THE PERMISSIVE BILL.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3234, 24 June 1871, Page 2

THE PERMISSIVE BILL.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE INDEPENDENT. Sir, — Your contemporary the "Advertiser" informs his readers that " the Permissivo Bill has been found to bo so Tory unpopular that it has been decided not to bring it before tho Provincial Council." The "Evening Pest" has also a paragraph much, to the same effect. Ab I happen to be a promoter of the bill, allow mo to inform you that the intention of the member for Wanganui to bring in such a bill was changed for no such reason, but exactly the reverse. Tho popularity of the bill ia so groat that numerous potitions to the General Assembly are being signed by almost everyone who is invited to do so, not only in Wellington, but in several other provinces. As those have not been addressed to the Provincial Council, it wus considered that it was probable that the friends of the publican in that body would oppose the bill on tho ground that the electors hud not asked for it. Another l'eason was that it was not likely that during tho present session tho members who are engrossed with the Eoad Boards and Education Bill would take the trouble of discussing the Permissive Bill. Wo are well aware that tho Permissive Bill has to fight its way in both Provincial Council and General Assembly ; but, judging by tho readiness with which the petitions in its favor are everywhere signed, it is extremely popular out. of doors. If what I hear be true, there will be potitions to the General Assembly on the subject, signed by more electors many times ovor than ever petitioned that body before on any other subject. I recommend your contemporaries to wait a little before they crow about tho unpopularity of tho bill. — I am, &o, ReOHABITB,