THE LIQUOR TRADE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11119, 2 July 1914, Page 5

THE LIQUOR TRADE.

DEPUTATION TO PREMIER.

DANGERS OF PROHIBITION.

"COUNTRY'S CREDIT AT STAKE."

[Pi;r Piiksb Association.] WELLINGTON, July 2

A deputation, consisting of soveral hundred people representing the liquor interests, waited on tho Premier at tho old Parliament Buildings this morning, and tho Premier was received with cheers on making his appearance.

The deputation was introduced by Mr C, H. Statbam, 31.P.

Tho first speaker was Mr A. E. Kernot, representing tho Wellington wino Find spirit merchants, who said that they had come for the purpose of emphasising the dangers that threatened the public, and the national credit, if the demands of tho prohibition party were oven favourably considered. The trade contributed nearly £1,000,000 to the publio revenues, nnd in vimv of tho fact that it had £15,000,000 invested m property, be felt that no apology was necessary for placing their views before the Government. Ho ■ considered it utterly unfair that, thoy should be subject to attack ©very three yearn, and that the trade should bo threatened with complete extinction at the hands of an irresponsible, unsatisfied and unsatisfiable minority. Any majority less than 60 per cent would be to command respect for prohibition. The question of finance had also to be considered, as the country's credit was involved by tho abolition of nearly £1,000,000 in revenue. Four years was not sufficient time in which to adjust this loss. Some 20,000 breadwinners were also connected with the trade, and'allied industries. The question •of finding employment for these had to be considered They therefore, claimed (1) That the people should know what new taxat'in is likely to bo imposed if prohibition is carried. (2) That no majority less than thrte-ffths bo entertained. That feVen years should expire before the houses are closed under dominion option. CD That some provision should be made for thou? thrown out of em-

plovmont, if prohibition is carried. Mr _A Bankart (Auckland Brewers' Association) contended that the prohibitionists had nothing at stake. They v.eSe merely fighting for sentiment, but were attacking the business of their neighbour,? and threatening the country s c:oii!iuwe and individual rights and privileges of the people. It was doubtful if ai'.v majority had a right, to dictate to the minority what it should eat or drink.

The speaker also complained of the auibiguiiy in the wording of the dominion ballot paper, and asked that the issue should be put to the .people in the plainest terms.

Mr J. B. Thompson (Invercargill), representing the dry areas, controverted the figures quoted bv the no-license deputation as to the effect of nolicenso in dry areas, claiming that their statistics did not bear, out the claims of prohibitionists. He also claimed that in Invercargill the consumption of liquor was greater to-day than under license.

Mr J. Beveridge (Christchurch), representing the Licensed Victuallers' Association. contended that, in view of the trend oF public opinion, Parliament had no mandate from the country to abate one iota of the ma jority required lu, der the existing legislation. Mr Massey replied upon the lines of his answer to the no-license deputation last week. He congratulated the deputation upon its concise and businesslike representation of its views. He believed that both sides should have an opportunity to express their views, , both to Ministers and members of Par-' 1 iament. _ The Bill would be before Par-' liament in a few* days. He was not | able to place the legislation through last year, but hoped to deal with it now in a few days. He also hoped that there would be no strong feeling on either side. The Bill-would be the same as that of last, year, but the Government would consider amendments. They would' ■, "make it a party measure. All members would be free to fulfil their pledges without pressure from Ministers. He proposed to give the people, through their representatives, an opportunity to express their views, and fair play would be given to both sides. The representations made that morning would help to that end.