THE LICENSING POLL.

Waikato Times, Volume 110, Issue 18409, 17 August 1931, Page 6

THE LICENSING POLL.

OPINION IN AUCKLAND. POSTPONEMENT OBJECTED TO. AUCKLAND, Monday. “I do not think the resolution expresses the opinion of the full strength of the Alliance throughout the Dominion," said Mr L. E. Falkner, secretary of the Auckland area of the New Zealand Alliance, "and I feel sure the Auckland executive will strongly oppose any postponement of the poll. The Auckland executive will meet to consider the matter, and I do not think It will support postponement unless some concession Is made by the liquor trade, possibly In the nature of restricted hours of trading or the Saturday closing of hotel bars." "The present economic crisis does not warrant any postponement of the poll," said Mr Falkner. "I think there Is a growing opinion that New Zealand cannot afford the huge expenditure of £8,000,000 a year for Intoxicating liquor. If this huge amount were diverted to ordinary trade channels it would help very largely to remove th» present state of depression." VIEWS OF PROHIBITIONIST. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) DUNEDIN, Saturday. Mr F. B. Adams, president of tho Otago Temperance Council, expressed the opinion that the Alliance would bo quite Justified In making no opposition should the Government bring forward a proposal to postpone the licensing poll In the Interests of national economy. COST OF THE POLL. Provision was made In the Estimates for the appropriation this year of £12,000 specifically for the licensing poll. On the occasion of the last poll, In 1928, £13,000 was voted, a further £5O being appropriated in ths following year.