LICENSING QUESTION

Hokitika Guardian, 7 January 1928, Page 3

LICENSING QUESTION

ATTITUDE OF REFORM PARTY. WELLINGTON, Jan. 5. “ Speculation to the contrary notwithstanding, there are. no indications that a special caucus of the Reform _ Party will be. held this month to consider the situation that has arisen over the licensing question,” writes the “ Dominion’s ” Parliamentary representative. “ The deceased Licensing Act Amendment Bill was dealt with by Parliament last session on strictly nonparty lines, and oil the main issues the Labour Party was divided as equally as were the Government forces. In the channels of compromise lay the solution of the difficulties standing in the way of placing a satisfactory measure on the statute book. It is known that the Prime Minister was prepared—and still is—to probe that method of settlement to the full. “ The bare majority issue was, of course, the obstacle. Pledged to the hilt on that question the members ol the party supporting prohibition would not budge an inch, whereas the Prime Minister was prepared to give way to a certain extent, insisting, however, on the retention of some provision for a percentage majority decision, so as to have enforcement guaranteed in the event of prohibition being carried. Determination by 52{ per cent was regarded by many as a fair compromise. Imt it is believed that Mr Coates would have gone as far as to accept 52 per cent in order to save the other parts of tho Bill, which he considered to bo desirable machinery for the improvement of existing conditions. .“Determination of the licensing question by a bare maiortiy is a fundamental plank in the platform of the prohibition party, and its statutory enactment has been the subject of a long figlit and will, no doubt, continue t-> be so. It does not follow, though, that all the prominent supporters of the cause are on this occasion nailed bead and feet to that plank. It is stated, in fact, that so far as last session’s Bill is concerned a reasonable compromise in preference to party division would be acceptable to some. It is further stated that- some supporter- of prohibition outside the House, as well as inside it. have not abandoned hopes of a settlement of the difficulties, and art working for a compromise that will form the basis of a Bill which will go through without trouble next session.

“ In the meantime certain quarters are attempting to make political capital out of the outspoken utterances of the Reform member for Temiika i.tir T. D. Burnett), who was prominent in the negotiations with the Prime Minister on the Licensing Bill. One of the statements attributed to All Burnett was that ‘ The voice of the people is going to be upheld at all costs, no matter whose personal feelings are hurt or cut across.’ Presumably these remarks bear on the bare majority issue, and they assume that because so many Government members who signed the Newi Zealand Alliance pledge were returned at the last elections u mandate was expressed in favour of a bare majority. 'lliis creates, then, a second assumption—that the licensing was the overshadowing issue at those elections, which woe not the case. Sound and prudent administration under the premiership of a young New Zealander versus an administration which aims at the socialisation of the means of production, distribution and exchange was the main question on which the electors ol tic Dominion voted. As lar as is known the Reform Party caucus this year will be bold at the customary time prior to the commencement of the session.”