The Importance of Voting.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18368, 29 April 1925, Page 8

The Importance of Voting.

It can hardly be necessary to remind citizens that they have it in their own power to-day to settle their fate for the next two years. If they think it does not matter who governs the city they will have an excuse, though a very ill-eonceived one, for neglecting to vote; but if they think it important that municipal power should not pass into tho hands of militant politicians they will be very careful to express that opinion through the ballot-box. For it is quite certain that Labour will express its opinion. It wants, and says that it wants, to "use its power to "raise the\standard of living for all the

"workers by setting an example to "other employers," and its "worker" is not dull enough in such a ease to stay at home. Apart from the fact that voting is a diversion to him—a break in work without a break in pay — the invitation to him from his leaders means no more and no less than a call to him to arise and vote himself more money. In the ease even of the Hospital and Harbour Boards, Labour hopes to be the "exemplary" employer. If it "will not hesitate to use its power'-* on one body it can hardly hesitate on another, and of course the- bigger the increase the bigger the example. Indeed, if Labour gets a majority on any public body and does not increase the wages of employees it will be breaking faith, since nothing is plainer than that its request for support carries with it the promise of reward. But very few people appreciate the privilege of supplying money for others to spend—especially to spend in ways injurious to themselves—and to avoid being so honoured ratepayers have merely to vote.