30 DECEMBER 1871, Page 3

The New Zealand Parliament has read a severe law restricting

the liquor trade for the second time. Under this bill no new house can be opened for the sale of liquor except on the written appli- cation of one-third of the "inhabitants" of the district, women as well as men, adulteration becomes a penal offence, and the publican is held responsible for all losses sustained from persons under the influence of liquor. Parliament is evidently in earnest, but that last clause may prove an immense benefit to publicans. They will, of course, meet it by a defence association, with an insurance fund strong enough to resist or pay such claims, and add twice the insurance to the price of their liquor. They, moreover, will benefit by the prevention of com- petition.