SIX O'CLOCK CLOSING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16583, 5 July 1917, Page 6

SIX O'CLOCK CLOSING.

[BT TBtEGKAPn.— SPECIiX COEBESPQNDEOT.} WELLINGTON, Wednesday. Tee petitions so far presented to Parliament in favour of the six o'clock closing of hotel bars, through the New Zealand Alliance, contain about 160,000 signatures. Other petitions have been sent direct to members. The petitions presented to-day include those from Grey Lynn, with 3286 signatures- Waitemata, 3202; Parnell 3753; Auckland, 20,799. Mr. L. 11. Isitt (Christchurch North) drew the Prime Minister's attention to the fact that, according to the report of the recent deputation contained in one newspaper, Mr. Massey appeared to be committed to the granting of compensation if six o'clock closing should be carried. He believed that idea was erroneous.

Mr. Massey said he did not think he was quite accurately reported in regard to the point mentioned by Mr. Isitt. What he had said, or intended to say, was that there was a feeling in the minds of a great many people that an implied contract had been entered into as a result of. the last local option poll, and if six o'clock closing was carried they would have applications for compensation coming in from all over the country. Mr. W. Nosworthy (Ashburton) has given notice of his intention to ask the Prime Minister whether, in. view of the probable shortening of hotel hours, he will introduce an Act compelling fish shops to close at ten o'clock, or half-past ten o'clock.

Mr. W. H. Field (Otaki) intends to ask £he Minister in charge of the Police Department whether it has now been definitely ascertained that the anti-shouting legislation of 1916 is not capable of effective enforcement.