BRIBERY OR NOT BRIBERY.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 14223, 11 December 1911, Page 8

BRIBERY OR NOT BRIBERY.

TO THE EDITOa OF "THE PRESS. S:r,—J>uriiig last Pariimentary session Mr Jsiit expressed his belief that the Government could not be accused of bribery or corruption, but when a party goes so far as to make a payment of money to a section of the e.ectors a few days orior to the election on any pretext whatever, it would take an infinitude of hair-splitting ability to i define the difference between such an action and bribery of the most vicious kind. Admitting that the recipients ■were duo what they got, considerations of political morality should have induced the Government to retain themoneys until the election was over, and had this been done, the dignity of the authorities and the self-respect of honourable servants would ahne have boon preserved. As it is, both have suffered grievously. Sir Josepn Ward is. as usual, prepared to give his word that no bribery was involved in making these payments at suon a time, but the Christchurch North electors can ■weigh up the matter before Thursday. -Yours, eto., SCRTJTATO R.