GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12425, 7 August 1902, Page 5

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST fi. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. A MAORI LEXICON. It was agreed that the Government be requested to take steps to secure the literary relies of the late llev. Wm. Colcnso, with a view to the publication of a Maori lexicon. TIED HdUSES. The Hon. \Mr. IUGG moved the second reading of the Tied Houses Bill, whicli aimed'at doing away'with the system of tied houses. The operative clause of the bill provide.? • that 110 brewer can own licensed houses, ; and no wine and spirit merchant, can advance money to a licensee lor tho purposos of business. The Hon. Mr LOUJSSOX contended that a great misconception existed v.'iih regard to tied houses, iliero might be individual eases of hardship under such a syrtem, but generally it. was to' the advantage of the. public, as tlie?e houres wore the best concluotod houses in the business, and the best liquor was obtained there.. lie moved as an amendment Vthat the bill be read a second time that day six months.. The Hon. (Mr JONJJS said if ho had the power it would not be met) of straw, but the mvnora of the premises, that he would punish for breaches' of the act.

The Hon:, 6. M'LEAN, while lie would not go so far ns was provided 111 llio bill, would support the second reading, liy some means the intention of' .the Legislature to do away with tied houses hud been circumvented, So far as the bill remedied that defect lie would suoport .it. The Hon. Mr STEVENS opposed the bill. The Hon. .Mr PITT did not think the niil would remedy the evils under which licenses suffered.

The Hon. Mr TWOMEY said the bill was one that applied only to a publican and brewer,' If .it applied, to the teinperanc,& question or the good of (lie community generally he would support it. The debate was adjourned. DESTITUTE PERSONS. The Destitute Persons Act Amendment Bill was read "a second time; The Council rose at 4.30.