practically the dominant factor at the elections and had clouded all the other more important issues. The postponement of the poll would obviate this and also save the country heavy expense. Sir Alfred hoped that the Government would act in the direction indicated. A message regarding the Alliance’s attitude appears on page 7.