NEW ZEALAND ALLIANCE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 19010, 10 May 1924, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND ALLIANCE

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, May 9. At the concluding sessions of the New Zealand Alliance annual meeting a large volume of business was put through. VOTES FOR MAORIS. The question of granting the full franchise to the Maoris was gone into, Rev. R. T. Haddon and Rev. Bennett (both Maoris), expressing the view that the Maori people were desirous of having the vote. The following resolution, moved by Mr F. C. Spratt, was adopted: “That this conference reaffirms the maintenance of the King Country pact, and rejoices to hear that Maori sentiment is strongly in favour of National Prohibition; that we view with sympathy the aspirations of the natives for a voice equally with the pakehas in all national questions; and that we ask the executive to consider in all its bearings the question of the native vote on National Prohibition, particularly in relation to Maori electoral privileges and the existing statutory provisions for the protection of the native race.” PRIVATE HOTEL ACCOMMODATION. The following resolution bearing on hotel accommodation was adopted:— “We arc satisfied that a large proportion of commercial travellers do not subscribe to the association’s resolution. We would point out that the provision of accommodation does not depend upon the sale of alcoholic liquors. From statements by tourists and other travellers throughout New Zealand, and from our own observation, we affirm that accommodation in private hotels is, tariff for tariff, equal to that in licensed hotels, and further, that accommodation in no-license areas is at least as good as in similar license areas.” PUBLICITY REPORT. Mr J. Malton Murray presented the publicity report and recommendations. Considerable discussion was evoked by remits on this topic. The report was adopted. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers resulted:— Mr John I. Royds (Christchurch) was nominated for re-election as president, this being received with acclamation. On being seconded the proposal was carried with enthusiasm. All the vicepresidents were re-elected. Mr J. W. Brown was re-elected treasurer, the meeting expressing appreciation of his long and devoted service. Votes of thanks were passed to the Rev. J. Comrie (chairman of the standing committee), J. W. Brown (treasurer), J. Dawson (general secretary), C. R. Edmond (Dominion organiser), and J. Malton Murray (publicity organiser). The following were elected members of the standing committee:—Rev. W. J. Comrie (chairman), W. D. Hunt, W. J. Helyer, and A. R. Atkinson. GENERAL BOOTH. It was reported that General Booth had expressed his deep regret at being unable to visit the conference and his groat sympathy with the objects of the Alliance.