KING COUNTRY LIQUOR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15729, 2 October 1914, Page 7

KING COUNTRY LIQUOR

CONDITIONS OF DELIVERY. COMMISSION PROMISED. [nv TELEGRAPH— SrECIAI. CORRESPONDENT] Wellington", Thursday. A HKiF.EENcv. to liquor in the King Country was made during the discussion in the Hon so this evening on the amendments inserted in the Licensing Bill by the Legislative Council. The Council inserted a new clause dealing with the delivery of liquor in prohibited areas such-as the King Country. i'uis clause provides that in such districts ''no liquor shall bo consigned or offered for consignment or conveyance upon any of tho New Zealand railways or left at any post office or delivered to any post office official to be sent through tho post to any placo within any such area, or taken by any person to any such area unless a statement in writing of the nature and quantity of the liquor and of the name and address of the person to whom it is being sent is securely attached to the outside of the package containing the liquor.'' Any person who commits a breach of this section is liable to the penalties provided by tho principal Act, as. if ho had told liquor without being licensed. Mr. Dickon (Parnell) said he did not think that such a provision should bo enacted in view of the promise already made by the Prime Minister to appoint a commission to inquire into matters connected with liquor in the King Country. This promise implied that nothing would be done -until the commission had reported. He moved that tho new clause bo not agreed to. Mr. Isitt (Christchurch North) said that the new clause was a very desirable one. ' The Prime Minister 6aid that he could not accept Mr. Dickson's amendment. It was quite true that he had promised that a commission would be set up in regard to the King Country. Ho would keep his word, but it -was hardly possible to do so at the present time. Sir Joseph Ward: What Another commission ? Mr. Massey : Yes, a necessary commission. Ido not know why the right | lon. gentleman should object. Within I three months before we came into office ! there were a whole lot of commissions. Mr. Massey said the state of affairs in the King Country was very unsatisfactory. ' Fcoplo were thinking about ether things than commissions just now, but probably in February or March— (laughter)—he would appoint the commission. Opposition Voices: You won't be in office then. Mr. Massey (laughing) : I have sufficient confidence in the good sense of the community to believe that tho people will keep us in office. (Hear, hear, and lauch- I tor.) ° I

Sir Joseph Ward : T promise to appoint tho commission myself. (Laughter.). Mr. Massey : Yon will not have the opportunity. (Renewed laughter.). Mr. Dickson's amendment was negatived and the clause was agreed to.