THE LICENSING BILL.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXXI, Issue 12476, 13 September 1904, Page 3

THE LICENSING BILL.

Per Press Association. AUCKLAND. September 12. At a meeting of the Methodist Ministers' Association, a resolution was carried condemning the Licensing Bill on the grounds of (1) elimination of the reduction clause, (2) penalising the possession of liquor in a no-license district, (3) indefinite proposal for State control.

HAWERA, September 12. Resolutions of the Wesleyan and Presbyterian churches were carried last night protesting against the elimination of the reduction proposal from the Licensing Bill; also the proposals dealing with State control, and referring clause 9 to the people.

WELLINGTON, September 12.

At gome of the city churches last night references were made to the Licensing Bill now: before Parliament, and the congregations stood for a few moments as a protest against the elimination of the reduction vote from the ballot ■ paper and the inclusion of clauses 9 and 10 in the Bill.

A meeting of the No-License Party was held to-night to discuss the Licensing Bill. About 100 persons attended. Resolutions were passed condemning clause 24 (State control) as being uncalled for, protesting against the elimination of the reduction vote ,and against clauses 9 and 10, etc.

DUNEDIN, September 12. At a meeting of the Licensing Association of Otago and Southland, tlie Licensing Bill was considered, and amendments suggested. It was resolved to recommend that the clause following sub-section six, clause 3, should be struck out; and that the whole of clause 38 be struck out, and a Bench of Magistrates substituted. Strong exception was taken to clause 46. re travellers, and it was suggested that travellers should sign a certificate issued by the police inspector. It was agreed that 13 years was too young to send a child for liquor, and that 18 should be inserted in section 49. Section 60 was strongly objected to. At a meeting of the United Temperance Reform Council, it was resolved that having considered the Licensing Bill carefully, we cordially approve of the criticisms of the Alliance, and urge the members of til? House to assist such amendments as will effectually carry out the proposal of the Alliance in relation thereto, or if (his should be impossible, throw out the Bill.

INVERCARGILL. September 12. The local Temperance Reform Council tonight passed a resolution embodying their objections to the Licensing Bill as totally opposed to the temperance sentiment of the people, particularly as to elimination of the reduction vote; no license, no grog: the of State control, and alteration of ballot papers ; also the urgent necessity for passing the Local Elections Act Amendment Bill.