LICENSING QUESTION

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 10063, 30 August 1918, Page 8

LICENSING QUESTION

NATIONAL OWNERSHIP MODERATE LEAGUE ENDORSES PETITION. The central executive of tho Now Zealand Moderate League met yesterday, Mr D. M. Findlay presiding. Consideration was given to a letter from tho National Council of the licensed trade asking for the support ol tho league to the petition now being circulated praying that tho additional issue of “national ownership” should bo placed before tho electors at the next poll. In tho course of the letter the National Council stated that the determination to promote tho petition had been particularly influenced by the stand taken by the Moderate League to the effect that the moderate public should have the right to vote on tho question of “national ownership,” and also that the inconsistent “local option” issue should be done away with. Tho petition was carefully examined by, the league executive, tho members expressing their the “trade's" attitude had now brought “national ownersnip” forward as a reality possible of achievement in the near future, whereas had organised opposition-been shown by the “trade,” together with the Prohibition party’s active opposition to State ownership, it would hayo made it very .'difficult to bring the proposal into tho realm of practical politics. In view if this it decided to support the “national ownership” petition, and tho following resolution was carried:— “That the New Zealand Moderate League, having from its inception in 1914 consistently urged" upon Government the necessity of amending tho method'by which the opinion of the people on the licensing question is secured, making the issue entirely a national one, and embracing the question of ‘national ownership,’ endorses the principle embodied in the petition now being promoted by the National Council and, while reserving the right of free criticism of all machinery proposals for achieving the'object in view, expresses its gratification that the licensed trade of New Zealand is prepared to endeavour to secure and to accept the decision of the people on the question of ‘national ownership,’ and strongly urges the moderate citizens of the Dominion to avail themselves of the opportunity now offering by supporting the ‘national ownership’ petition as a demonstration to Government of tho growing sentiment in favour of the State taking over the complete management and control of tho sale of alcoholic liquors.”