WHAT THE PROHIBITION VOTE DID.

Evening Post, Volume LII, Issue 169, 8 December 1896, Page 2

WHAT THE PROHIBITION VOTE DID.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir — Before incidents of the recent elections pass out of memory, allow me to point out that the polling in" the electorates of Parnell, Egmont,. Manawatu, Waikouaiti, and Wallace show that but for the persistence of the Prohibitionists in running a second candidate these seats would not have returned Government supporters/ Thus, in Wellington the candidature of Mr. Fraser, promoted by a section of the same Party, bo embarrassed the position as to cause a further loss of two seats, the result being that the Go vernment was thus given a majority, and escaped the condemnation of the country. While recognising that these friends acted in good conscience and Within their rights, it is still fairly a matter for reflection and discussion whether the political action of that movement is in the best interests of the country. Opinions as to what has been done will, of course, differ ; mine is that never in a British community has such gross political corruption and misgovernment been condoned, never has so unworthy a Government been given a renewed expression of approval and confidence. lam sure such was not intended by the large majority of our Prohibition " friends ; still, undeniably, the responsibility for the present position jests on them. ' I am, &c, JNO. DtJTHtE.