ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR SALE CONTROL AMENDMENT BILL

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VII, Issue 313, 23 July 1896, Page 10

ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR SALE CONTROL AMENDMENT BILL

Some of the proposals in the Bill are so drastic and extreme in their nature as to cause wonder at their introduction, and astonishment is also felt that the feelings of the moderate section of the community have not been aroused to a high pitch of indignation in consequence. We think it will be of deep interest to our readers if we publish the full text of the Bill, upon which they can form their own opinion and make their own commentaries. It is felt in political circles that it is unlikely the Bill will pass in anything like its present form, and it has been frequently stated that if it does pass the Lower House it will be rejected in the Council. The Trade, however, and those interested in freedom and moderation, should by every legitimate means endeavour to prevent its passing through the House of Representatives, as the Council may say they will not accept the responsibility of rejecting too frequently the measures that have been passed by the “ elected of the people,” and though a majority of the Council are totally opposed to prohibition, it is just possible that 1 he members may pass the iniquitous measure, actuated by the feeling that the country will not submit to what it provides for, arid, c uisequently, it will do no great harm to place it on the Statute Book. There is oue thing most astonishing in connection with it which appears to be overlooked by the Colonial Treasurer, who introduced the Bill, viz., the question of revenues which its issues involve, and it is marvellous that no concurrent proposals are provided to supply the four hundred and odd thousand pounds a year, which will be lost to the Treasury if the total prohibition vote is carried as laid down in the measure. We really do not think there is much danger of prohibition being carried in New Zealand, but there is always this element of danger, viz., what may be effected if some tragical event took place just before an election; say, for instance, the committal of an atrocious murder done under the influence of an excessive use of alcohol. The people may, in such a case, vote against moderation, under sudden panic, brought about one reason, which has nd general bearing on, or application to the case. For this reason especially, we hope our readers will “speak with no uncertain sound,” and generally inform their respective members that they desire to live in a land where freedom of action, as well as thought, is the first and most important consideration.