TE AWAMUTU COURIER Printed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays MONDAY, 28th FEBRUARY, 1949 GAMING AND LICENSING

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 78, Issue 7025, 28 February 1949, Page 4

TE AWAMUTU COURIER Printed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays MONDAY, 28th FEBRUARY, 1949 GAMING AND LICENSING

AS the date for the taking of the special poll on hotel licensing hours and off-course betting draws nearer it becomes increasingly evident that whatever the result may be it will prove a poor indication of the real state of public opinion. Both questions are admittedly deep-seated in long-established conviction and bear largely on the social habits of the people. In the form of questionnaire now placed before the electors the questions are narrowed to a direct yes or no on issues which deny consideration of still wider questions of public policy or conduct. It happens in consequence that many—Very many —’people are finding it difficult to decide between what they regard not as their true opinion but as the lesser of two evils. At very best the licens-

ing poll is objectionable to many voters who from choice—-if they could be permitted to state their opinion cor-rectly—-would have neither prohibition nor continuance of the present system as it has developed in this country. They welcomed the setting up of a Commission of Inquiry as a

serious attempt to relate licensing with public interest, and, to the extent that the Government’s order of reference allowed, it can be seen that the Commission studied the effect and operation of the licensing laws and put forward proposals for a general review of the whole service. But instead of submitting a proposal for more effective reform, the Government has merely fringed the question by a reference to no more than determine the hours of opening and closing for ;sale to the public. SiiniJarly with the gaming laws; instead of proceeding further with the comprehensive reform submitted by the Gaming Commission, the Government seeks public opinion on the one question of off-course betting. These approaches are as unsatisfactory as they are unworthy. The predicament of many electors is apparent, especially when, on the ground of conscience. both the licensing and gaming laws are opposed. No matter how they vote —or if they do not vote at al]—these people must now endorse principles to which they are opposed. Even if there be no moral objection to the ballot-paper question as it stands, assent or refusal cannot be easily given by many more voters whose true opinion—-if it could be stated—would make overhaul and reform in wider directions a first stipulation to acceptance or rejection of the Government’s present questions. There is reason indeed for the prevalent condemnation of the referendum in its present form; little welder there is scant enthusiasm and even less confidence in the result. Nevertheless the occasion must be seriously regarded, and attempt should be made to answer the questions submitted for popular decision. As a key or guide to future legislation—if it could at long last be hoped that Parliament will attempt reform—the question of hotel hours can have an important bearing as indicating whether or not public interest can be more clearly defined. Similarly, the indication whether gambling should be brought

more under control or /whether it should be allowed to run on illicitly can be regarded as stating the public mood. Leaving untouched all those broader questions which must influence the individual voter—-those questions of consciehce or of moral right —and realising that there is now no opportunity to state whether or not the habits and customs are liked or disliked—the elector can go to this poll merely to indicate whether the betels hours should extend and whether better control over gambling should be exercised. To refrain from voting is to virtually allow matters to stand unaltered; is almost equivalent to admission that existing conditions are considered satisfactory, and that no reform is desired. The franchise should certainly be exer- • cised not merely for acceptance or I rejection of the questions now submitted but rather as an indication to the Government that even greater reform is desirable and accords with popular ' desire. An apathetic electorate can be regarded'as a reason foir continued apathy in Parliament.