THE LICENSING BILL.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 255, 27 September 1928, Page 4

THE LICENSING BILL.

THAT most contentious piece of all legislation, the Licensing Bill, came to rather an abrupt ending. It was predicted that history would repeat itself and it would be left to the Legislative Council to administer the coup-de-grace. ,■ Therefore it was rather a surprise when the Bill was thrown out by the ’ Lower House on the third reading. Its fate is not to be regretted. The most vital point in the Bill had been changed in committee. The introduction of decision on the bare majority would have • made the Bill dangerous had it be.come law. There is a need for stability and authority behind any drastic change of social or moral conditions. Prohibition would imply the creation of 1 a new category Of ! criminal offences at the wish of half the people, which the other half possibly would not regard as a Sin. The law says it is a criminal offence for a bookmaker to make a bet. But apparently the bulk of "public opinion does riot regard it in that light. - The enforcement of a law which has not the sanction and support of a substantial majority of the people must be difficult, and the failure of enforcement must have a detrimental effect on the community. To expect the House as at present constituted to deal in a thorough manner with any licensing legislation was to ask too much. In view of their pledges many members were practically powerless. They did not have a free 1 " mind. The wishes of the bulk' of the people were not considered. The principle of whether prohibition is or is not the remedy is determined at the no license poll. What does come within .the province of the legislation is measures which will lead to reform and the improvement of the licensing system and its details. And to this no attention is ever given. AH that happens is a fight between the “ drys ” and the “ wets ” to try and secure some advantage in the no license poll. Uritil Parliament arrives at a better understanding of its responsibility- it seems almost hopeless to expect a sincere endeavour to promote reform. The first step ' to lead to this will be the abolition of pledges. It seems very likely that most aspirants for Parliament this year will be very chary about committing themselves to any organisation outside their party arid the stronger men will demand a free hand. Probably the electors will insist on this.

The debate on the Bill was not brilliant. Many members got on to side paths which led them far from the main road. In fact the whole discussion is reminiscent of the Walrus and the Carpenter:— “ The time has come,” the Walrus said, “To talk of many things : Of shoes and ships and sealing wax—i Of cabbages—and kings—- “ It seems a shame,” the Walrus said, “To play them such a trick. After we’ve brought them out so far, And mad: fhei". ‘rot so c-V-'-.” The Carpenter sftid nothriv br+ “ The butter’s spread too thick ! ”