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Hokitika Guardian, 19 June 1928, Page 2

When the licensing issue comes before Parliament—probably next month, for the Prime Minister again lias promised to move in the matter—the fate of the Bill is still a matter of doubt. The contents of the measure may decide its fate, hut until the proposals are revealed it would bo idle to speculate on its prospects. At the same time there is not much likelihood of any material change in the attitude of members on vital points. So many of the members were found to lie pledged on important aspects that that attitude will no doubt he manifested again if similar situations arise. Mr Coates in one of his earlier statements on the question, expressed his own views on tthe futility of attempting to enforce prohibitilon without a stable majority, and this no doubt will be one of the main points on which Parliament will be divided. The other burning question will be the number of issues to bo put to the people. It is likely that the matter of an extended tenure

will go by the board, but the issues on which any poll may be taken is of course of vital moment to those with personal views on the subject. While there are license and prohibition issues —the two extremes of the major question—there are those moderates wlio wish to retain license under very restricted State control. The ease for this is the stronger because of the experience in Canada and elsewhere. Tho majority of the people so far ns an expression at the ballot box is concerned, arc against prohibition. At the last poll, while 319,450 votes were cast for national prohibition, the number in opposition were 355,627. Of.the latter total 56,037 were for State purchase and control, so that- it will ho seen there is a very considerable opinion for the middle course, as against prohibition. This vote is a growing one. In 1919 it was 32,261 and in 1922, 35,727. The task of reducing the ballot paper to two issues only would therefore impose on a considerable section a palpable hardship, and would dose the door to a measure of reform which in different countries lias been found to have an admirabe effect. The coming session will therefore create special interest in the licensing question when the matter of deciding issues arise.