THE ELECTION.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9322, 24 January 1896, Page 2

THE ELECTION.

to the editor of this press. Sir, —Anyone who has perused your paper for the la3t week must have been struck with the amount of correspondence that has appeared on one of the Christchurch Parliamentary candidates, Mr Tims. E. Taylor. Now tho majority of thoso letters, as you know, have coutoined nothing but scurrilouu and, in some cases, most untrue attacks upon Mr Taylor, and I think it is most unfair aud unjust ou the part of those correspondents to write such things ia a public newspaper about a man who is a candidate for any election contest. Clearly these opponents of Mr Taylor are very much afraid of his coming out right at the head of the poll, or else they are extremely spiteful and narrow-minded, for if they had any faith in their candidate's candidature they would certainly leave their opponent (Mr Taylor) alone to fight out the contest fairly and squarely.

Another vary amusing point, sir, in this contest is the extreme anxiety of the supporters of Mr Chas. Lewi3 for the writ to be issued. Now, the said supporters of Mr Lewis claim to be very certain, or shall I say confident, of his return, and yet cry out about the delay of issuing the writ in order that Mr Seddon may have time to choose a candidate. Surely, if Mr Lewis is already (to use a slang expression) a "dead bird," he will be all the more so when a candidate is brought out who will split the Liberal (and, therefore, the Taylor) vote. No, sir, I think the re_l reason ia that tho Conservatives are afraid that the election will turn out something after the fashion of the 1893 election.

Now, I am not a prohibitionist or supporter of Mr Taylor altogether, and I do not know Mr Lswis, but I think that each of them should be allowed a clear run, aud although everyone may stand by and cheer their man right ou to the winning post by voting for him, I think no one should be allowed to trip either of them up by writing lies and making mean attacks under a norn de plume through a paper which has so great a publicity aa yours has. Apologising for taking up so much (or so little) space,— Yours. &c,

Anti-Selfishness. to the editor of the press. Sir, —Aa no reply to my letter othei than that ot "Snip" has appeared, I presume he is the righthand supporter, of that "one idea" candidate—Mr T. E. Taylor— and has tbat gentleman's sanction to attempt to " snip " anyone having tbe courage .to point out the inconsistency of the utterances made by Mr Taylor. First then let tne say that I am not morally afraid that the " final" part of Mr T. E. Taylor's ambition will be realised. On the contrary, I have more respect for the electors of Christchurch than to dream even that they would suffer the infliction of being represented in Parliament by a man of but one idea —prohibition ! "-nip" having practically confirmed my statement that Mr Taylor has used his fad as a means of becoming a candidate for Parliamentary honours, there is no necessity to go further in tbat connection. My knowledge of fire insurance is sufficient to pit against Mr Taylor's lack of knowledge in the matter of dividends paid by the various Companies doing business in New Zealand, and I adhere to my former request, viz., that the one-idea candidate might furnish us with the names of the Companies that make 30 per cent, and 40 per cent, profits which *' go every quarter out of the colony." He might also name any one Company that is now paying, say, 15 per cent, on the present market value of stock. These are simple enough queries, and in answering them Mr Taylor should find it "as easy a. falling off a log." Awaiting a reply.—Youra, &c, f- A Tailor. Christchurch, 23rd January, 1895.

TO THB EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sib,—lt will be remembered that Mr T. E. Taylor, at his meeting the other night, expressed his determination to discountenance* for tbe future the granting of free passes to railway employees. So emphatic

was he, aud so clearly did he announce his intention on this point, that he did nob leave himself room to deviate from his clearly expressed intention in the slightest degree.

Now, it is well knowu that Mr Taylor is doing a commission business, which, together with hia connection with the Prohibitionist, necessitates his travelling throughout tiie length and breadth of New Zealand, and that very largely. I would just like to ask him, seeing that he denies _ well-earned privilege iv the direction of railway travelling to the railway men, if he will promise, if elected, not to use- his free pass when travelling on his own private business ? I would like to find him as emphatic on this point as be waa on the other.—Yours, &c, CONSIST-NC"*.