LOCAL OPTION POLL.

Bruce Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 2265, 15 May 1891, Page 5

LOCAL OPTION POLL.

There was also very much more interest takeu in the Local Option Poll thaa was ever the case before. The contrast between the voting on the last occasion, 1888, and this is striking. For 1888 there was an average number of votes for increases in the various descriptions of licenses of 2|, and against it of 7| ; this year the average was for an increase 14^, and against it 55£. The motives prompting some of the electors are hard to ' guess at. Whether or no it is desirable there Bhotili be not an increase in wine, accommodation, and bottle licenses is not the question, although it is so put in the form, for there are none in existence. Why I anybody should desire them is not known. But what on earth possessed 12 intelligent ratepayers to vote for an increase of pubj licans' licenses would puzzle a Philadelphia lawyer to explain. If the twelve men are gifted with the prophetic insigbfcand wishful to prepare for a large influx of population consequent on the establishment of local industries, we should be obliged to them for full particulars. We can hardly suppose them to be friendly disposed to the present four publicans, or they would not endeavor to clear the way for opposition in their line. Possibly, they are Prohibitionist 3, doinp; evil that good may come, and hoping th?.t if a I few more pubs are started they may cut one another's throat*. But the likeliest supposition is that these 12 individuals have a oapacity for liquor beyond the capabilities of their pockets, and their idea is that with increased competition prices will be lowered and they will be able to get two drinks for their sixpence. The details of the polling are advertised elsewhere.