IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9223, 30 April 1908, Page 1

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

THE LICENSING BILL. United Press Association— By Eltctrio ' Telegraph— Copyright LONDON, April 29. Jhe Archbishop of Canterbury, adflxessing the Church of England Temperance > Society, at Lambeth Palace, said he was convinced that the principles of the Licensing Bill were right, true, and just. The difficulties regarding time limit and clubs were capable of {solution. Mr .Asquith, in moving the second reading of tb.o Licensing Bill, admitted that the Ac: of 1904 had substantially diminished licenses, though the process ■was uneven, sporadic, and very costly. The Government Bill made the process compulsory, uniform, cheaper, and more effective. Mr Asquith did not offer substantial concessions, but promised sympathetic consideration of practical suggestions for the suppression of bogus clubs. He declared that the Government would not be intimidated by threats of disaster and ruin if it laid sacriligeous hands on the brewers' interests. Those who threatened miscalculated the potency of the forces behind the Bill. : Mr Gave moved the Opposition,, amendment, urging the House not to •proceed with the measure, which did • not promote temperance, and violated the principles of equity. The debate was adjourned.