THE LICENSED VICTUALLERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11755, 20 July 1916, Page 3

THE LICENSED VICTUALLERS.

RESOLUTIONS OF AMALGAMATED ASSOCIATION. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, July. 19. Tho Amalgamated Licensed V ictuallers' Association to-day passed tho following resolutions: — _ "1. That the agitation directed against the licensed trade by the prohibitionists is unpatriotic, unreasonable and unwarrantable; (a) unpatriotic because it is tending to create class prejudice and embitter feeling among different sections of the community at a time when all should be accord to overthrow the road of Europe; (b) unreasonable in that it would violate a pledge or ' scrap of paper' 'given by the people at the ballet box in 1914, when by an overwhelming majority the electors declared against any interference with the licensing system until at least 1917; (c) and unwarrantable in that any interference with the licensing system now would be in direct opposition to the voice and mandate of the people, and a violation of the pledge given by the people at tho last elections to the trade. 2. "That relying upon the declared will of the people members of the trade havo entered into rebuilding and various other contracts, and any alteration in hours of licensing now would not only bo contrary to the people's pledge to the trade but would involve the trade in incalculable loss. 3. " That in view of tho evidence of the Defence Minister himself and his responsible advisers, Colonels Potter and Adams, there is absolutely no military necessity for the agitation for any alteration in the present licensing law, either by proclamation or otherwise.' 5