THE BARE MAJORITY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2257, 31 July 1908, Page 3

THE BARE MAJORITY.

DISCUSSED IN PARLIAMENT

THE PRINCIPLE CONDEMNED

[Special to “Times.”] WELLINGTON, July 30. The discussion on Air. Laurenson’s Licensing Absolute Alajority Bill tonight (reported in another column by the Press Association) showed very clearly what ■! have stated on several occasions recently, that the advocates of temperance reform were m iking a great tactical mistake in bringing in such a measure. Speaker after speaker, including such temperance advocates as the HOll. Air. (McNab, Dr. Chappie, and Air. Fisiier, stated that the Bill 'Would cause a serious division in the ranks of. tho temperance party. All*. Fisher said that he knew amongst his own friends hundreds of people who had voted no-license who had, in consequence of this measure, already signified tlieir intention of casting their votes in the opposite direction at the next election, because they recognised the danger that would bo brought about in trade in this country were license and no-licensc to be brought about by a majority of one. The Premier made one point clear, a point denied by the Christchurch committee, when he said that the great majority of men returned to the present Parliament had pledged themselves to the law as it now stood. Indeed, lie went much further, and stated emphatically that had the bare majority been in evidence (in .the past, the present legislation would never have gone on the statute books, a statement that, was received with various “hear, heirs.’.’ Sir Joseph allowed that the present Bill would have 110 chance in committee. He ventured to say that before it bad been in committee for a day it would have a fail to ft of three or four hundred amendments. Alemher after member rose and said that ffliey had been pledged to the three-fifths majority.