LIQUOR AND POLITICS

Evening Star, Issue 19772, 24 January 1928, Page 9

LIQUOR AND POLITICS

INTERESTING POSSIBILITIES [Special to the ‘ Stab.’] CHRISTCHURCH, January 23. So far Mr Coates has not informed members of his party in Parliament when he proposes to call the Reform caucus which he promised to a section of his followers who were discontented over the.fate of, and questions connected with, the ill-fated Licensing Bill. On present indications, Mr Coates may have difficulty in reconciling conflicting interests on the licensing question, so that there is a sensational possibility in the outcome of the caucus. Both the Licensing and the Prohibition Parties appear to regard as certain the prospect' of another fight at next session of Parliament, and are well alive to the possibility of a cleavage within the ranks of Reform Just how far tho resentment of some Prohibition members will cause them to go at the caucus is a matter of conjecture. To-night’s ‘Sun' says; “Probably much will depend on whether a certain South Island member takes _ a prominent part in leading the'criticism that is certain to be directed at Mr Coates. The fact that a General Election is pending this year makes tho discontent in the Reform Party rather unfortunate from the party’s point of view, for it will meet a strong challenge from Labor, whose ranks are united in aim. It can be accepted ns almost certain that the, opinions of candidates at the General Election this year on the licensing question will play a more, important part than it lias done for some elections. Just how far affect the chances of Mr H. S. S. Kyle, M.P. for Riccarton seat, is problematical. Among supporters of the licensing interests resentment is expressed against Air Kyle, a plaint being that he gave no indication at last election that ho would support the bare majority at the licensing poll. Such feeling has aroused a, certain determination to oppose him, but the licensing interests who state their intention to do this have not yet, by all accounts, found a man. Mr Kyle may prove difficult to displace, for the transfer of a portion of his electorate to Kaiapoi has taken away from Riccarton some strong Labor supporters. “ So far as Kaiapoi is concerned, the Hon. D. Bnddo (Liberal) does not appear anxious to contest the seat, judged by remarks by his friends, it is assumed that Mr H. Holland, ALP., will stand for rc-elcction in Christchurch North. Last election he defeated Mr F. R. Cooke very easily, but lie would face a much mo e formidable opponent if the Rev. J. Iv. Archer decides to be a candidate lor Labor. Mr Archer may, of course, decide that the duties of mayor come in conflict with those of a member of Parliament. He is reported to have expressed the opinion that they would when speaking at a mayoral election. “Neither Air D G. Sullivan (Avon), r.or Air H. T. Armstrong (Christchurch East), is likely to be seriously challenged by Reform, and they should be returned. Air E. J. Howard had lost some ground at last election, as was demonstrated by the splendid polling of Air H. G. Ell, who played a lone hand against him; but the prospects are that he will again retain his seat. The contest at Lyttelton, if Air AI. E. Lyons is selected by the Reform Party to oppose Air J. APCombs, ALP., should be fierce.

“What will be very interesting is the issue for the candidature for Reform between the Hon. W. Nosworthy and Afr D. Jones, ALP., now that Mr Nosworthy’s electorate of Ashburton has been mostly merged with Ellesmere in the new mid-Canterbury electorate. Mr Nosworthy has polled remarkably well at successive elections, but it is not yet known whether he is keen to contest the reconstructed electorate. Perhaps a seat in the Legislative Council may he in view? If both Mr Jones and Air Nosworthy desire again.'to he candidates the choice on the question' will rest with the branch of the Reform Party in the district. ’' At the last election Mr T. Burnett, ALP . was persuaded with some diffito ne a candidate. His health has since improved, and in view of the burning interest he has displayed on the licensing question, and his disappointment over the fate of the last Incensing Bill, he is certain to stand again.”