WELLINGTON TOPICS

Taihape Daily Times, 29 March 1919, Page 4

WELLINGTON TOPICS

THE LICENSING CAMPAIGN.

A TACTICAL PLUNDER.

(Special Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, March 28.

• The talk ot the town to J the daring attempt of the executive M 'the Moderate League to make use of Dr. ¥ Valintine's uamf in advancing its cause. Yesterday many of the hotels in the city and suburbs we?e placarded with a "Public Warning," above the Chief Health Officer's name in large type, stating that "according to medical opinion, a further outbreak of the influenza epidemic may occur within the next few months," an'd urging the electors "not to jeopardise their individual lives by • acquiescing In the demands of the Prohibitionists ta prevent the use of alcohole stimulants." Some of the more (responsible licensees refused to display a placard about their premises, but a sufficientnumber of the "warnings were in view to create a good deal of alarm among nervous people. DISCREDITAB LE TACTICS. The "Dominion'' this morning , in commenting upon the inei'dent, says the idea of those responsible fOT the placard plainly was to influence . the public against voting for prohibition. "Judging by the comment heard about the city,'-' it adds, "this alarmist fake proclamation is likely to have the opposite effect. The general opinion appeared to be that this sort of thing:* was 'over the odds' . . arid that*

general public feeling had been out' raged." Significantly enough, the "New Zealand Times." which'does not

.see eye to eye with its contemporary on the licensing question, takes no notice of the matter. Dr. Valintine, however, after indignantly denying any association, privately or officially, with the placard, says he is "taking immediate steps to prevent the impudentuse" of his name. Meanwhile the "fake" lias disappeared from the hotel windows. THE MAYORALTY. Mr. J. P. Luke acceded yesterday tothe request of a representative deputation of eititzens to offer himself for re-election as mayor of the city, and there are now three candidates for the chief magistracy in the field —Mr Luke, the present mayor, Mr Weston. the president of the Employers' Association, and Mr Read, the nominee of the Labour Party. Had the contest been left to Mr Eraser and jjfija Rcakl probably tin- former gentlemaSy receiving the support, of the great body of moderates aylio cannot accept the Labour platform. Avould have had a comparatively easy victory; but in a triangular duel the Labour candidate will have a much better chance of success. The result will depenju largely upon organisation and indivi dual enthusiasm, and wore Mr Read possessed of a little more "personality" he might hold flic stronger han't!. POLITICAL PARTIES. The mystery surrounding the constitution and purpose of the Welfare League still remains a mystery. Its constitution has been reduced to writing, iand its puryjose ha.-; boon explained to the favoured few; but so far they are not available to tho public. It is 'definitely stated, however, that the League has no part or lot with the new political party which Is seeking, as one of its own members has expressed it. to put new wine into the old bottles. In the midst of all the mystery comes a rumour that the Reformers and Liberals will openly commence the election campaign during th'e next two or three weeks with Mr Massey' and Sir Joseph Ward as the accredited lea'ders of their respective parties and with the "truce." so fair as the rank and file arc concerned, definitely terminated.