CORRESPONDENCE

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2367, 7 December 1908, Page 5

CORRESPONDENCE

[Correspondence on public matters is welcomed at all times, but it must be distinctly understood that tips journal is in no way associated "with the opinions ot its correspondents.]

BAY OF PLENTY SEAT.

[To the Editor.]

Sir, —The .Government organs, notably the "Lytelton Times.” and vour contemporary, have burst ' out with a flourish of trumpets over the result of the second ballot in the above election, and have been endeavouring to thrust down the throats of thinking people that it was a signal victory for the leaseholders and single taxers; otherwise the Government party, and a defeat for the freeholders, the Opposition. If we go gown to the bottom wo find that the mainspring of the result was other holders, otherwise the liquor holders. Mr. Gow, tiie Onuosition candidate, lias for many years taken a prominent part in the no-license movement, and the liquor holders spared neither time nor money to secure the return of the Government candidate, as was the case in this electorate —the watchword being Carroll and Continuance. It may safely be said (hat not 50 per cent, of the liquor holders, when recording their votes, considered the question of leasehold as against irqeliold. Sir, I would not have troubled you with this had the Government organs not so exultantly If.azonod out that the result showed an appreciation- of the Government's policy. Well, sir, if the liquor holders, in conjunction with leaseholders is part of their policy I will grant they have reason to be satisfied locally.—l am etc. “ANTI-HUMBUG.”