“Hopes To See Liquor Reform”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18548, 23 August 1928, Page 10

“Hopes To See Liquor Reform”

MR COATES REPLIES TO DEPUTATION FROM MIDDLE-WAY LEAGUE. (Snecial to the “ Star.”) WELLINGTON’, August 23. A deputation representing the MiddleWay League waited on Mr Coates today urging that Legislative provision should be made to encourage the sale of light wines, light beers and light cider as against spirits of strong alcoholic liquors It was urged that these should be treated as drugs. The League proposed there should be a second ballot paper to deal with its issue. Mr Coates, replying, said that the Government was opposed to taking referenda on every conceivable question. He thought that Parliament was the best place to deal with such questions. A difficult situation existed on the question of issues on the ballot paper, but he was optimistic enough to hope that something would be got through this year that would clear up that side of the situation. He would consider carefully what the deputation had submitted, but could not promise legislation this year on the lines asked for. Mr Coates said that he went a long way with those who thought that there ought to be reform of the Licensing Laws, and he hoped that he wouid live to see the day and be instrumental in framing it, when legislation would be passed which would be of benefit to everybody. He agreed that it would be in the best interests of everyone in the country if they could have lighter forms of drink, but he thought that by a gradual process of evolution they were getting to that stage. There was no doubt that people were not drinking so much to-day as in years gone by. It was not considered the right thing to drink heavily now, and the man who took liquor to excess was not wanted anywhere. Mr Coates also remarked that it was said that women drank -too much. Well, he met a number of people in different ways, but he had not noticed any evidence of this.