LOCAL OPTION.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVIX, Issue 2997, 8 December 1896, Page 2

LOCAL OPTION.

A False Impression Corrected. A falsa impression has bean convoyed to tho minds of many , regarding _ the local option polls as to whether a majority of the votes oast, for . redaction over the votes oast for the continuance of tho present licenses carries reduction; or whether the votes oast for prohibition if exceeding tho votes cast tor oontiijuaucqoarryg.ednotion saw whether the Combined- votes' east--for reduction and prohibition carry redutitiofl." Subs section 2 of section 8 of tho , Alooholi* Liquors Control Act of 1895 states definitely that if tho returning officer finds that tho number of votes recorded in favour of the proposal that tho number of licenses existing in the district shall continue is an absolute mejoiity of all the voters .whoso votes are recorded, then such proposal, unless superseded, as hereinafter provided, shall bo deemed to be carried, and he shall notify the licensing committee thereof, and the licenses shall continue as they are until the taking of the next licensing poll. If ho finds that the number of votes recorded in favour ef the proposal that tho number of licenses existing in the district shall bo reduced is an absolute majority of all the voters.whose votes are recorded, then such proposal, as in tho first clause, shall bo doomed to be carried, and shall supersede the proposal for the continuance of licenses, .and ho shall notify tho licensing committee thereof, and the licenses shall bo reduced as directed. If, however, the returning'officer- finds that the number of votes recorded in favour of the proposal that no license shall be granted in tho dietrict is not loss .than three-fifths of all the voters whoso vofos are recorded, then tho Eropoaal shall be deemed to bo carried,_ and a shall notify tho licensing committee thereof. But if the returning officer finds that non* of the proposals respecting licenses in the district are carried by tho prescribed majority, then ho shall notify the Licensing Committee thereof, and the number of licenses nhall continue as they are until tho taking of the next licensing poll, subject, nevertheless, to the power of refusing to renew licenses objected to given under the Act.

It will thus be seen that to carry reduction the votes recorded for reduction must bo a majority of the total number of voters who have voted, while to carry no license a threefifths majority is required. The provision in the original Act enabling votes oast for Prohibition to be counted for reduction in bafeo Of Prohibition being defeated 'was repealed by the Abi of 1895; THE WELLINGTON SUBUEB3; The return for this district, made up yesterday morning; is as follows : , Con- Koduc- -Protimuiueb. tion. hibitioh.

By Telegraph.—Press Association. * : Cj±EiSTCHUBOit, December 7. The official declaration of the local option Eoll for Christchurch shows that continuance as been carried. The votes recorded wore t —Continuance, 8253 i reduction, 5952; no license, 5261. The total number of voters was 14,534. a • . Blenheim, December 7. In the final returns of the Wairau licensing EoII, the aggregate totals are as follows licenses to continue, 2536 ; redaction, 1160 ; no license, 1120.

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