Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 3 December 1927, Page 2

Till-: Prime Minister will not begetting much kudos over the Licensing Bill. Apparently he will need a good deal of sympathy to counter the abuse that will he his. But really he should Tinvo some praise for the courage lie has shown in the matter. To begin with, lie kept his promise. To do that lie had practically to go against his colleagues in the Ministry and also in the House. That is evident because in crucial divisions these supporters deserted him. Perhaps there will he some charge against Mr Coates that at this stage lie showed lack of personal safeguards

by not being hotter informed of how his supporters would vote, hut he still had his promise to keep. And in keeping it, we know that at the outset his Bill did not please anyone. Mr Coates’ Hill was condemned by prohibition and trade party alike, and he might well have withdrawn it at that stage, and said “very well, gentlemen, that is the host I can do for you.” That it was the l>est is evidenced by his logical comment on the situation when tuagreed to allow the hill to proceed a- hill which the prohibitionists at first cursed, hut now bless. Mr Coates was particularly courageous in his statement. to Parliament on AYcducsday in that he laid tho national situation clearly before members. Several members. however, had tied thcm-clvcs io certain planks on the hustings, and they must feel that though in voting, tlic'y kept their promises, they did so at the expense of their own principals. Mr Coates detailed in plain language where the House was heading to in the present stampede, hut the voice of the Leader prevailed not at all. As the prime cause of the hill appearing at all. Mr Coates will have to shoulder some responsihlitv. but his motive was so clear and genuine all through that the blame will he minimised by all who are prepared to. consider the position dispassionately. They will appreciate that Mr Coates endeavoured to do the right thing in the right way, which fact minimises the failure to succeed.