THE BARE MAJORITY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 418, 1 August 1908, Page 3

THE BARE MAJORITY.

In the House on Thursday.

In the House on Thursday, Mr Laurenson moved the second reading of the Licensing Polls Absolute Majority Bill, contending that as absolute majority ruled all other elections, it should do so in the licensing poll. Although opinion was strong in favour of no license, it had only been carried in six electorates.

Mr Rutherford opposed the Bill on the ground ot the expense imposed on licensees to provide the accommodation asked by committees.

Mr McNab opposed the Bill on the ground of the turmoil and unrest that would be occasioned in constituencies by bare majority. He said that in future it would be the Trade parly which would ask for the bare majority as the only chance of getting buck licenses. Mr James Allen opposed the Bill on the ground that owing to the unrest occasioned by it, the law would not be effective under bare majority.

Dr. Chappie vigorously opposed the Bill and said the rule of the bare majority was tyrannical and not democratic. Stability was essential to make law effective. The three-fifths majority was indispensable iu the interests of temperance. Mr C. Hall thought they mustguide against the confiscation of property, as the result of a catch vote.

Mr Malcolm supported the Bill in a strong no-license speech. Mr Fisher strongly opposed the Bill as a tactical blunder and likely to cause ceaseles unrest. The progress of uo-license had been satisfactory and be was earnestly opposed to the liquor traffic, but the present measure would not further the cause he had at heart. The Prime Minister said it was obvious that a general Licensing Bill would engender interminable discussion, judging by this debate. There was no time in the last session of Parliament to deal with the liquor question. On this particular question, the large majority of members had pledged themselves to support the present law. It would be a retrograde step for a matter of this kind to be dealt with by a private Bill. Mr D. Buddo opposed the Bill on account of a pledge, as referred to by other members, and also 011 other grounds.

Mr Baume said he had consistently throughout his career pledged himself to the three-fifths majority. His views were strengthened in the same direction, especially after hearing the remarks of Dr. Chappie, and the Hon. R. M’ Nab, all staunch advocates of No-License.

Mr Flatman supported the threefiftbs majority. Mr Barber felt it necessary to vote against the Bill.

Mr T. MacKeuzie said he was pledged to the three-fifths majority.

Mr Laurenson said he bad been amused at some of the speeches on the axiom that he who excuses himself very often accused himself. He replied at length to avowed prohibition advocates wbo were against him on this matter, and said he would go to the division lobby if he went alone. The second reading was defeated by 54 votes to 8.