ABSOLUTE MAJORITY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 416, 28 July 1908, Page 2

ABSOLUTE MAJORITY.

As Touching Two Reforms. Speech by Mr Poole, M.P. During the debate on the Ad-dress-in-Reply, Mr Poole, M.P, for Auckland West, said in the - course of his remarks Sir, in connection with the representation in this House by an absolute majority, I think that that is a democratic mo\ e. The time has arrived when uoconstituency should have minority representation, which endangers the interest of a community. lam prepared to support with all my heart this proposal to bring about the election of candidates by an absolute majority, and thereby give theni a greater claim to their seat add greater security to the Administration in power. But, Sir, with this recommendation there comes into my mind the wish of the people that another measure should be placed upon the statute-book equally as democratic and equally as necessary as an absolute majority on the representation question, and that is the bare majority on the liquor traffic. I am democratic enough to say that if the liquordealers of this country can win by a bare majority, licenses should be continued in this country. I am also democratic enough to say that if the No-license party in this country carry no-license by a bare majority their expressed wish at the ballot-box should be respected.. We scarcely understand yet the magnificent successes that are connected with the passing of this measure. Honorable gentlemen, a wave has been sweeping across the world bringing thousands and millions into “ dry ” areas, where taxation has been decreased, where departments have been relieved of immense responsibilities, and where now prosperity and decency are known, and few, if any, prisoners are found; and it seems to me with all our efforts to solve the many problems that are knocking at the door of this Legislature, we shall solve 50 per cent. ' of those problems if we give some V of the best people of this Dominion a clear mu ou the bare majority issue. Oh, Sir, the possibilities of this reform are enough to inspire most callous who have not vested interests in the perpetuation of a legalised crime ; and a majority of the voters of this Dominion have lodged their protest, and they ask for democratic legislation to help them to the realisation of their hope. This is not the utterance of fanaticism. This is an important question now in social economies, and if you want a reduction of taxation, and a settlement of institutional difficulities just try noliceuse,' and you will see where it will carry you to. Half the people in the United States are under noliceuse to-day, and enjoying in many places unprecedented prosperity under a bare majority. Why, I do not believe that the gentlemen who are on the Treasury benches are opposed to this measure. I am of opinion that they are anxious to do something to justify the confidence the people have in them ; but if they refrain and stand back I dare not think what the result will be, and if I were occupying the seat occupied by the leader of the Oppositionwhy, I would be responsible for a measure that would knock some of the weaklings over like nine pins, and those benches might be filled with robust men anxious for moral reform. But the leader of the Opposition has not got the pluck or the sand to do it. He will not race the music. I know it. I have tested him. Now, Sir, that is democracy, and it may have a socialistic taint about it too, becauise it has an element of brotherhood in it.