DISCREDITABLE TACTICS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 157, 28 March 1919, Page 8

DISCREDITABLE TACTICS

CITIZENS ALARMED AND

MISLED

A BOGUS "PUBLIC WARNING"

A good deal of heated discussion took place in the city yesterday over a placard prominently exhibited on certain hotels. Tho placard in question was printed in bold lettering ami bore, the head ins "Public Warning." Its contents can be ascertained from the copy which wo publish below in the style in which the placard was printed. It will bo noted that the arrangement of the matter conveys the impression to the casual reader and passer-by that a "Public Warning" had been issued over tho signature of Dr. Valintine, Chief Health Officer. It suggests that another outbreak of influenza is imminent, and, if not studied closely, the arrangement of the matter might lead the unwary to believe that Dr. Valintine had issued the warning and had warned the public against voting for prohibition. Tho idea of those responsible for the placard plainly was lo influence tho .public against voting for

prohibition. Judging by the comment heard about the city this alarmist "fake" proclamation is likely to have tho opposite cll'ect. The general opinion appeared lo he that this sort of thimr was "over ilie odds,'' to quote a frequent remark used concerning it,. and that public feeling had been outraged. EXHIBITS AT PETONE COMMENTS BY Dli. VALLXTINE. At the no-license meeting held at lactone last evening, says our special correspondent, tho folluw'ing telegram was read from Dr. Valintine, in reply lo a letter from the Hutt Valley No-1 accuse League, regarding a placard being exhibited in hotel windows:—"Yours of the 24th just to hand, fmust thank your committee for forwarding copy ot proclamation brought to my notice for the first time. First. I have to say that the proclamation did not emanate from myself or from any officer of the .Public. Health Department, and 1 never attached my official or private signature to any proclamation in connection with the licensing movement. 2> T l-ave never authorised anv person or persons to use m.v name as health officer or as private citizen in connection with any such statement, and am taking immediate steps lo prevent this impudent t.ee of my name. You are at liberty to make any use you like of this telegram. "(Signed) VALINTINE. "Chief Health Officer."