LICENSING LAWS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 204, 2 October 1914, Page 11

LICENSING LAWS.

FURTHER AMENDMENTS. LICENSING LEGISLATION BILL BEFORE PARLIAMENT. [From our own Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, October 1. Amendments to tlie Licensing Amendment Bill were received from the Legislative Council in the House of Representatives last night. The Prime Minister explained that the amendments first provided that where there were small polls one deputyreturning officer could act instead of two. It meant a saving of. £4OOO or £SOOO. The second rendered it necessary for the chairman and two members of a Licensing Committee to meet to grant a temporary license. Clause 4 was intended to prevent any licensee from selling liquor to any person under 21 years of age. It had been discovered that the amendment would create confusion in the clause. It had been struck out and a new provision inserted that any licensee who supplied I intoxicating liquor to any person under 21 years of age would be liable to a penalty, of £lO. Another new clause prevented any person under 21 years from dispensing liquor. The clause had also provided that the fee for wine makers should be in proportion to their output. Finally, it was suggested that the definition of wine makers should exclude those who operated with apples and pears. It was still the intention of the Government to appoint a Commission to enquire into the condition of affairs in the King Country.. (Opposi- • tion cheers.) . Sir Joseph Ward: You appoint Com- ] missions to relieve you of all responsibility. Mr Massey: Not at all. The responsibility with the Government. A. Commission* will l be appointed in Feb- * ruary or March. (Opposition cheers.) A Member: You will no't be in office then. Sir Joseph Ward: I promise to have < that matter attended to. . < The amendments were agreed to, with the exception of that drawing a distinction between ordinary wine makers and | those using apples and pears. (