LICENSING LEGISLATION.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17803, 30 August 1929, Page 8

LICENSING LEGISLATION.

NONE THIS SESSION. REPLY TO NEW ZEALAND ALLIANCE STATEMENT BY PREMIER. WELLINGTON, Thursday. A definite statement that no licensing legislation would be introduced during the present Parliament was made by Sir Joseph Ward to-day to a deputation from the New Zealand Alliance. He made it clear that it would be futile to attempt any such legislation with the House of Representatives as it was at present constituted. The secretary of the Alliance, Mr Edmond, put request that the first plank he a simple majority with onlytwo issues. If there were three issues they wanted the matter decided on a preferential vole. Other requests were no license to the Tongariro Chateau, which was in the King Country, and restrictions on cabarets. The position in regard to bars in hotels alsu needs attention, also bottle stores, which were doing tremendous damage to the social life of the community. Sir Joseph Ward said lie would not agree to he responsible for introducing a bill in the House as at present constituted. It would he inviting not only discord but an attempt at legislation which it would not be possible to go on with. It was only fair to say that it would be powerless for him to give effect to the wishes of the deputation even if he were favourable to them, because, so far as lie could see, the present House was against licensing legislation. He would give attention to the other matters brought under his notice. He would bring before the Public Trustee the observations which had been rripdc in respect io his office. It would require an alteration of the law- in regard to Ihe administration of wills if Ihe wishes of the deputation were to be adopted. Sir Joseph Ward said, however, ttiat the sentimental side of the matter carried weight with him.