THE LIQUOR LAWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15047, 17 July 1912, Page 9

THE LIQUOR LAWS.

PREMIER MEETS DEPUTATION -ILL ON BARMAID TROUBLE. lift''i''': ' , ~ #0 OTHER LEGISLATION THIS SESSION. ■ A FAIR FIELD FOR PRIVATE , MEMBERS. ;■■:.". . ' '■ , -..' ... [BY TIXEGBAPB.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WEM.Txc.tojr, Tuesday. A dkmjtatio!.", numbering iabout 30, representing the New Zealand Alliance, waited on the Prime Minister (Hon. W. f. Massey) this evening* The speakers were Rev* W. J. Comrie (chairman of the Alliance). Mr. A. R. Atkinson, Mr. G. Caiaoiv (Wanganui), and Mr. R. A. .Wright. The deputation asked for a reduction of %'§■ the three-fifths handicap (which they'said was intolerable); stricter ■ administration of the law in the King Country; one brewery one license, this involving it-lie abolition of depots; the enforcement of 10 o'clock clewing and Sunday closing; an amend- ■:..■'■', menfc of the law which now allows the employment of unregistered barmaids in private bars, by providing for one license . -one bar; a fresh poll to be taken o»the » licensing question if a dissolution tak<js place on© year alter a general election j and electoral reform, providing for the : purging of rolls and the prevention of X tampering with ballot papers. , The deputation asked that the Govern* : embody the foregoing: amendments .' in a Bill during the coming session, or failing that, that » Bill dealing simply with the majority question be introduced. In reply, Mr. Massey said there was no chants of the Government bringing forward a Licensing Bill this session, except to meet the point raised regarding barmaids, but. if a private member brought down a Bill dealing with the whole question tho Government would place no obstacle in its way. As to the King Coantry, the European population was increasing there so rapidly that the time was,coming' when, the population of that district must have the right to say yes or no concerning licenses.-' ■ The Premier added that the Government would administer the existing law strictly arid impartially. Personally, he was quite unpledged on the question of the threefifths majority. As "to the request for one license one brewery, in order to abolish depots, he W'uld require iimo to male© inquiry into that phase of the question.