LIQUOR LEGISLATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17337, 8 December 1919, Page 7

LIQUOR LEGISLATION.

NEW SOUTH WALES MEASURE. NEITHER PARTY SATISFIED. A. and N.Z. SYDNEY, Dec. 6. The Government's Liquor Bill satisfies neither party. The supporters of both parties are giving it a stormy passage through the committee stages of the House of Assembly, but bo far without securing material amendment either way. The Cabinet has promised consideration of the resolution of the Methodist Social Questions Committee asking for withdrawal of a Bill involving such important issues, for the present session, with the exception of the clauses providing for the continuance of six o'clock closing. During the discussion on the Bill Mr. G. S. Beeby moved an amendment to settle the whole issue at the next general elections. Mr. John Storey, the Labour leader, supported the proposal, considering it necessary to get an effective vote, otherwise they would probably get a 40 per j cent. vote. Mr. Hall interjected : They get 70 per j cent, in New Zealand. Mr. Storey replied: " New Zealand is a little island in the Pacific about the size of a pocket handkerchief. No one of any importance comes from there." (Laughter.) Mr. Beeby's amendment was defeated. The House passed the Bill with a number of amendments, two of which provide That no limitation in the amount of compensation in the event of Prohibition being carried shall be fixed, and that a board shall be appointed to determine the amount of compensation to be paid. HOTELS AS TEA SHOPS. NEW ROLE AFTER HOURS. A. and N.Z. MELBOURNE, Dec. 6. The House of Assembly carried an amendment to the Licensing Bill allowing hotelkeepers to sell tea, coffee, cocoa, and milk during prohibited hours.