Hawke's Bay Times. Nullius addictus jurare in verba magistri. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1871.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 17, Issue 956, 1 March 1871, Page 2

Hawke's Bay Times. Nullius addictus jurare in verba magistri. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1871.

We yesterday remarked that the principal questions brought before the electors by the several candidates foi representing Napier Town in the Provincial Council were the Education Rate, Payment of Country Members,. and the Permissive Bill. We purpose taking these in the above order, and, referring back to our report of proceedings at the nomination, recall the sentiment.* of the several candidates on each of them. With regard then to the EDUCATION RATE, Mr Eerard said that it was himself that had introduced the Bill, that he had supported it during last session, and wished it to be distinctly understood that he would still support it. He was quite aware of its unpopular character, but until a more comprehensive measuie were provided, it was the fairest and least costly tax that could be imposed, and he did not wish to see our educational establishments come to an end.

Mr Sutton, on the other hand, had opposed the tax during last session, and would try and get it " wiped off" next session if returned ; hut he admitted that he had nothing to offer in its place.

The other candidates did not take such decisive ground as these two gentlemen did, contenting themselves bysaying eithei that they would oppose the taK if anything better were substituted for it, or that they would not oppose it unless such were the case, — a distinction certainly, but not a great difference.

On the question of PAYMENT OF COUNTRY MEMBERS

But one opinion was held, and that was that it should erase. Being candidates for the town, and town members not being paid, this is not to be wondered at. Something like that was the only reason given for their opposition to rhe present system. "Those gentlemen talked of the expense, but town members were put to quite as great inconvenience by devoting valuable time to the business of the province." This is pretty much like saying as a town member, " I shall not be paid, and I don't see why anyone else should be if I am not." We may, however, waive that view of the argument, which we suppose the candidate would not admit on reflection, and assume that they were all convinced that under existing circumstances the Province has no funds to spare for the payment of members. Coming at length, to the "great question of the day," the PERMISSIVE BILL, The first point that meets us is the lamentable ignorance each one of the candidates displayed on the matter Mr Ferard, who had prepared himself better than the other candidates on some questions, as Education and Municipal. Councils, was nowhere on the Permissive Bill; " he had not made up his mind on the point, and doubted the of a canvass such as had taken place in Auckland," yet, but for that canvass, it would not have been known how strong a feeling exists against the liquor traffic, and how much the people wish to have it under their own control. The people in ge neral feel stiongly, but are not apt to give public expression to their wishes, and a canvass "such as ihat in Auckland" is the only way to arrive at the popular mind. " He did not think it desirable every time a licence was applied for a whole district should be

thrown into a ferment." Neither need it be; the body of the people can say "yea" or "nay" without that. But how about the "ferment" caused every day by the liquor traffic ? Is that so very desirable ? He believed "if such a law was in force, in many instances the body of publicans would bring their influence to bear, and would in reality dictate whether any new licences should be granted or not." Strange, then, that the " body of publicans " should be such violent opponents of a measure which would work into their hands, and give them, in effect, the monopoly of the trade. Bather, we should look for them to be its most ardent supporters. " He did not approve of married women having a voice in the matter." This is most strange of all. Who, we ask, are the greatest sufferers from the traffic ? Is it not married women—wives of men who spend at the bar that which should supply them with home comforts. Per haps Mr F. knows nothing of men who spend all their earnings through the temptations of the drinking system, and leave their families to be supported, anil some of their own debts to be paid by the toil of a devoted and faithful wife. If he does not, we can tell him that (here are such ; and that of all the social questions of the day that of the public sale of intoxicants is most of all the one that concerns the married woman. He has evidently a very poor opinion of the whole " body " of wives, but we fancy that such are often found powerful agents in turning the scale of an election ; and he has proved himself a bold man to speak of them as he has done. We balieve that a little consideration of the evil effects of the liquor traffic on the people will cause Mr Ferard to see the desirability of permitting men, and women too, to decline to have it amongst them if such be their will. The other candidates said but little on the subject. Mr Lee thought that in Auckland two-thirds of the inhabitants of a district must be in favor of a licence, and even sign a certificate to that effect before it can be granted. This is altogether an error. The friends of prohibition are very far from such a position as that; neither do they desire to hold such. The clause to which Mr Lee refers is one that the favorers of the traffic had introduced in order that they might stand equal with the prohibitionists, so that if, on the one hand, two thirds of the inhabitants could prevent the magistrates from granting a licence, on the other, two-thirds should take away their option of refusal. Mr Lee does not agree with this ; neither do the friends of the Permissive BiP. All they ask is the power of veto; they do not seek to take the power of licensing into their hands. Little more need be said beyond noting the pledge ghen by Mr Tiffen that "if it meant less public-houses and more sobriety, he would go in for it heartily ;" and that of Mr Kennedy, who said "he would willingly support any moderate measure to assist in carrying out the views " of the prohibitionists. Beyond there there no opinion expressed of the measure, and all wished to await its result in Auckland before forming one. It is not safe to trust to the action of the General Government in this matter. Auckland has shown that it is within provincial control, and the safest way to ensure the attention of the Colonial legislature to the subject is for the provinces to show that they are individually in earnest.