The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED DAILY WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1927 AN INTERESTING CONTROVERSY

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 10459, 14 December 1927, Page 4

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED DAILY WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1927 AN INTERESTING CONTROVERSY

It will he noted that Mr J.' McCombs, Labor member for Lyttelton, questions the wisdom of the contention put forward and supported by Sir Francis Bell, Leader of the Legislative Council, “that' the Licensing law constitutes the one single exception to the general rule that that body adopts in relation to measures which have the support of a large majority in the House of Representatives.” As both are strong supporters of National Prohibition, quite a lot of interest will attach to their quarrel. True to his political faith, Mr McCombs holds to the principle of “one vote, one value,” which, lie avers, means that all issues should be. carried on the Hire majority. Sir Francis Bell, however, gravely doubts if it would l.e wise to change from National Continuance to National Prohibition, or vice versa, on a. bare majority,vote. They are not in agreement -also on the question ns to what length cf interval should take place between licensoing polls. Mr ,McCombs clings to the present system which entails a national battle every . three years. But, on his part, Sir Francis IMI claims that the interval should' be at least six years. If their differences of opinion may bo taken as any guide, opponents of “The- Trade” cannot be said to be hv any means unanimous on the subject, although, officially, the N.Z. Alliance no doubtupholds Mr Mc-Comß’s views. The general opinion will be that the Leader of the Upper House is looking much farther ahead than the member for Lyttelton. He plainly sees that .the present system of triennial polls serves only to maintain perpetual unrest. Wliiit lie wishes to see established is a reasonable, measure of stability whether it be in respect of National Continiwinee or of National Prohibition. But to return to the main’ point in dispute as between Mr McCombs and . y ir Francis Belli The present Upper House is determined not to agree to the'proposals adopted by the Popular Chamber and there is no rule, written or unwritten, which can be invoked to force it to agree to' thorn. In these circumstances, it would seem that the electors should be given an opportunity to decide both vexed matters—percentage to carry either National Continuance or National Prohibition and the length of interval that should occur 1 ptween the polls.