SCRAPS FROM THE DEBATE.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19159, 16 November 1927, Page 9

SCRAPS FROM THE DEBATE.

[THB PBESB Special Sorrice.] WELLINGTON, November 15. A" reference made by Mr Coates, moving tho second reading of tlio Licensing Bill, to the proposed extension of tenure drew from Mr 11. EHolland the query: "Has the Alliance agreed to the extension f" Mr Coates: I don't know what thoy think. As far as I can see they aro nil having a dig at mo.

Referring to the United states, Mv Coates said it was very difficult t<form an opinion as to whether Prolulu tion was a success or not. Some expressed ono opinion and some tinother. When vou went there soin ■ would toll vou that the proper was to have your bootlegger and your chemist. (Laughter.) Mr Wilford: Thov are not necessary if you have your doctor. Ho'll give vou a prescription! * Mr Coates (laughing): I never thought of that.

The Prime Minister was developing tho idea that it was unwise to pass :< law if it would not be respected, or could not be enforced. Mr Wilford interjected that no law could bo enforced unless a majority ot tho men in the community wore in favour of it. The Prime Minister: I profor to soy "a maiority of population." Mr Wilford: The women cannot do tho enforcing. The Prime Minister: My opinion has always been that the women aro tho grentest moral force in tho country. Women set the standard to bo maintained. Supposing 55 per cent, of tho women carried the Prohibition poll, we, tho men, would be first to fall into line. (Applause.)

Mr Coates said he knew that Mr Mc Combs, the member for Lyttelton, would give them reams of figures, but ho (Mr Coates) had some doubt about certain figures. It was the will and tho spirit of the people that counted. Mr J. A Lee (Auckland East): Especially tho spirit! (Laughter.) Mr Coates: I have almost forgotten the flavour of it, ns everyone knows.

' "Is it vour intention to go right through w'ith the Bill?" asked Mr H. E. Holland. "Will it be put qn tho Statute Book?" "That depends on the House," said Mr Coates. Mr Holland: Does it not depend on the Government? Mr Coates: If you will say now that you will help, it will go a long' way towards getting it ovor quickly. Mr Holland: Naturally, I will help vou if you will make the alterations I want. Mr Coates: That is just an. indication of the way things are. A)l members want . to make alterations; Tha more you go into it. the moro divorso are the views, and the more difficult it is to find a solution. Tho Bill is clearcut, straight-forward, and easy to '■understand, and if it goes on the Statute Book it will give general satisfaction. I believe it is fair to both sides, although neither seems to think so. "Will you accept amendments?" asked Mr Holland. Mr Coates: It depends on what they are. Full'opportunity will be given to discuss tho Bill, but if I seo that it is getting into a shape that I cannot support, I should have to indicate to the House that I did not agree with what was being done. I think I am entitled to do that.

legislative; council. (press association teusobaii.) WELLINGTON, November 1.5. In the Legislative Council to-day the Newmarket Borough .Council Vesting and Empowering Bill,, the Lower Hutfc Borough Council Empowering Bill, and the Napier Foreshore Bill were received from the House, read a first time, and referred to the Local Bills Committee. The Motor Vehicles Amendment Bill, the Valuation of Land Amendment Bill, the Motor Spirits Taxation Bill, the ' Local Legislation , Bill, and the Howard Estate Amendment Bill were received from the House and read a first time, the Valuation of Land Amendment Bill being also read a second time pro forma, and referred to the Lands Committee, and the Local Legislation Bill being referred*to the Local Bills Committee. The Main Highways Amendment Bill was read a second time, and the Greytown Trust Lands Trustees Empowering Bill was put through its final stages and passed without amendment. The Motor Spirits Taxation Bill was also passed without amendment after a brief discussion concerning the allocation of moneys to the South Island. / The Council adjourned at 4.30 p.m.