THE LICENSING PROPOSALS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2660, 16 November 1909, Page 4

THE LICENSING PROPOSALS.

A DUBIOUS OUTLOOK. On the whole, it appears reasonable to say that the prohibitionists have shown their willingness to concede tfie trade a small margin of security against immediate effects of a hostile vote, and have themselves been allowed to gain what iu the light of previous polling looks to be a materially-improved tactical position. If at next election they make the same arithmetical advance in the polling as on pbpyious occasions the hotels all over New Zealand will be let for other purposes seven years from now. Under existing law there are places in New Zealand where no-license is an unlikely contingency for a long time to come. Both sides, we should say, are taking their courage in both hands over this business ana ask thtfc the peqple be given an opportunity of coming to closer holds with the problem. As to what the verdict will be only a very confident- person indeed would care to hazard an opinion.— “New Zealand Times.” A COMMENDABLE AGREEMENT. The agreement arrived at .by the accredited representatives of the Nolicense organisations and the “Trade” is in every way commendable, viewed from the public standpoint, and both parties are to be congratulated, upon having arrived at a determination to make the issue a clear one. It has been generally recognised that a distinct injustice was done to the licensees by the arbitral**- stoppage of licenses without reasonable notice, and the acceptance by the “No-license” people of the principle that fair notice of termination should be given will remove a great deal of natural and unnecessary bitterness. Tlie “no lieensc-no liquor” principle lias been fairly compromised by leaving the. effects of local no-license as they are at present, but making New Zealand absolutely prohibitive if national prohibition is carried. This is fair enough, and, what is more, than fair, is workable. The 55 per cent: majority is an obvious compromise between the bare majority which has been 'onianded and the existing 60 per cent. But tlie great advantage of the agreement lies' in the abolition of the confusing “reduction” vote. By this feature of the poll, the wishes of the great majority of the voters was often evaded,’and the straight-out issue was lert undecided. THion tlio agreement assumes legislative form, the public will know at least wllat it is voting for. if the decisive majority in any electorate or'in the Dominion wish to try to do without any intoxicating liquors,, thej will be -able to institute the experiment after the “trade” lies had ample time to wind up its business without avoidable less.—“ New Zealand Herald.”