THE SECOND BALLOT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2355, 23 November 1908, Page 2

THE SECOND BALLOT.

[To the Edit on.] I Sir,—Should it be necessary to have a poll next Tuesday, it behoves every one who lias a vote to exercise the same, and, 'akin to Lord Nelson’s signal on the “Victory,” “New Zealand expects this day every man (and woman) to do their duty.” There will be no valid excuse for anyone, “Carroilites” or “Lartonites,” for not voting, as there are plenty of voting booths, and besides which a halfholiday has been declared to enable everyone to exercise this privilege.— I am., etc., C.A.K.G. [To the Editor.] Sir. —I think the whole community h’is been very favorably impressed with the fairness*and straightforward manner of the “Times'” in the recent political contest. Mr. Clayton, the candidate of the Opposition party, is now birred from contesting the second ballot, and' the result now remains to be decided by the electors between the Hon. James Carroll and Mr. Darton. The politics of the Ministry and the Opposition are without contradiction similar in purpose and design. I claim the votes and support of all those who voted for Mr. Clayton in favor of Mr. Carroll as against Mr. Darton. Mr. Clayton’s supporters knew what they were advocating; .and the objects of both the Ministerial party and the Opposition were in reality the same. But thev believed that the Opposition led by Mr. Massey would be more likely to succeed in those objects than the party Jed by Sir Joseph Ward. There being then no difference in reality or in the essential points between the policy of these two parties, it ran be carried into effect by the present Government and the large majority which it represents. The case betwceen Mr. Carroll and Mr. Datron.is absolutely different. Mr. Darton has no party, no political creed, no certainty of action, no plans for the advancement of this district, or for the general welfare of the Dominion. He advocates in a misty fashion the claims of the Labor Unions and the carrying of “No-license.” But beyond these there is nothing in Mr. Darton’s speeches or actions which entitles-him to claim a single vote >at the second ballot. Mr. Carrol on the other hand has helped to give the people the right to decide upon the laws which shall govern the sale of intoxicating liquors in each electorate. He has given specific .aid to those enactments regulating the labor disputes, which at the present time are being examined and imitated throughout the Empire. But beyond these matters Mr. Carroll has for nearly twenty years interested himself in the welfare of this district and the prosperity of its people, and has earned the respect and confidence of the whole Dominion by the aid which he has given to all measures calculated to promote the well-being of New Zealand. In youn leading columns a day or two since you expressed regret at the defeat of Mr. McNab, the Minister for Lands, or fhe ground principally that he was a Minister of the Crown and a useful public servant. I take the same ground in relation to Mr. Carroll, and by parity of reasoning I state without fear of contradiction that the defeat of the Hon. James Carroll .at the second ballot would bo a calamity to the whole ■'Dominion, and especially to this portion of it. We know Mr. Carroll’s faults. We know also the influence which he exercises in Parliament, his knowledge of the requirements of the East Coast, and those various qualities which fit him to be the representative of this community. I therefore repeat the claim that those who supported Mr. Clayton for good government and usdful legislation, for the greatest .happiness of the greatest number, should now support Mr. Carroll so that his hands may be strengthened in the Cabinet and in Parliament for the welfare of the East- Coast. —I am, etc., W. L. REES.