THE LIQUOR TRADE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LII, Issue 165, 10 July 1918, Page 8

THE LIQUOR TRADE.

STATEMENT BY -MINISTER OF

INTERNAL AFFAIRS.

(United Press Association.,

AUCKLAND. July 3.

The."Hon. G. W. Russell ('Minister of Internal Affairs), interviewed, said :-—- "The leaders df the liquor trade and the -executive of the New Allinee "appear to have come to. an agreement on the subject of taking a poll on the subject of-National Prohibition, : and apparently they will agree, if they have not already agreed, to Parliament beinp asked during the coining session to legislate on the lines of the Efficiency Hoard's recommendation, which provides foi compenstion estimated at £4.000,000. Possibly the amount required will be taken out of the consolidated revenue -without any special fund being provid ed\for interest and sinking fund. Whether those who contribute- to direct taxation, in land and income tax will accept the proposal remains to be seen. < Under National' Prohibition, the manufacture and sale of alcoholic liquors ■would cease." His opinion was that complete proposals should be discussed by Parliament, arid.-a referendum taken to finally decide whether the Bill should become law.