THE LICENSING DEBATE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4713, 3 August 1893, Page 1

THE LICENSING DEBATE.

fSBOM OVn OWN COBBIBPOWDBNT.I

WELLINGTON, AvcfObt 2. The f ulleßt attendance of members and the most crowded gallerie3 of the session were unmistakeable signs when the House assembled at 7.30 this evening that something of unn3ual interest was expected. The pubfto gallerie» were filled to overflowing, there was about a. score of Legislative Councillors in the place Bet apart for them, and several " distinguished" visitors occupied seats on the floor of the House. There was a buzz of expectation when the Clerk called on the Licensing Act Amendment Bill, which gave place to one of livelier curiosity when Mr Buckland was seen Ho be on hirfeet with a point of order. This was elaborately stated, but promptly brushed anide by the Speaker, and then

818 B. STOUT arose amid a hearty round of applause from the Government Bide of the House. Hiß address, whioh occupied just under half an hour, w&b a" moat pointed, persuasive and telling one, and though it was well-reasoned and closely connected, he could pause in tile flow of bis eloquence to reply to a rude interjection by Mr Fish,' by remarking-,." This is as illustration of the old proverb that some* people rush in where others do not like to' walk." This sally elicited loud laughter, which was succeeded ~by quizzical ' expressions and remarks when Sir Robert proceeded to quote Sb Paul on abstaining: from meat leßt a brother should stumble. Hearty plaudits marked the close of his speech. The Pretaier and 3& Saunders rose simultaneously to * continue the debate, but the former gave way, and the member for SBlwyn- proceeded to deliver an earnest address in support of the BiP. Colonel Fraserj. who- followed, was vigorous and stentorian in denunciation of the'meaßure. Encouraging " Hear, heara" from the Opposition Benches kept him up to concert pitch, , and uproarious laughter greeted his quotation 1 of -St Paul's advice :to" Drink no more water, but take a little wine for thy stomachs cake." To him succeeded • - THK PRBMIEBy. ,• . who annbunced ' the ' Government policy on the subject amid mixed demonstrations. His politio promise of a measure that would be satisfactory to all parties was rather derided; .but his - outspoken declaration, of his personal determination to support the second reading of the Bill was applauded. The next notable speech was that of • THE MINISTER FOB EDUCATION, \ and it ia generally admitted to be one of the most statesmanlike deliverances of this session. His attitude on the subject* although unique, is a perfectly consistent one. He would have supported the second reading but for his election pledge, trusting to the Bill being made acceptable in Committee. He declared against giving power of veto to a bare majority. To keep absolute faith with his constituents, he would vote againat the second reading, though he would have to go into the opposite lobby from the Premier, and though he agreed with many points in the Bill. There was nearly a collapse of the debate after Mr Taylor sat down, no other speaker being apparently ready. Sir R. Stout sprang up to reply, but . r ? "•.v"^,^..^V^;;cWß. | vFISH^' ■■;■ - Iwas^lert.ahdj at. once rushed into the breach with-' eleven points' against the Bill, which he proceeded to elaborate long-windedly, quoting copiously from books and printed documents. From this point the debate began to drag, and id was evident that obstruction had taken the place of argument. Mr Fisb, after going on for nearly three hours, was fresh and vigorous at one in the morning, and it was -stated that he intended to quote all the texts of scripture bearing on strong drink, and basing arguments thereon. A report being circulated j that Mr Swan intended following him and speaking for four hours, members prepared to make a night of it to prevent a division being snatched or a count-out taking place. Mr Joyce, snugly rolled up in a blanket, went to Bleep in the House, but moat of the members retired to Bellamy's or to the library. Shortly after midnight the bell wan rung to make a House, and the requisite number being forthcoming Mr Fish proceeded to talk drowsily to a drowsy quorum.