THE LICENSING BILL

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 13394, 30 May 1914, Page 6

THE LICENSING BILL

(Per Press Association.)

INVERCARGILL, laat night. The Prime Minister received a deputation frotH the No-Licen3© Paa-ty this morning ' which urged the necessity of having the promised Licensing . Bill introduced early in the 1 gessifin, and suggested in the event of national prohibition being carried ititt time elapsing before it came into operation be reduced from four to one year. T?ie deputation ajiio pointed out the magistrate's decision m a recent liquor case, the police v. V. Colemafl, proprietor of .the Club Hotel. There had been a good . tleal of indignation in No-license circles in connection with the matter, afld there was likely to be an appeal, and should the Supreme Court uphold the judgment delivered in the Lower Court it ,was suggested that the law be amended. The, Prime Minister said the.Lioensing Bill would be introduced early so that every member tjrould have ah opportunity of expressing an opinion of it. Every member was pledged to a certain course of action, and tie Bill . would have a fair and strong run. Referring to the question of the lapse of time before closing the hotels, he stated that if no- license or national prohibition were carried there would be a very important change 1 in the finance of the country and a reduction would, follow^ in revenue. Four years might be . too long, but anything leas than two' years would not be reasonable. As to the recent jud¥Hifj it referred to, tho .Government could not interfere with it, "but after the appeal -Sad gong through the Supreme Court the Government could, if necessary introduce legislation with reference to the Act. . . ,