Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 9 December 1927, Page 2

Tiiebe is stiti much discussion about the Licensing Bill which met an untimely end at the beginning ol the week. The fact that the two Houses took reverse views on the measure is being commented upon, and tire action of the legislative Council is being questioned in the matter, it would appear the Council was quite within its right in amending the bill, as it thought, wise, 'll objections to the action were In hold in this instance, (hey would hold in other cases were alterations were made, and the'whole existence of the Council would bo a nullity. As part of the constitution the Council has its duties and obligations, and has a perfect right to exorcise thorn. The Council was quite within its functions in the matter, and the changes made we believe met with very general appreciation. It is to lie regretted those acting for the prohibitionists in Parliament did not act more reasonably, and permit a wellshaped bill to go on tho Statute Book. It would have been possible by a policy of moderation, and the party by securing the two issues had a great deal to gain. The-■■interval Of six years between polls was a fifty-fifty advantage once a decision was reached. and what was more important it was a lover for the".betterment of hotel accommodation. The question of a five per cent, majority could .not be regarded as ground enough for losing the whole hill, and we certainly think a tactical mistake has been made by those who wished to make some forward move towards prohibition. However, the battle was really between people of extreme views who would accept- no compromise, and an opportunity to revise the licensing law cm national lines has been lost. Parliament will probably not got as far with a licensing bill next session as it did this, for the Prime Minister will not be prepared again to place his neck in a noose, and be on the horns of a dilemma of accepting something he docs not believe will be good for the Dominion. Perhaps .therefore, we may regard the whole subject of the licensing law revision as dead for tho rest of tins Parliament.