POLITICAL NOTES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2246, 18 July 1908, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

[Special to “Times.”] WELLINGTON, July 17. A PROHIBITION MOVE. THE BARE MAJORITY PRINCIPLE. During the past few days members of Parliament have been deluged with so many letters, telegrams, and postcards from constituents asking diem to support the bare majority principle in regard to prohibiting the sale of liquor that it is evident there is a, concerted movement in action. Mr. Laurenson has. a Bill on the Order Paper dealing with tho question, and this is the measure lion, members are being asked to support. A great many members? are considerably annoyed that such extreme pressure’should be brought to bear on 'them under all the circumstances. Several point out that they have supported the prohibition movement and have pledged' themselves. to the three-fifths majority principle at the request of the party which is now asking them to go back on these pledges. A well-known member, to-day assured me that there is great ■ indignation amongst niembers in consequence, and the present move will undoubtedly do harm to the pro-, hibition movement. He says the bare majority Bill has not a hundred to one chance of becoming) law, but even if the Lower House were to pass it unanimously it would certainly,be thrown! out in the Upper House. THE HIGH COMMISSIONER. The appointment of the Hon. W. P. Reeves as High Commissioner in London is for three years dating from 14th Juno last.