The Manamatu Herald. SATURDAY, NOV. 4, 1893. If True.

Manawatu Herald, 4 November 1893, Page 2

The Manamatu Herald. SATURDAY, NOV. 4, 1893. If True.

The long suffering public will be worried for the h ex c five or six weeks by rival candidates, and no questions will be more frequently asked than what their views are on the Liquor versus the Direct Veto proposals. It appeared, until now, that these questions were to be allowed to be side issues, the more important ones, the Opposition, or Seddpn; or Stout, Jbeing only made imperative. Judging by the many quaint statements made by Government candidates, some asserting that they are for Direct Veto by bare majority, j whilst others uphold the " trade," i

I yet all shout for Seddon, we were entitled to have believed that a free hand was allowed them, however objectionable some of their views might personally be to the dictator. This however appears bo be all a mistake if, as it is alleged by a Wellington paper, that publicans of that city have decided to vote" as ' directed by the Premier." That the *• track" owes him a debt of gratitude there can be no gain saying, and I, is i»ot unreasonable to suppose it possible that this body of men desire to repay it, autt all the more to their flredift is their decision. ii this is true, ifc casts a very doubtful shade upon all the utterances of Government candidates Who profess Prohibition views. It shows that the Premier is not at all likely to assist them in what he would view as their " fads " and shows that they can haye little earnestness in their professions whilst Urging the Premier's claim to their support. To their minds the question, may be unimportant enough to satisfy their acting in this manner, but to the thoughtful elector it will not go down. The two most important questions at this election are Liquor or no Liquor, and education} and . electors will allofr ilo shuffling to prevent their getting a clear statement from those who desire to represent them. We do not care • much who is returned, if he gets returned on a thorough Knowledge of , his views> but We object most strongly to any candidate wriggling into the House. We do not care so much as to the profession made by a candidate> but we want the vote at the 1 polls to be a declaration of opinion. It is most necessary therefore that before a vote is pledged, candidates should make themselves perfectly clear upon these points, and as we have at present only £wo> if neither will give satisfaction there is plenty of tinie to bring out a man who has a decided view and will stick to it. Tt is time our candidates addressed us to clear up these points, and we appear to be the only electorate that has been treated with so much silence.