THIRD READING DEBATE.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13888, 12 November 1910, Page 9

THIRD READING DEBATE.

(tress association telegrams.) WELLINGTON, November IL In the House of llepresentatives tonight., on the motion for the third reading of the Bill, Mr Malcolm condemned tho JJill as amended. The Licensing jjarty has gained nuthing by its conciliatory methods. The Bill would be disappointing to a great many people who had hoped for a substantial measure of reform.

Mr Poole said Mr Malcolm's speech was a depressing one. To the advocates of _ temperance reform tho Bill was nothing to crow over, but he intended to inako the best of it. The Bill had many re-deeming features. Tho issues on national and local prohibition were clearly put, and people would bo in no doubt as to what they wero voting for. Air E. 11. Taylor said he believed tho Government had done tho best it could under the circumstances, though lie was disappointed that the tliree-fifths majority was retained. Ho believed tho sentiment in favour of national prohibition was sufficient to carry it on a tliree-fifths majority.

Mr Mandor defended tlio throe-fifths majority which he had pledged Jiimsnif to support. When people knew it was the* intention of the No-license party to work for national prohibition, it would result in that party losing ai large percentage of votes. He was in favour of temperance reform along moderate lines. He would support a l>aro majority if reasonable compensation, were granted for public houses rccentlv erected.

Mr T. E. Taylor said ho did not know why people, should bo disappointed with the Bill. He had expected that pledges made by members would be regarded as binding, henco the retention of the three-fifths majority. He believed that the expectations of "The Trado" in regard "to the Bill would be disappointed. Ho was clad to see the reduction vote abolished, as ho considered it unfair. He had always boon in favour of a bare majority. Xothin;; could stop the progress of temperance reform, which" would be helped rather than hindered by the Bill.

At 1.40 a.m. Sir Joseph Ward rose to reply. He said Mr Malcolm should have admitted that the Bill contained reforms which few people would have considered possible a snort time ago. Referring to barmaids, his opinion was that t.hoso already employed should be allowed to retain their positions, but no more women should bo allowed to enter bars.

The Bill was passed, and the House rose.