Licensing Elections Tomorrow

Northern Advocate, 13 March 1944, Page 2

Licensing Elections Tomorrow

j In 21 electorates throughout the Do- | minion elections for the appointment i of licensing committees will be held. I In conduct the elections will be simij lar to the Parliamentary elections j last September, the same rolls brought I up to date being used, recent appli- , cants for enrolment being able to vote : by declaration. ! The number of elections indicates ! greater interest in the licensing elecj lions than for some years. Restorai ticn of licensing in Invercargill first I centred interest in licensing and further attention has been given as an outcome of the Government’s undertaking to make an inquiry into licensing laws and the liquor trade, and by (he extent, particularly in the cities of sly-grog traffic. Comprising six members, five elected and the chairman, a stipendiary magistrate, appointed by the Gover-ncr-General, each committee meets once every quarter and has the power of granting, renewing, transferring and removing licenses.

Local Bodies Meet Bill

In one important factor do licensing elections differ from Parliamentary elections. This is that the cost is met by local authorities in each electorate instead of the State paying as for a general election. The Licensing Act provides for a public holiday, but it was announced recently that this would not apply for tomorrow’s election.

Shops are not required to close and there is no obligation on employers to allow a half-holiday, but the sale of intoxicating liquor is illegal after noon.

In every electorate in Northland— Marsden, Bay of Islands, Kaipara and Waitemata—an election will be held. Folling-places will open at 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. after which votes will be counted, and declared by the returning officers.