THE LIQUOR TRADE

Otago Witness, Issue 3313, 12 September 1917, Page 24

THE LIQUOR TRADE

REGULATION OF HOURS. BILL EXPECTED SHORTLY. (Ehou Our Own Cobbespondjsn'T.) WELLINGTON, September 10. Now that the Finance Bill has been passed by the House of Representatives, the Liquor Bill, which wiii probably make its appearance during the next few days, has become the principal topic of conversation in the lobby. The air is thick with rumours. The opinion is widely held that whatever closing hour the Prime Minister may insert in tho Bill will be able to command a majority, as a good many waverers wll probably seize this opportunity of throwing the responsibility on tho shoulders of the Government. If it were a straight-out choice between 6 o'clock and 8 o'clock it is almost certain that o o'clock would win. After deducting the Speaker and tho absentees, there are 74 votes in the House, and one of the most expert card-prickers states that of these 36 would at most votefor 6 o'clock and 38 against it. This is giving tho 6 o'clock party credit for three or four doubtfuls, but there are several cross-currents at work, and it is quite possible that unexpected developments may occur.

The "trade" is bringing strong pressure on the Prime Minister to fix 8 o'clock-in his Bill as the closing hour. If this is not done, or if 8 o'clock is struck out by the House, it is rumoured that tho "trade" may endeavour to effect a compromise by offering to accept 6 o'clock closing on condition that anti-shouting is repealed. It has become customary for prohibitionists to declare th-t this Act is ineffective, if not an aotual farce, whereas the hotelkeepors declare that it has very materially reduced their takings. It wotild, however, be a mistake to place much reliance on this rumour. It is possibly nothing more than an indication of the prevailing uncertainty. Some of those who ought to know best frankly admit that they are unable to say what will happen. The feeling is widespread that there is a surprise in store for the House and country. It is generally taken for granted that 9 a.m will be made the opening hour, and as regards closing time the indications are now pointing more steadily to 8 o'clock than to any other hour. The Bill was further considered by the Cabinet to-day. Ministers are very reticent, but there is strong reason for believing that the antishouting law will remain as at present, and that 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. will be fixed as the business, hours for hotel bars.