LETTERS IN BRIEF

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 80, 1 October 1918, Page 9

LETTERS IN BRIEF

Mr.'H. Sydney Bilby (Dothinioii Secretary of the Protestant Political Association), in a letter to The Post, replies to Mr. Hildreth's statement in his address at St. Peter's Schoolroom as to the reason "why the P.P.A. turned him down." "Mr. Hildreth's. reason," writes Mr. Bilby, "for his action, in company with Councillor Castle, in voting against the Protestants of Wellington, being allowed the use of the* Town Hall was that the hall 'had been newly furnished with red morocco tip-up chairs,' and that. there was .-something like a riot' at Hamilton when the Bey. How 7 ard Eiliott spoke, and Mr. Hildroth feared Ms new morocco tip-up chairs might be damaged." Mr. Bilby points out that the Town Hall w4s not declined totheP.P.A.—only Councillor Castlearid Councillor Hildreth voting against the application. The writer points out that the Hamilton meeting took place in February, .1917, whilst the application for the Wellington Town Hall took place six months later—a number of meetings of the P.P.A. having been • held in. the various town halls throughout the country in the meanwhile. "To say, therefore, adds our correspondent,. "that fear for the led morocco tip up chairs was the reason is—well—too thin."

"Indignant" writes, dopi'ecaiing the intrusion of sectarian bitterness into public questions. "Three times this week people have called at my house to inquire what my religion is." Surely this is-a . state o! affairs, and should be stopped." In a letter;, to The Post, a correspondent (W. J. Carr) —after making reference to an article, in The Post dealing with Bolshevist ideals, and what they mean in practical effect, when at; the mercy of Prussian militarism, proceeds to deal with the price asked by the farmers ■ for New Zealand produce exported to Europe. ' "In 1917," he adds, "Mr. Massey tod Sir Joseph / Ward returned from England, and as. soon as they landed in New Zealand boasted of the extra millions they had extortedout of the people of the Old Country .'for the meat, butter, cheese, etc., that is shipped away from .this country Is that the patriotism that the Government of this country is so fond of preaching?" Our correspondent repeats the assertions being made by Mr. Fraser, and some of his supporters "with reference to national eervico- and . the "conscription of .wealth." .The writer alao . alludes to tho temporary employment of some Hindus (British subjects) by one.of the candidates in the present election contest. ' The, incident referred to has already been fully. explained by Mr. .'Hildreth. . .

"Responsibility" writes: "The inane questions.and general demeanour of some voters at election meetings lately, has made me question seriously our democratic principle of 'one Man one vote,' and to wonder whether there should not be some qualification demanded of the voter, who is> after all, the real governor of the country. Material gains foi* the voter seems to- be, too, the substance of the promises,. put forth by many would-be politicians. The principles involved in the granting of these, the farreaching effects on the country) seem riot to enter into calculations at all. It seems to, me that each elector should, before being granted the vote, havd Qualified for a "voters' exam." in general principles of government, econo-! mics, etc. Then tHere would be ?, body of intelligent voters. The destiny of New Zealand would be in the hands of those who cared enough to qualify for their important office, and they would demand of aspiring politicians something higher than windy promises, leading they cared not whither."