LICENSING REFORM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18678, 7 April 1924, Page 12

LICENSING REFORM.

CORPORATE CONTROL ISSUE. REVIVAL OF THE MOVEMENT OBJECTS OF THE PROMOTERS LEGISLATION ADVOCATED. The movement inaugurated shortly before the last general election with the object of establishing corporate control in the liquor trade of the Dominion is being revived in Auckland. Delegates from the various bodies comprising the New Zealand Licensing Reform Association met in the Chamber of Commerce last week, Canon P. T. Williams presiding. It was resolved to form an Auckland branch of the association, and the following officers were elected: President, Canon P. T. Williams; vice-presi-dent; Mr. H. R. Mackenzie; honorary secretary, Rev. G. Gordon Bell. A committee comprised of delegates from the various bodies associated was also elected.

The objects of the association are to secure legislation for the reform of the licensing system and particularly the substitution for the existing third issue of State purchase and control on the ballot paper of an issue to be known as corporate control. Briefly put, this issue would provide that the wholesale trade interests and the ownership of licensed premises be vested in a corporation of which the Government would receive 20 per cent, of the share issue without immediate money payment, such being met from the profits earned. The operations of the corporation' would be controlled by a hoard of which the Government \'C£uld have the right of nominating a majority. The dividends would be limited to 10 per cent., and all profits in excess of that figure would be devoted to national purposes. In dealing shortly with the proposal, the Rev. Gordon Bell said the principles governing State control, namely, the centralisation of control and the limitation of private profits, would be met by the suggested scheme. ; Early Change Advocated. The following resolution was carried: — That this meeting of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Licensing Reform Association, comprising official representatives from the Anglican clergy, supporting the corporate control proposals, the associated clubs, the New Zealand Moderate League, and the wholesale licensed trade, urges upon the Government the need for early licensing legislation and strongly affirms that such lation shall (a) maintain a third issue on' the ballot paper; (b) substitute the corporate control proposal for the existing third issue of State purchase and control; and (c) provide for the immediate improvement of the present system along the lines of the practical proposals placed before the Prime Minister by the conference last year. Suggested Improvements. The proposals for improvement of the existing system were put forward becauso it was recognised that a radical change such a,s corporate control would take some time to bring into being. Their principal features are as follow; — That a special department or a branch of an existing department be specifically charged with the duty of supervising the manufacture, importation, and sale of alcoholic liquors, and all matters in connection with the laws relating thereto. That the present system of elective licensing committees be abolished and the Dominion be divided into licensing districts in such manner that three stipendiary magistrates would constitute a permanent licensing committeo for each district.'' That such licensing committees investigate all matters relating to the granting of licenses, covering the fitness of the applicant and the terms under which the applicant is to occupy licensed premises. That to prevent trafficking in licenses transfers should not be allowed under three years, except through sickness or death or other special circumstances. Question of Transfers. That where a conviction for a serious breach of the Licensing Act is obtained the magistrate should be given power to declare the person convicted unfit to hold a publican's license; subject always to the right of appeal to a Judge of the Supreme Court by the person affected. That with a view to lessening the consumption of spirits legislation be promoted to provide for the establishment, in certain premises, upon the termination of any lease, of the cafe system for the sale of light wines and beer only. That there be a redistribution of redundant licenses from one licensing district to another if necessary, more in accordance with the needs of the population in the various districts. That the Government establish a standard basis of quality for all liquors-im-ported and manufactured, and institute a scheme of rigid examination in both wholesale and retail houses to ensure that all liquors dispensed be in strict accordance with such standard quality and true to label.