NEW ZEALAND ALLIANCE

White Ribbon, Volume 21, Issue 8, 1 September 1949, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND ALLIANCE

Those who were so fortunate a* to he able to attend the annual meeting of the New Zealand Alliance this year, speak with one voice as to its value. “ One of the best we have ever had,” is the verdict of many; and the perusal of the minutes leaves the impression of a very large volume of work done; and of a line spirit of readiness for the coming fight in this election year. The report of the General Superintendent, Mr. Milner, covering twelve typewritten foolscap sheets, is a document containing a full statement of the position, and the circumstances which led to it, caused by Licensing legislation early in the year. An analysis of the voting on the Licensing and Trust issues at Ashburton, Geraldine, and in the King Corntry, reveals most disquieting facts; chiefly that the number of INFORMAL votes cast showed that the ballot paper was misleading. The Kuropean vote in the King Country on the Licensing issue contained over ONE-FIFTH of INFORMAL votes. It is not to be believed that the 2,048 people who voted thus did it intentionally; and the explanation lies in the fact that many who voted against Trust, thought that they thus were automatically voting against License. As a result of this analysis and the recognition of the faulty voting paper, representations are being made to the Government, pressing most urgently for a return to the original No-License ballot paper, with the two issues only to be voted ti|>on. License or NoLicense. The vote on Trust or otherwise should only be taken IF restoration be carried in any electorate; which means another vote following the declaration; and another clear ballot paper with only one issue. The Prime Minister. Mr. Fraser, has promised to receive a deputation for the purpose of dealing with this and other important questions.

ANNUAL MEETING July 20th and 21st, 1949

Among many other matter* of great moment appearing in the report, is the general concern among all classes regarding the effects of the new legislation on the Maori population. The restrictions which were lifted by Sec. 122 of the Act were really valuable protections, asked for by the Maori people themselves. Maori leaders of high standing strongly criticise their removal. The statement made by Mr. VY. H. Woodward, S.M., at New Plymouth, in relation to the death of a Maori i* quoted in full in Mr. Milner’s report. (See page 5 of this issue). It is some relief to be told that the Prime Minister has said that further legislation i> being considered for extending the powers to control drinking by Maoris. T he burning question ol the setting aside of suspensions of drivers’ licenses, ordered by magistrates in main cases of drunken driving, by the Department of Justice, is dealt with at length, this being so serious a matter, affecting as it does, the whole driving public. T he Auckland Automobile Association’s “bulletin” is quoted, and reveal* intense indignation on the part of the Fiditor at the flagrant disregard for the carrying out of the law by those entrusted with the task of administering it. (Je? page 6). The 1948 New Zealand drink bill is given analytically, and shows that the total expenditure on liquor last year is estimated dt £16,730,520. This is an increase of over half a million pounds on 1947. It works out at the enormous total of £9 3s. 3d. per head of the population. This increase is due, in Mr. Milner* opinion, to the brewers’ advertisements. In the minutes we find that action has been taken in regard to all these matters, and others not mentioned here. One of great importance is the “Questions to Candidates” suggested for use during the coining campaign.

(To be published in a later “ W.K number). Another remit deals with the analysts of liquor sold after hours to ascertain its alcohol content, and reference i* made to the “farcical position” developing in connection with this loop hole for evasion of the law. FRANCHISE DAY We suggest that on Franchise Day, which occurs this month, the above condensed outline of Mr. Milner’* report might be useful in giving information of value in connection with the vote on Licensing to be taken in November. There are many points on which our members should be fully informed, and perhaps these will be suggested by the above article.