LICENSING LEGISLATION.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XIX, Issue 1065, 4 August 1910, Page 20

LICENSING LEGISLATION.

TO BE INTRODUCED THIS SESSION. <» '■ ■■ It is now practically certain that a Licensing Bill will be introduced by the Government this session. Some weeks ago a deputation representing the No-License Conference waited upon the Prime Minister. In reply, Sir Joseph Ward stated that the question was under the consideration of the Government, but he would not be able to give a definite reply as to the intentions of the Government for some time. In the meantime the “Trade” has not been inactive, for some days ago an influential deputation, representing the brewing interests particularly, had a lengthy private interview with the Premier. Nothing official has transpired as to the nature of the Bill, but “The Dominion” says it is reported on good authority that it will be to some extent on the lines of the famous “compromise” proposed last session by Dr. Findlay, after a conference with representatives of both parties. It is interesting to note that it was the intention of the No-License party, in the event of a further delay on the part of the Government in making its intentions known, to proceed with the drafting of its own measures.

On this subject the “New Zealand Times,” which is supposed to be in the know “says: The Government is to be approached by a deputation of members of Parliament to urge the introduction of licensing law amendments this session. The movement has not taken final shape yet, but judging by those who are taking it up, the proposals to be placed before the Prime Minister will be those supported by the New Zealand Alliance and its friends, namely, a Dominion vote on prohibition, to be taken at the same time as the next general election, and the acceptance of the bare majority, instead of three-fifths, as the deciding factor. At the No-License Conference in Wellington early in June, the executive of the New Zealand Alliance, with a consultative committee, was empowered to draft a Bill on those lines.