THE H.B. TRIBUNE. THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 1911. HARMONY AND DISCORD.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 107, 20 April 1911, Page 4

THE H.B. TRIBUNE. THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 1911. HARMONY AND DISCORD.

At the Harbour League meeting held in Hastings last night there was witnessed the extraordinary spectacle of a united body of men divided in itself. There was practically unanimity displayed in regard to the objects of the League, and absolute diversity in regard to the question of supporting the selected candidate. The diverticle was reached by the introduction of the liquor question, but who led the way to this unnecessary side tract has not yet been satisfactorily explained. The only thing made clear last, night was that “ a man in the street” had told a candidate for the representation of Hastings on the Harbour Board — a gentleman who is a strong prohibitionist—that the publicans and brewers were going to oppose his return, and in consequence he hai become blinded to the real objectof the election, and was apparently suffering from a nightmare of pun iicans and brewers blocking h>s way to success at the poll. Naturally enough, the introduction of such a side issue as the liquor question led to serious trouble, and :t was not surprising last night to hear the outspoken and even uncomplimentary remarks that were passed. It is certainly a matter for deep regret that anything of the sort should have occurred, more especially as the personalities indulged 'n went a long way towards spoiling an otherwise instructive and interesting meeting. We are really at, a loss to understand how it comes about that anyone conscientiously having the interests of the lea-/i;e at heart can allow the pi esent deadlock to remain. We do Dot wish to question the candidate’s honesty of purpose, but we must do our duty and candidly point out to him that the object of the League is to support a principle, and not any particular person, and also that nis unpopularity, whether he deserves it or not,, with a certain, section cf the community is endangering the League’s success at the poll at Hastings. Surely he wiU„ grace fully recognise that a mistake tu, been made; that at any rate the Harbour Board election is not occasion to be made use of f)i fighting out the liquor question We urge him to remember what is at stake—how important it is to the welfare of the province that each candidate the League puts up should be successful. We would also remind him that if he really believes that the liquor party has designs on his public life there will be ample opportunity for him to display his metal next November, when parliamentary and local option campaigns will be in full swing.