THE LICENSING POLL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1637, 30 December 1905, Page 2

THE LICENSING POLL.

The licensing question is now set at rest for another three years, or for any longer period that the now Parliament may decide upon. Yeet?rday was the last day upon which tho verdict of the people could be challenged upon technical orother grounds* A great deal bad been heaid about apetit:on that was said (o havo been prepared, and a nightly appeal was made for funds to defray the expenses of threatened proceedings by the no-license party. At the last moment, however, after the necessary funds were declared to have been promised —presumably in the belief that there were reasonable grounds of protest—the affair fizzled out, and the no-license party, through its leaders, is now placed in the position of having mado threats and allegations whioh were entirely baseless. Certainly their proceedings were not characterised with that nioety of feeling which should have been uppermost duriDg tho Christmastide. In ordinary political warfare the hatohet is buried immediately the decision of the people is known. Take for instance the Waiapu contest. Although the fight was severe while it las'ed, all the candidates were able to freely shake hands with eaoh other when the numbers went up, and while making no seorot of future intentions to contest the seat, they were able to show thata keen fight did not mean after biforness. Can the sama be said of the proceedings of oeitain prominent members of Ike no-licsDso - party ? It

stands to reason that it magnanimity bad been shown when the result of the poll was declared, the position would have been strengthened for the next contest, but the bitter spirit shown must have a prejudioiel effect on the no-lioenso cause. For their part the licensed vic'uallers conducted a fair and reasonable campaign, eechewiDg oil personal feeling and animus against any individual, and leaving the electors to decide the question on broad giounds. It is an open secret that they might have taken proceedings that would have caused dhtress to some of those opposed to them, but throughout they showed a generous spirit, and one which might with advantage have been adopted by their opponenis. It is pleasing to learn that the g'ett majority of tho no-lieense party have no sympathy with the attitude taken up by the liaders, and that through their influx enoe the petition was cast aside at the last moment. To have proceeded with the petition would havo been to recklessly court failure, and in their own interests tho parly acted wisely in coming to the decision arrived at.

The catering for the Te Karaka raceß has been secured by Mr J. Erskine, Strawberries and cream and light refreshments may be obtained at 11 Tho Sweetories.”

A married eoupla for station, a cook (female), general servant, and a good fencer arc wanted for Te Hau o-.e-A.iua station.

Nominations for the principal events at th 9 Gisborne Racing- Club’s Summer Meeting close with the secretary on Saturday next, January 6th. Unclaimed letters for tho following await delivery at the post office : T. .A. Baner, E. W. Calvert, W. A. Cole, J. Hegarty, C. C. Hinaay, H. T. Hodgkinson (2), and G. Leslie.

An inquest on the body of Richav Habigan, ta’lor, who committed suicidd on Thursday, wa3 held yesterday mornine before Mr W. A. Barton, S.M., Coronerg and a jury of six, of whom Mr R. Robert-, son was ohosen foreman. Evidence was given by Harry Sand'ant, Elizabeth Stevenson, Dr Morrison, Mary Callaghan, R. Harper, and Constable O’Hara. No further particulars than those published in our yesterday’s issue were elicited, and tho jury returned a verdict that deceased commitlod Euioido while temporarily I

A few good painters are advertised for. Thoro will bo no. publication of (ho Times on Monday, Now Yon's Day, A coooort is to hi given by pupils of ibo Gißbomo privets college on Wednesday evening next. Mrs Oav.anigb, Victim township, has vacancies for throe or four permanent boarders. The drawing for Mrs Boutko’s art union prizes takes place at Mr Morrison’s shop this evening. Tbo Wakool loaves Melbourne for Adelaide, Durban, and Capetown on January 10. b.

A small bundle,'wnpped in white oil doth, lost between Wainui and Gisborne, is advertised for. ; At tho Po’iee Court yostorday fines of jGL and c'otti 2s were inflicted on William Kennedy and William Smith for drunkennoisv ' ■ ■

Mrs Slattery will sing at Ibo Army Barraoks on Sunday ovening with guitar acoompaniment. A watchnight service will bo ! hclcl at 1130 pm.

After delaying until tbo last moment, the No-Licenso League yesterday decided not to go on wit&ife-.petit'on that was to bavo been presented'’applying fur a fresh local option poll. %

At Ohristohurch yoeterday Mr W. J. Hunter, hoadmaster of tho Mangapapa sohool, was married to Mi s Laura Maddisin, daughtor of Mr 0. J. Madison, of that city. At Ibe Wesley Church to-morrow morning tho subject of Rev. G. Hounselj's sermon will be, “ Tbo Lessons of the Yoir.” Mr W. Fraz.r will conduct the evening sorvico. Service will bo hold at Makauri at 7 30 p.tn.

Applications for debenturis in the East Coast Timber and Trading Company close to-day. The industry is one that should receive encouragement from all olasses of the community, and wo hope to Bee hearty support accorded the undertaking. Baptist Church services will be eon* ducted by tho Rev. D. Parry in Wbinray’s Hall to-morrow morning and evening. Mr Parry ovoning subject will bo : “ The Right Road Homs,’’ having a epeoial re* ferenoe to tho New Year season. The services at St. Andrew’s Church tomorrow will bs conducted by Rev. J. G. Paterson. In the morning a sermonette will bo given ts tho children ; subject, “ The Changeless Christ.” In tbe evening a special lecture will bo given to young men. Straogers to the town at this season are cordially iavited,

Messrs Wynyard, Ling, and HalUmore have selected the following cricketers to make the trip to Napier at New Year: Davie’, To.kingtoo, Lasker, McConnell, and W. Sharp (Ta-uheru), W. Gibson, J. Ferris, Robinson, M. SberidaD, and Goulding (United), 11. Sharp and Murphy (County), Olsen (Te Rau), H. Ferris and P. Sheridan (Unioti), There has been considerable trouble in getting the learn away, several players being unable to make tho trip. The management committee were in favor of the match with Napier until Easter, but it is probable that at that data a team will be sect lo ro'uro the Wa'aau sub-union’s visit.