ENGLISH LICENSING BILL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2178, 30 April 1908, Page 3

ENGLISH LICENSING BILL.

United Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, April 28. Cardinal Rogue and nearly all Catholic Bishops in Ireland urge the Nationalists to actively support the Licensing Bill. GOVERNMENT NOT INTIMIDATED A TRUE AND JUST MEASURE. United Press Association—Copyright (Received April 29, 11.40 p.m.) LONDON, April 29. Mr. Asquith, in moving -the second reading of tho Licensing Bill, .admitted that the Act of 1904 had substantially diminished licenses,-though the process was uneven, sporadic, and very costly.. The Government’s Bill made the process compulsory, uniform, cheaper, and more effective. Mr. Asquith did not offer any substantial concession, but .promised sympathetic consideration to any practical suggestions for the suppression of bogus clubs. Ho declared the Government .was not intimidated by threats of disaster . and ruin if it .laid sacrilegious hands on the brewers’ interests. Those who threatened miscalculated the potency and forces behind the Bill. Mr. Cave moved an Opposition amendment, urging the House not to proceed with the measure, which did not promote temperance, and violated the principles of equity. The debate was adjourned.

(Received April 29, 10.25 p.m.) LONDON, April 29. The Bishop of Canterbury, addressing tho Church of England Temperance Society at Lambeth Palace, said he was convinced that the principles of the Licensing Bill were right, true, and juat. The difficulties as to the time limit for clubs was capable of solution.