CORRESPONDENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2443, 6 March 1909, Page 4

CORRESPONDENCE.

[.Correspondence on public matters is ■welcomed at all times, but it must be distinctly understood that this journal is in no way associated with ' ihe opinions of its correspondents.] [To the Editor.] THE’ LICENSING ELECTION. Sir.—Some further explanation of my attitude in offering myself as a. candidate for the Licensing Bench seems necessary, principally because so much exception is taken to my nomination being handed in at the last moment. This action is capable of easy explanation, inasmuch as it was withheld to see if there wore any prospects of a genuine election, when it would have been withdrawn. If 1 erred I at least sinned in good company, for I understand that the other organisations concerned had two other nominations prepared to.' likewise band in at the last moment. The law provides the machinery for an election, and it is absurd to cavil at the expense, which., after all, is small when it is considered that it is spread over not only the Borough but the Counties of Cook and Wa.iroa- as well. One could just as logically argue that the Premier and Leader of the Opposition should save the cost, of general elections by arranging the representation of the various seats between them, thus disfranchising the people. In the ease before us there are important principles which should be, jealously guarded by the public, and the Licensing Bench should, in my opinion, be truly representative of the general public, of which the majority are moderates. The liquor and accommodation trade should certainly not be regulated by either those interested in it or those violently opposed to it, but by the general public or those whose vocations or inclinations bring them in touch with it. It is very regrettable that the Trades •and Labor Council did not carry out its intention to nominate, a- candidate for the Bench, but the attitude of the other organisations in interviewing the Council and inducing it to withdraw without offering it a share* in. the nomination of candidates, I think clearly demonstrates their arbitrary indisposition to allow anyone but themselves to have any voice or representation upon the Bench.—l am, etc. AY. LISSANT CLAYTON.