SIX O'CLOCK CLOSING.

North Otago Times, Volume CV, Issue 13940, 25 July 1917, Page 1

SIX O'CLOCK CLOSING.

LICENSING TRADE'S OFFER.

lil'Vt'LHlOX OF FKKIJXG.

ABIDING 1:1 V CABIN'K'I DECISION*

WELLINGTON, Jnlv I'!.. Tlio offer made by the deputation' from the licensing trade to the Prime Minister on Saturday of the nine o'clock closing of hotels, without compensation to the licensees, provided the anti-shouting regulations are abolished, has been the subject of considerable comment in the lobbies, and already it is reported that the attitude of some members in favour of six o'clock closing is reported to lie weakening. Compromise is in the air,' and the probability is. that the solid party in the House in favour of the "irreducible minimum" will lie much smaller than was anticipated a few days ago. A large section of the House is in favour of accepting the Government's proposals when they come down, preferring leave it to f Cabinet to say what is the fair thing. However, a powerful section of the House, comprising members outside the Prohibition Parly, are determined upon six o'clock closing, or, failing this, the taking of a referendum by the people on the question. They oppose the trade's claim to compensation, and declare that the trade can light this out in the Courts. In the event of the Government (which is considered likely) bringing in some other proposal than sixo'clock closing, it mny be taken for granted that an amendment in favour, of the "irreducible minimum" will be moved immediately,