THE LICENSING BILL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20287, 21 December 1927, Page 11

THE LICENSING BILL.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — I am neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but 1 am quite prepared to affirm that nest election will prove to be one of the keenest political fights that has ever occurred in New Zealand, unless the Licensing Bill becomes law next session as passed by the House of Representatives recently. The election will assume a new aspect, and the central factor in the campaign will prove to be this: Whether the people of this country are going to rule and govern, through the members of Parliament, or whether it is to be government by a body of men known as the Legislative Council who are not democratically elected to the position they hold, but placed there directly by the Prime Minister. A more autocratic action by Mr Coatqs with reference to the Licensing Bill which he introduced could hardly be looked for. He was quite willing that members should have a “ free hand, and he desired that “the Bill should pass,” but it was to be in accordance with his own ideas. Because the House took another view he practically disowned the measure, and relegated to the background any responsibility which might be his. An altogether unnecessary fuss has been made concerning “ pledges ” given by the candidates prior to last election on the licensing question. There was nothing secret about it. The questions to parliamentary candidates were submitted by circular, and their replies, together with the questions, were published in the papers. It is quite the usual thing to question candidates as to their attitude on political matters, especially of a controversial nature. We well remember how years ago men on a public platform, aspiring to parliamentary honours, pledged themselves, if returned to the House, to maintain the “ free, secular, and compulsory ” system of education. “ Circumstances alter cases/’ —I am, etc., December 19. M. “A COLONIAL’S LAMENT.” TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —Your issue of the 19th inst. contained a letter by a young colonial who, though willing to turn his hand to anything, is unable to find work. I trust hie letter has at last got him a job or position; but, if not, may I pass on for his benefit the experiences of a man I know, who, some years ago, wore out a pair of boots in Timaru in a vain effort to find work? This man listed his name with all his friends, who, if they heard of anything, were to let him know, and forthwith he went all along the seashore and gathered sea shells and oyster shells, etc., ground them up, and sold the crushed shells to the poultry farmers at so much per bag. Inside a week he was making 28s per day clear. In about six or eight weeks one of hie friends tipped him off to a permanent position. Now, if " Willing to Work” will try his hand at grinding a few bags of oyster and sea shells I will pay him 7s 6d per cwt for them. I will also try to find him work if he cares to write me, as he appears to be the right type of chap to deserve every consideration. My name and address he may obtain from the editor of the Daily Times, and he should state his ape. In conclusion, if we all took Mr Amerce advice to buy British goods and trade more in the Empire, and above all. if we refused to buy goods from the United States, the most selfish nation in the world, there would he little or no unemployment.—l am, etc., Canadian. Clyde, December 20.