THE LICENSING BILL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4742, 6 September 1893, Page 1

THE LICENSING BILL.

» ■ MEETING AT SYDENHAM. A public meeting was held at the Oddfellows' Hall, Sydenham, last evening, for the purpose of condemning the Government Licensing Bill. There was a large audience, including a number of ladies. The chair was occupied by Mr G. J. Smith, who said that although he was not against the general policy of the Government, he, as a Radical, protested against the Bill very strongly. Mr T. E. Taylor moved—" That this meeting enters its emphatic protest against the principles embodied in the Government Licensing Bill as being antagonistic to the rights of the people to (he unconditional control of the liquor traffic, and urges the Upper House to exercise its functions and prevent the Bill from becoming law." The motion was seconded by the Rev J. N. Buttle, who said a crisis in political life had been reached. All over the country expressions were given vent to against the Government Licensing Bill. The Rev P. W. Isitt Baidthat Sydenham was the citadel of prohibition, and the people were working most strongly and vigorously in the cause. Speaking of the members of the Government, he said the people should send up that celebrated prayer given utterance to by Dr Beecher : " Oh, Lord, don't let us despise our rulers; and Oh, Lord, don't let them act bo that we can't help it." Mr Reeves, by vofcine on every occasion for the Licensing Bill, had broken his pledge. The resolution was pub and carried unanimously. Mr Taylor moved — " That this meeting expresses its admiration of the plucky action of Mr Earnshaw in subordinating the interests of his party for principle, as evidenced by his attitude on the licensing question, and that the thanks of this meeting are due to him for his advocacy of the principle that a bare majority should rule untrammelled by absurd conditions/ Mr Earnshaw would speak to a Christshurch audience within three weeks on — to use his own words— "The unholy compact entared into by Seddon and the Liquor Ring." The resolution was seconded by Mr Miller and carried unanimously. The Chairman said that the thanks of the meeting should also be accorded to Mr Hall-Jones, of Timaru, for his Btand in the matter of licensing. Cheers were given for Messrs Earnshaw and Hall- Jones and Sir Robert Stout, and the meeting then terminated.