The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1928. THE LICENSING ISSUE.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 May 1928, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1928. THE LICENSING ISSUE.

! The Prime Minister (Air Contes) is 1 again to Ikj congratulated on bis attitude regarding issues involved in a licensing bill. An influential deputation from the New Zealand Alliance pressed the head of the Government in unqualified language for the introduction of another licensing bill. Air Coates, a.s in duty bound, conceded the request with a definite promise on the subject, but not without an expression of his own opinion on some of the burning aspects of the question. To that extent, Air Coates was both frank and fair, and is entitled to the approbation of all fair-minded people. In the course of his reply to the deputation, the Prime Alinister traced tho history of the licensing bill which was introduced following the promise given by his predecessor, lie paid n tribute to the earnestness and devotion of those who believed in Prohibition, declaring that lie was not unmindful of the great people behind that movement. He had introduced the hill for the purpose of raising the licensing question, and of finding, possible points of compromise between the two opposing views. It was absolutely uonpartv, and liis Ministerial colleague, the Hon J. A. Young (sitting beside him at the deputation) did not support him. When the hill took a shape which lie disapproved, he reported progress to get in touch with various members ot his party, and to bring about a series of conferences. Many were held, but no compromise was scoured; therefore lie left it to Parliament, and lie believed that was the attitude of Sir Francis Bell in the Legislative Council. There was no intention to doilgo the question, the Prime Alinister declared, but lie definitely held that where a big social change was involved it was safer to have public opinion behind it to ensure that the law would be carried out. When laws were passed it should he with the clear determination that they would he carried out to finality. Except by means of a preponderance of public opinion, lie would be nervous and concerned over compliance with the law. Tn view of the almost general desire of members and a great proportion of the public that the licensing question should be settled, if possible, a bill would be again introduced during the coming session. “I think it a matter of duty on my part,” said Air Coates, “that Parliament should again have this opportunity of considering it.” Afr Coates added that he earnestly believed that if liquor was to continue in the Dominion there was ample room for reform in the liquor trade. As for the deputation’s sugggestions that tho country’s youth were being demoralised, one had only to compare them with the youth of other parts of the world, and see in our schools the bright, keen 'eyes, intelligent faces and confident look of our children to tell definitely that far from this young nation going hack it was still striding ahead. It will be seen from tho foregoing that the Prime Afinister made a very lucid and clear statement, and the deputation could not misunderstand his attitude. Afr Coates stands where he .stood last session, so that it would appear the Licensing Bill to be introduced this session <vill be op the

lines of that presented last year. Air Coates gave a cogent reason for a majority to decide the issue of license or no license, assuming .that the third issue of State Control be removed from the ballot paper. Perhaps the most adequate part of the reply, however, was the denial that the country’s youth were being demoralised by the liquor trade. On that point Air Coates was able to convey a flat contradiction and to indicate what the youth of the country were doing, and their standing in the world. Blit there is another issue for very serious consideration, and that is tile financial' ■side. The figures revealed by the Budget, and the comments on the financial position of the Dominion, reveal much food for thought as to what will happen if the revenue from the trade is lost, not only to the Dominion as a whole, but also to the localities where licensing revenue is of moment. The dislocation will be very considerable and . certainly ‘ most inconvenient. It will have the effect, likewise, of throwing the country hack as a tourist resort. .If prohibitioi comes here, the loss of tourist trade will be pronounced at once, despite what may be spent on publicity to attract visitors. The country is not strong enough numerically or financially for such a drastic* experiment. By far the better way would be the middle course—the reform of "the trade —for which the Prime Minister has indicated there is ample room. Along reasonable lines in that respect much could Ice. done. AVliat has l>cen done already, we believe, has been lielplul, and Air Coates’ tribute to the stamina of the rising generation is proof or what is being accomplished. The. subject, when brought down in Parliament will result again in a Hood iff talk, but as far a.s can lie gleaned the ultimate late of the measure will be much the same as last year, unless the spirit of compromise is abroad.