THE LICENING ISSUES

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 18 September 1912, Page 2

THE LICENING ISSUES

The request made recently by a deputation to the Prime Minister that a change should be made in the voting paper used for the national issue at the l'censing- poll appears reasonable. As the paper was used at last poll it presents the issues thus : —"I vote against national prohibition " ; "I vote for national prohibition,'' The issue is thus presoated by a negative and an affirmative, a very excellent way of confusing the elector. The proposal of the deputation is that the position should be put before the elector in tliis way :— ' I vote for national continuance " ; '- 1 vote for national prohibition." The merit ol the change is that the confusion caused by use of the word " against " in one lme anc1 " for " iu the next would disappear, the elector Having clearlv before him the question he is voting upon—the alternative of voting " for •' instead uf " against " something. The reply of the Prime Minister ap~ pears to show that he appreciates the desivableuess of having the ballot paper so clear that misunderstanding is impossible and will make it his business to have this accomplished. We don't know what our prohibition friends will say to this, but it is not at. all likely they have any desire to allow the issue to remain obscure. A clearly put, simple choice for the el • ector must be of all-round advantage, and-taking the suggestion .of the deputation on its merits is undoubtedly seems y to meet tho requirements of lucidity better than does the form of voting paper objected to.