THE TEMPERANCE QUESTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIV, Issue 4900, 31 July 1877, Page 6

THE TEMPERANCE QUESTION.

I.MMKDiATEiiY after the adjournment of tlio Presbytery, on the 4th of July, the Bovoral members met as a body of clergymen, ,-iiul adopted tlio following petition to the Assembly on the Local Option tjiiirstion : — " To the liiiiuilii':il)!o tlio Ifmise of Representatives of tlio Colony of New Zealand in Parliament assembled. "Thu petition of the Committee of the Presbyterian Uhureh of >.'cw Zealand on temperance, showeth : — "Thai your petitioners were empowered by the General Assembly of the Church at its meeting in Auckland," lajt Docnmljer, to petition your honourable llouso in favoui of the principles of a Permissive Bill ; your potitionora therefore pray, "1. That provision may bo made for giving effect to the veto of two thirds of the adult population of any licensing district the granting of new livelier:! or the renewal of old ouch. "'2. That the licensing districts) be of limited extent. ••a. That some simple and eiUcienl method for taking the votes of residents in tlio district may be provided at the expense of the Government. "1. That for the securing of these ends a new Act be passed, or that such alterations be mado in the permissive clauses of I lie present Licensing Act as shall render them easily operative. "5. That where necessity .irises for public accommodation for travellers, through tho operation of the permissive principle, aid bo given by the Government in providing such accommodation.

" And your petitioners, as in duty bound will ever pray."