THE LICENSING BILL.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 10580, 8 October 1910, Page 3

THE LICENSING BILL.

THE TRADE'S VIEW.

(Peb Press Association.) . Duncdin, October 8. Speaking on behalf of "the trade,''. Mr G. L. Dcnniston expressed tho belief that such highly important and contentious matter as was contained in the Licensing Bill was unlikely to be settled this session, introduced as it is at this comparatively late period, and governing such far-reaching issues. Considering the amount of property at stake and tho numerous issues involved ho thinks that at least five years should elapse before such an Act (if passed) should como into operation. That was to afford reasonable time for the realisation of the properties and a readjustment to new conditions, not to spoak of the readjustment of tho colonial finances which would bo made necessary through relinquishing by tho Treasurer duties on wines and spirits. He thoroughly approves thp raising of tile ago at which liquor can bo supplied, and thought probably tho abolishment of barmaids was a step in tho right direction. Interviewed regarding tho Licensing Bill Mr Martin Kennedy.' a leading member of the trade, declared tliat it gave several vital -concessions to the No-licenso party. "Wo must," he said, "either have some security, for tho trade or national ■ prohibition.' Wo recognise it is not fair, it is not honest, to induce people to voto no-license with the knowledge that : they may have abundance of liquor in their own houses." "» ■ , THE OTHER SIDE. Mr A. S. Adams, legal adviser to tlio New Zealand Alliance, reserved his official opinion of the Bill,' but expressed a guarded approval of the concessions.