Ths Liquor Question.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXX, Issue XXIV, 13 June 1903, Page 1683

Ths Liquor Question.

HOKITIKA, June 6. The Premier, in the course of a speech here last night, dealt with the question of the licensing laws and control, and the sale of alcohol. He said that serious defects in the existing law had been discovered. It had been found that, owing to irregularities, elections had been declared void, and no provision was made under which parties could submit the matter again to the people. In this respect matters had to remain as they were for three years, notwithstanding the fact that the people by their votes had resolved on a change. It was no easy matter to be solved. The licensing poll had to be taken simultaneously with the general elections. If they were separated only those directly interested would vote, the conditions would be different, and the same number of votes would not be polled. The will of the people should not be set aside through neglect or wilfulness of a returning officer. This matter would have to be dealt with, and the law amended. The Premier referred to anomalies in respect to the decisions on the Port Chalmers licensing petitions. He said that what took place there disclosed grounds for legislation. Fair play demanded that opportunity should be given to holders of licenses to have their petitions heard. Then, again, they had licensing committees who were arrogating to themselves rights never contemplated by the Legislature, such as refusing licenses because in their opinion the decisions of the magistrates were wrong, or because they did not think there should be the same number of licenses as at present. No licensing committee had such powers granted by the Legislature. The Legislature had given such powers alone to the people, who determined this question at the ballot-boxes. The suggestions of the Dunedin Licensing Committee in respect of counter lunches did not tend to promote their cause. The Legislature contemplated the law being fairly and reasonably administered and interpreted. It was not certain whether definite proposals would bo brought down this session, but if there was interference with the liberty of the subject, or undue interference with the rights of property, the Legislature must not hesitate to do its duty. The Premier thought that partisan licensing committees were a great mistake. The tribunal should be administrative and impartial. To go to extremes was a mistake. He was firmly of opinion that elective licensmg committees were a thing of the past. In his opinion magistrates were the proper persons to administer the licensing laws. For breaches of licensing laws the licensees had to appear before magistrates. He would not confine it to one magistrate, as he only advocated a Bench of magistrates who would form a licensing committee in any given licensing district. By this moans friction would be avoided, they would obviate party strife of elections, and additional expenses would bo avoided. He had all along been in favour of national option. Once the people decided on the main issue, administration should be placed under a man who would act impartially, nnd do justice to both parties. He was not certain whether the question would be finally dealt with this session. Both parties might probably bring in amending measures, but in cases where the will of the people was prevented from being given effect, to it would be his duty as Primo Minister to introduce legislation preventing wrong being done.