THE LICENSING ISSUE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19435, 22 October 1925, Page 7

THE LICENSING ISSUE

PRIME MINISTER QUESTIONED

THREE ISSUES FAVOURED

PARLIAMENT TO BE GIVEN FREE HAND. Special to “Chronicle.” KOKAKO, Oct. 21. Several questions dealing with the licensing issue were asked the Prime [Minister at Paparoa to-day by the Rev. Mr. Kings, Methodist minister. The [first of these was: “Tn the event of 'Prohibition not being carried at the [forthcoming poll, if any new legislation Ibe introduced would you be in favour [of a two-issue ballot paper?” i Mr. Coates: “No, I think we should (have throe issues. Minorities have to ibe considered. I was approached by [both sides, and what I said to them was that I would introduce a Bill and place it before Parliament and let Parliament deal with the position.” Mr. Kings:: “Would you oppose or support redistribution of licenses?” Mr. Coates said he had not given this question sufficient consideration to enable him to say just at the moment what he would do. However, it seemed to him.that in some places there were too many hotels, while in others the accommodation was insufficient.

Mr. Kings: “What is you attitude toward the proposed extension of time between the licensing polls?” Mr. Coates: “Of course, personally, I have always been in favour of a five years’ Parliament, and that w T ould mean an extension of the polls.”