THE SECOND BALLOT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2292, 10 September 1908, Page 2

THE SECOND BALLOT.

CAUSTIC CRITICISAI IN WELLINGTON.

(Special to “Times.”)

WELLINGTON, Sept, 9. All three newspapers here -unite in condemning the .Second Ballot Bill, and tlie Alinisterial journal is the most downright of all in its opposition to the measure. The third reading was carried by 37 votes to 14, so that no fewer than 39 members of tho House were absent from the division. A large number of members, however, this session seem more bent upon electioneering than upon legislating,'-and according to statements publicly made, several who are opposed to the measure have voted for it. “We are extremely sorry,” says the Government organ, “that tho politicians of the Dominion are so [aching in courage and so bent upon conserving their own privileges that they have not hesitated to take away the British rights of ■ public speech and of public comment during a period, when free criticism and unfettered discussion can he most advantageously exercised. Year by year Parliament surrounds itself with greater and greater privileges, and the.community, is fettered by galling restrictions in order that the Legislature may become a close preserve, and the politicians do not hesitate to place their hands in the taxpayers’ pockets if they think they cdu' do so under cover of an ulterior motive. Thus we see a new sub-clauscT introduced -into jthe Second Ballot Bill by which candidates are allowed to incur expenses up to £SO in coiN nection with the second ballot. WRij no meetings to be held and no .advertising to he -done, it is hard to see how candidates will be faced with any expenses in -connection with the second poll, but as the authorising sub-clause makes no stipulation as to the character of the expenditure, it niav well be imagined that needy aspirants will avail themselves to the full of the pir icy of the exchequer which is thereby authorised. The only condition upon which any money vote for electioneering expenses could fairly be made would he if the right of free speech were retained. If the gag is to be applied and candidates aro to remain mute there can be no excuse for raiding the Treasury for a fighting fund. We rely upon the Legislative Council to defend the public rights and protect- the public purse.”