THE LICENSING BILL IN THE HOUSE

White Ribbon, Volume 21, Issue 1, 1 February 1949, Page 7

THE LICENSING BILL IN THE HOUSE

By Victoria Grigg, M.A.

During the passage of the Licensing Bill, towards the end of last year, we sM in the gallery of the House, and were very disturbed by the attitude of members to the Bill. The Acting Prime Minister stated that he had a great pile of telegrams and letters from Church and Temperance organisations, urging the postponement of the Bill for further consideration. We felt thankful to God that our churches had this matter at heart. A deputation of protest from the Maoris came all the way from the King Country. However, these protests were brushed aside; and all sorts of concessions were granted to the Trade more than they had dreamed of obtaining. It is surely a bad sign for the community that trade representative* have stated that they were well pleated with the Bill, except that they would have liked a nine-year interval between the polls. It seemed a miracle that they had not received that concession, in addition to everything else. A natter that distressed us deeply was the passing of legislation allowing Maori women to take drink away from hotels, and Maori women to enter liquor bars. We could hardly believe our ears when we heard members urging the lame excuse that Maori women felt inferior to white women because they did not have the same rights in regard to liquor. We are glad to say that some members leeged the Government not to allow these increased facilities to the Maori people Unfortunately, the voting was on party lines, and the legislation was passed by a .ery small majority. It seemed really incredible that members could have so little regard for the real welfare of the Maori people. Whose “headache" will the results he? Certainly, not the Trade'*. Unfortunately, it will be that of people like our own member* who already have enough worries through the effect* of drink among the Maori*. We would urge each one of you to ge* busy immediately in preparation for the coming Referendums. L Talk about them to other people. 2. Rouse enthusiasm for our cause. 3. P( int jut the dangers of legalised off-course betting, and the opening of liquor bars in the evening. 4 L T rge others to record their votes. The prophet Jeremiah went through life deeply burdened by the sins of his nation. He spoke of them as being “my pain perpetual and my wound incurable.” “ T sat not in the assembly of the mockers nor rejoiced,” said he. “ I sat alone because of thv hand, for thou hast filled me with indignation.” Let us thank God that He has filled us W.C.T.U. women with indignation at the evils we see sapping our nation’s spiritual life. Our God says Continued foot of previous column.