The Waipawa Mail FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1928. LICENSING BILL.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XLIX, Issue 152, 14 September 1928, Page 2

The Waipawa Mail FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1928. LICENSING BILL.

In fulfilment of his promise, the Prime Minister has again introduced his Licensing Act Amendment Bill into the House of Representatives, and as it is practically on the same lines as that of last year, the country will await with more than ordinary interest its fate both in the Commons and the Lords. The elimination of the third issue on the ballot paper will again be a bone of contention in the debate. Whatever merits or demerits State Control may have, the placing of this option before the electors gave those who do not see eye to eye with Prohibitionists or those who support Continuance an opportunity of casting a mid-way vote, and if the two-issue proposal is adhered to it means that the moderate section will he driven into one of the two extremist camps. In this connection it is interesting to note that the Prime Minister, when explaining the pro-

visions of the new bill and replying to questions thereon, emphatically stood by the two-issue proposal, and Mr H. Holland, leader of the Opposition, just as emphatically stated that Mr Coates had already decided upon a Ihree-issue paper. The reason for Mr Holland’s extraordinary statement developed during the second reading debate on the hill last night, when it was admitted by the Hon. Mr McLeod that the absent voters’ ballot papers were already printed. Wherever Mr Holland obtained his information, it would seem that, in the circumstances, he was justified in his assumption of insincerity on the part of the promoter of the hill. Coming now to the 55-45 majority, as proposed in the measure before Parliament, it is to be hoped that members will see the reasonableness of insisting that if a change of so drastic a nature is to he given effect to it should be by a majority sufficient to give it a certain degree of , permanency, and not dependent upon j one vote. The N.Z. Alliance claims that the adoption of this percentage means a handicap of approximately 73,000 votes. Quite so, hut if Prohibition is carried it will require the same majority to effect Restoration. Point is made by the Alliance that in accordance with the laws of democracy the majority should rule. How comes it then that although at the 1925 Licensing Poll a majority of 36,077 electors declared against Prohibition the House is so constituted that, according to the voting on the Licensing Bill of last session a majority of the members are in favor of it. This is one of the many iniquities of the first-past-the-post system of election, under which it is pos si hie for the party in power—as at present obtains—to represent a minority of the electors. It also brings into strong relief the unfairness of the pledge system, which deprives a member of the right of freedom of thought and action. With many electors the Prohibition issue overshadows every other question, and instances could be quoted in this district where supporters of the movement have consistently sacrificed their political convictions because certain candidates would not give the pledge insisted on l>v the Alliance. Viewing the bill as a whole it is interesting to note that it pleases neither party. The standing committee of the N.Z. Alliance, whilst approving the proposal to eliminate the third issue on the ballot paper, protests against the 55-45 majority and the extension of the time between the polls. On the other hand, the Licensing Reform Association expresses disappointment at the two-issue proposal. but approves the majority proposal and the extension of the time between polls. In connection with the two-issue paper, if it is adopted, the Licensing Reform Association makes a suggestion which is worthy of more than passing consideration. Tf proposes that the issue to be placed before the electors he —“Are yon in favor of National Prohibition?” “Yes” or “No.” By voting against National Prohibition on such an issue the elector would not necessarily he voting in favor of Continuance of the present licensing system, hut leaving the way open for necessary reforms.