PARLIAMENT TO DECIDE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 193, 15 August 1931, Page 17

PARLIAMENT TO DECIDE.

Economies Welcomed, Says Prime Minister. (Special to the ” Star.’’) WELLINGTON, August 15. Cabinet v.lll consider the Alliance’s proposal, accordinp to a statement made by Mr Forbes to-day. He said that he had received a communication from the Alliance, but he could not indicate the Government’s action until Cabinet had considered the question and any amendment to the present triennial polls would have to be dealt with by Parliament. “ The Government, of course, welcomes any econcmies,” added Mr Forbes, jocularly. DECISION COMMENDED. More Important Measures to be Considered. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, August 15. Commenting on the New Zealand Alliance’s decision regarding the licensing poll, Sir Alfred Bankart, president, of the National Council of the Licensed Trade, expressed pleasure that the Alliance 1. I approached the question on broad national lines. At the general election nothing should be allowed to divert the electors' attention from the problems of measures that would hasten the restoration of prosperity. In the past the licensing poll had been practically the dominant factor r t the lections and had clouded all the other more important issues. The postponement of the poll would obviate this and also save the countryheavy expense. He hoped that the Government would act in the direction indicated. “ A DISTINCT GAIN.” (Special to the " Star.”) DUNEDIN, August 15. Mr F. A. Adams, president of the Otago Temperance Council, expressed the opinion that the alliance would be quite justified in making no opposition should the Government bring forward a proposal to postpone the poll in the interests of national economy. The ‘‘Otago Daily Times” says: “There can be no sufficient reason why the country should be put to the expense of a poll, if the prohibitionists do not desire it, and due credit must be given to them for their apparently voluntary expression of a view, the acceptance of which would spare the country the expenditure of many thousands. Moreover, the removal of the Prohibition issue from the consideration of the electors would, politically, be a distinct gain.” _________________