HOTEL HOURS

Otago Witness, Issue 3312, 5 September 1917, Page 29

HOTEL HOURS

HASTINGS, August 30. A largely-attended public- meeting resolved : 1. That, in view of the considered judgment of the National Efficiency Board — an impartial tribunal of business experts appointed by the Government —that the greatest efficiency would be attained both, ior the nation and the individual by State control or prohibition, this meeting demand that as a minimum measure of reform the Government give effect to tho widespread desire that no sale of liquor shall be permitted before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. 2. That, in the event of Parliament failing to give effect to the democratic desiro for 6 o'clock closing, this meeting demand that the usual triennial noil on the licensing question bo held in December, whether there be a general parliamentary election or not; and that, in addition to the usual issues, an effective referendum be taken on the question of 6 o'clock closing. QUESTION OF HOURS AM IMPORTANT POINT. (Fnoat Oue Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, September 2. The Government's Liquor Bill has not yet been finally considered by Cabinet. It is quite a short measure, the only point of importance dealt with being the fixing of tho hours during which hot-el bars are to be kept open. It is generally understood that the opening hour will be 9 a.m. As regards the closing hour, tho trade has publicly announced its readiness to accept 9 p.m. The 6 o'clock closing people, on tho other hand, declare that 6 o'clock is their irreducible minimum. The " trade " is confident that they can defeat, any hour earlier than 8, aaid would probably accept 8 o'clock if driven to it. The Government has now to decido whether it will insert 7 or 8 in the Bill, or half-past 7. It is quite likely that half-past) 7 will eventually be fixed upon. AN OUTSPOKEN RESOLUTION. WANGANUI, September 3. Mr L M. Isitt addressed an overflowing audience at the Opera House to-night. At the conclusion a resolution was carried emphatically reaffirming the demand for 6 o'clock closing for the sale of liquor, or the absolute minimum of reform, and refusing to consider any later hour, such as 7 o'clock. If there is a failure of the enactment of 6 o'clock closing; the meeting demands a referendum on the question of national prohibit inn.