THE LIQUOR TRADE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 44, Issue 13603, 30 July 1918, Page 5

THE LIQUOR TRADE.

EFFICIENCY BOARD'S PROPOSALS

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) DUNEDIN, Monday.

Representatives of prohibitionists and several business men waited on the Hon. G. W. Russell to-day to urge Ministerial support of the Efficiency Board's proposals respecting th e total abolition of the liquor trade, with compensation. - The Minister made public for the first time some important details. He said he personally favoured the deputation's request, but expressed a decided opinion that a large number of electors would view gravely th e payment of four and a half millions for the goodwill of the Trade only. He alternatively mentioned a scheme by which open bars could be closed for tho war period, and hinted that it might be worth while for the prohibitionists to consider such par. tial prohibition. He expressed grave doubts as to tho possibility of giving effect to the board's proposal during the coming session, and subsequently in the same session pass the necessary legislation to give effect to the decision. If National Prohibition were carried the right of 80,000 soldiers to vote must be considered. He had doubts if the country would agree to pay a huge sum as compensation, for which no tangible asset remained. If prohibition were carried there would be an increased financial burden annually of £1,300,000. He cited the Efficiency Board's recent memorandum answering the miners' questions. These replies emphasised that the compensation would be for the goodwill only, and determined by a special Court. The details were, however, strictly confidential. The board also stated that any legislation must prevent any effort to resurrect the Trade, and also be made effective as regards total prohibition. Also that the legislation should contain no provision whatever for making the compensation retrospective.

Unless all signs fail, New Zealandgrown leaf is destined to become famous the world over for its excellent smoking qualities. Like wild fire has the product spread over all parts of the Dominion, capturing the trade wherever it made its appearance, but it has even spread far beyond the shores of these Islands, and Gold Pouch has become the favourite smoke of many a soldier at the front. Gold Pouch demonstrates thus clearly that N.Z. grown leaf possesses certain virtues which make it superior .to the foreign'tobacco and not the least is its small percentage of nicotine and its unequalled combustibility. This fact would particularly recommend it to the smoker who studies his health, because Gold Pouch may be smoked all day without affecting the heart, leaving the mouth sweet and clean. Now ob tamable in two strengths, Dark and Aromatic. No increase in price; one shilling will buy a big stout bag of either Gold Pouch or Three Diamonds, the latter for those who roll their own cigarettes. * ; For the farmer who wants a com- ; fortable, hard-wearing boot, we recommend our Chrome and Crupp Shooters — 355, 40s, 455, and 60s.—Carpenter and Evans (late J Carpenter), Masterton.*