THE OTAKI MAIL. Published on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1919. EDITORIAL NOTES.

Otaki Mail, Volume 27, 26 November 1919, Page 2

THE OTAKI MAIL. Published on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1919. EDITORIAL NOTES.

j Is Yoar Name On the Roll? At every election many prople are disappointed when they find that they pap not east their vote, their names not being entailed. As a rule the fault lies with the electors themselves, who neglect registration, while occasionally the name is omitted through clerical mistakes and by other means. It is surely not too much trouble for every elector to ascertain definitely whether his or her name is on the roil. Copic-s of the roll may be seen at any post office, and there is therefore no excuse for those who_ neglect this important matter. Definite announcement is made That the writs will be issued cn Friday ■ next, 2Sta inst. Therefore there re- ; mains but a very short time to get; names on the roll and changed, as is necessary in ease of

those who have changed their abode

siuce last they voted. AVc would urge every person qualified to vote to attend to this matter. They should net take it for granted that their names ere on-the roll, but inspect the rolls for themselves and be absolutely certain on the point. The forthcoming general 'election will probably be one of the most important 1 iu the history of the .Dominion, and it is the bounden duty of everyone pos- i sessing the necessary qualifications to see that he or she is enrolled, so as to be able to exercise a vote on election j day. The same roll is used for both the election of parliamentary candidates and for the licensing poll. Dastardly Behaviour. Row Zeltlanders have always prided themselves on that exercise of fairplay which has made the British nation what it is to-day. In the present electoral campaign, however, certain sections of people in the cities have behaved in such n way as to detract from the reputation which wc prize so mueh„ and if this sort of thing is to continue it will be a standing disgrace to our fair young land. If we arc to believe one-half of what the city papers tell us, organised effort is being made in Wellington to deny certain candidates the right of free speech. The exhibitions at the meetings held by Lieut.Colouel Mitchell, Mr J. P. Luke and Mr F- Pirani have been remarkable and disgraceful examples of mob rule,! which will undoubtedly reflect on the'j offenders. .These, parliamentary, candi-' dates have a perfect right to expect a fair hearing from all classes of the , community. Wc have universal suffrage in this country—one man’s vote is as good as any other's ■ — and while every man or woman can hold his or her opinions, and freely express same at the ballot box without fear OF bin- \ drawee, the - same spirit of tolerance should be extended to candidates, Respectable people throughout the'Dominion aro getting -disgusted at* the ‘ * organised brutality ” , (as tno t ‘Hew ' Zealand Times” terms-it) at-several' meetings held in Wellington of late. Is such treatment fair! Is it British?' Without a doubt-those who persist, in! such behaviour will injure ‘the cause they seek io assist, and we can only liope that wiser counsels will prevail,, and that we have seen the last of such disgraceful exhibitions of blackguardism.