PROHIBITION ISSUE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22544, 8 October 1936, Page 13

PROHIBITION ISSUE

SATISFACTION AT DEFEAT LICENSED VICTUALLERS [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] DUNEDIN, Wednesday The defeat of the prohibition issue at the polls last year was mentioned at the annual meeting of the United Licensed Victuallers Association of New Zealand, held in Dunedin to-day. Mr. J. W. Young presided over a large and representative attendance of delegates from the North and South Islands. The annual report and balance-sheet and the treasurer's report on finances were adopted. Mr. Young said the licensing poll was taken since the last annual meeting, ami the result had proved most gratifying. It was interesting to note that prohibition had reached its highwater mark in 1911 and had receded in 1914, maintaining this level, with slight alterations, to 1922. In 1925 a change was indicated, and since then each poll had resulted in a decreased percentage of votes until, in 1935, only 29.58 per cent of voters favoured prohibition. Continuance had definitely improved its position from 44.17 per cent in 1914, with a slight setback in 1919, until 1935, when 70.42 per cent of voters favoured the existing conditions.

j In last year's annual report the executive council had appealed strongly I for complete unity with a view to ob- | taining a solid victory, and retailers J were to be congratulated on this great effort. The general organisation conducted by the national council and the provincial councils throughout the Dominion had proved itself in every phase of its activities, and the results justified amply the wisdom and judgment of those responsible. The following officers were elected:— President, Mr. T. Coltman (Wellington) ; vice-presidents, Messrs. M. O'Brien (Southland), F. M. Drewitt (South Canterbury) and A. G. Davis (Marlborough and Nelson); executive, Messrs. 0. S. Burt (Poverty Bay), K. J. Kiel.v (Hnwke's Bay), P. S. Kinlayson (Taranakj), G. Luoni, (Wnnganui and Palmerston North), R. Stewart (Wellington), R. Berrvman (Wellington), A. Barrett (Canterbury), J. Daily (Westport-Buller) and F. J. Fay (Otago); emergency committee at Wellington, Messrs. T. Coltman, R. Stewart and R, Berrvman; auditor, Mr. J. Rayward (Wellington), secretary, Mr. Frank J. Oakes (Wellington).' A presentation was made to Mr. Young, who is retiring from business and therefore is not eligible to hold office. He had been president since 1933.