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Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1928, Page 2

The Prime Minister in his endeavour to get things done with regard to licensing matters has again taken on himself the whole burden of framing a measure and endeavouring to push it through “off his own hat.” This was the task attempted last year, and it might have been thought from t'-o experience at that time, that Mr Ooates would have been prompted to discuss details at least with his colleagues. It was not a pleasing si>ectaele a year ago to see one of !v own colleagues baiting his leader, and the final discomfiture of the Prime Minister on the hill, left no doubt as to the mistake made in attempting so much without the advice of the Cabinet. This year 'it would appear a similar course is being pursued, and a similar fate for the bill is being predicted. Mr Coates professes to be in favour of the two issue ballot paper now, hut as the measure is not a government one, and there will not be a party vote, it does not appear likely that the bill will get through in the

form designed. The vote in New South Wales on the prohibition issue will doubtless make somo impress on the parliamentary procedure in Wellington. That was a surprisingly large negative vote, and though New Zealand has never reached anything like so emphatic a declaration, the fact that time after time the poll has left things ns they are, suggests that Mr Coates, too, would bo well advised to leave the act as it is, and allow any ultimate change to be brought about by the voice of the people. Just because prohibition cannot succeed along one line, the advocates suggest a change in the law to place the issuo in a more favoured position. That does not appear at all .reasonable, and tho constant desire for the change in the issues is really the upsetting part about the whole matter. On that account Air Coates would have been better, advised so far as the main issue is concerned, to have left the ballot paper on the lines people are most familiar with know, and so secure tho most intelligent vote.