LICENSING BILL

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 1 December 1927, Page 9

LICENSING BILL

IN UPPER HOUSE.

WHAT WILL ITS FATE BE? AMFNDMENTS SUGGESTED (BY TELEGRAPH—SPECIAL TO "THE STAR/’) WELLINGTON, Dec. 1. Interest in the Licensing Bill’s fate is centred in the Legislative Council. It has not yet been decided who will take charge of the measure. Active lobbying is proceeding and despite the fact that pairs are not officially recorded in the Council’s records, they are being arranged so that every member will be able to exercise his vote, as the pair system enables the position to he evenly balanced between the absentees. It is a foregone conclusion that the Council will amend the majority clause, probably imposing a ten per cent, handicap and there is a growing vote for an extension of the tenure to six years, though no majority lor this is claimed. Thus the Dili is sure to be returned to the Lower House in a form acceptable to its supporters, who will then commence the usual conferences between both Houses conducted by three representatives of each side, termed managers. These conferences are held in private and the results reported in brief resolutions to both Houses. If the conclusions are not accepted, further conferences are held with fresh groups of managers. This is the process likely to be very prominent within the next few days and it is highly probable the council will adhere firmly to its amendment of license poll majority, in which case the Bill will be killed this session.

There is a feeling that the majority of the Council is holding the opinion that its function is to secure a full review of important legislation and will continue to maintain opposition to the Bill in its present form until a general election takes place.