THE WHOLE-HOGGERS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XIV, Issue 833, 22 February 1906, Page 23

THE WHOLE-HOGGERS.

When it became known that reduction had been carried in the Manukau electorate at the late local option poll, it was anticipated that the discretionary power given to Licensing Commitees under the Licensing Act, whereby they may at their discretion reduce the number of licenses existing in a district, where reduction is carried, from 5 to 25 per cent., would have the effect of bringing out two parties of candidats for seats on the Licensing Bench. As may be expected, the nohcense party are anxious to have the whole hog as provided for by the 25 per cent. of present licenses. Naturally enough, the parties interested in the bouses do not want quite so much hog, and will be content with a modest 5 per cent., or perhaps would be glad to follow even a medium course in the matter of reduction. From present appearances, the question will resolve itself into a rivalry for election of minimum versus maximum. And from now on to the 13th March considerable interest will be taken in the contest. The no-license team are stated to consist of the Rev. W. Slade, ••nd Messrs. S. Hodge, G. D. Smith, S. Barr and W. Westney, jun. The latter

gentleman is a member of the present Bench, having taken the seat rendered \acant by the retirement of the late Mr Enoch Burden. The minimum or moderate party will rely on the election of a committee composed of Messrs J. Rowe, D. McLennan, A. R. Harris, D. Neilson and S. Luke. The first four named gentlemen are members of the present Bench, and being well known throughout the electorate for the able and efficient manner in which they have carried out their obligations in the past, it is hardly Ekely that their services will be passed over and the result be in favor of gentlemen less known to public life, whose avowed main intention is to have the full number of houses closed as allowed by the Act. Mr J. T. Stembridge, of Hunua, is mentioned as an independent candidate —the exact bearing of an independent in a question of this kind being none too clear. Unfortunatly the word independent as associated with politics or questions savouring of politics brings in its train thoughts about cats and their proverbial aptitude for jumping.