ONE MAN GOVERNMENT.

Waipawa Mail, Volume L, Issue 1, 17 September 1928, Page 3

ONE MAN GOVERNMENT.

SIR JOSEPH WARD AND THE PREMIER. LICENSING BILL INCIDENT. WELLINGTON, Saturday. It was mentioned by the Prime Minister when introducing the Licensing Bill that none of his colleagues knew what was in it beforehand. “I was sorry to hear the Prime Minister make such a statement,” remaiked Sir Joseph Ward in the House. I wish to put on record my personal protest against such a system of Government of one. This is a very undesirable doctrine to propound, very wrong in practice, and undesirable to follow.” Readers of Hansard, continued the member for Invercargill, would get the impression that there was a one-man Government. He strongly believed that every member of a Ministry should have the opportunity of reviewing every clause of measures subnvtted by the Government. What right, he asked, had the Prime Minister to submit a proposal ns head of the Government which none "of his colleagues had seen ? It lead to a not very edifying result of a member of the Ministry publicly attacking the head of the Government. “SAVE THE CHILDREN.” One of the strongest opponents of prohibition heard in the House last night was Mr Lysuar (Gisborne), who made a big point when he said that the children of tlm country should he brought up to respect the laws of the country. A law that was not observed was worse than no law at all The school ehildri n must he looked after. Mr Potter (Roskill): What do you suggest, free heel's at 11 o’clock in the schools? Mr Lysuar: The hon. member might like to go there when the free beers were on. hut I would not go across the street. (Laughter). “Do vou believe in prohibition?” queried Mr Lysnar during Sir Joseph Ward’s arresting speech in the House “No. I have never advocated prohibition.” replied Sir Joseph. ”1 do rot believe that twelve men should he able to tell eleven men what they should eat. If twelve men should lie able to do that, then twelve men shonhl he able to tell me to he an atheist, and I don't want that. (Hear, hear!.

A Reform member: How ahout doctors? Sir Joseph: I don’t care tuppence about twelve doctors except when T want them, and flint, happens only once in a lifetime. I don’t want doc tors who will talk radical politics and vote against you on everything pro gressive.