THE LICENSING QUESTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20432, 12 June 1928, Page 10

THE LICENSING QUESTION

ANTI-LIQUOR LEAGUE. LABOUR PARTY’S ATTITUDE. (Special to Daily Times..) WELLINGTON, June 11. The policy of the New Zealand Labour Parly on the licensing question has in the past been one of neutrality. Members of the party are given a free hand to vote as they think fit. At the last annual conference of the party an unsuccessful attempt was made to get a motion through calling upon all supporters of Labour at the next referendum to record their votes against the liquor trade. Prohibitionists members of the party, however, are apparently not willing to let the matter rest there. The Evening Post understands that during the past few weeks a body known as the Labour AntiLiquor League hag been formed in New Zealand with the object of influencing public opinion at the next general election. No official statement regarding the league has been issued, but it is stated that the movement has received support not only from the rank and fi’e of the Labour Party, but from one or two prominent members of the party in Parliament. It is considered very unlikely that the league will receive any recognition from the Labour Party, which has always endeavoured to steer a middle course on the licensing nuestion. It is well known, however, that the Labour members of Parliament are sharply divided on the liquor question, and interesting developments are expected when the Piime Ministoj- introduces a Licensing Amendment Bill during the cominpr session.