Mr Fergus on the Sunday Liquor Traffic.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXIII, Issue 280, 1 November 1889, Page 2

Mr Fergus on the Sunday Liquor Traffic.

Dunepin, November. 1, A deputation from the Presbyterian Synod waited on j^r Fergus to urge the better administration qi the Licensing Act. The speakers said it was the' unanimous opinion of the Synod that great laxity existed * m connection with Sunday trading and keep* ing open after houre. The Synod were very anxious, though not anticipating any very direct benefit from their action, to give all the moral weight they could' to strictly carry out the Act. Dr Stuart; also oomplained of the amount of dram drinking going on. Other speakers complained of the studied evasion of the Act in country places. — Mr Fergus replied that since the last deputation had waited on him, he hail been interviewed by representatives of the publicans who, without exception, disclaimed any wish to sell on Sundays. The weakness of the Act. lay in any person calling himself a traveller being entitled to dpinarid refreghmpnt a.£ter walking 'a certain djstance. Certainly the law ought to be effectively administered, and if xt was not operative, the sooner it was repealed the better. It was, however, advisable in these matters to draw the strings as gently. as possible. He would bring these matters under the notice of the Cabinet.- There was np indention, nor any wish, to prevent punishment xor any violation of the Act ; on the oo'ntrary, the Ministry reoogniaed that the law must be upheld. He had not the slightest doubt there was an attempt, as had been suggested, to tamper with the

police, but every assistance must be given, to them in carrying put the law.