THE CHRISTCHURCH ELECTION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXX, Issue 10215, 8 December 1893, Page 3

THE CHRISTCHURCH ELECTION.

TO THE EDITOB.

Sir, —Mr Isifct’s letter in this- morning’s issue calls for but a brief reply. Ha admits that either his memory or mine is at fault; I agree with him. It may refresh his when I remind him that our licet interview was initiated by himself (and each interview has been so initiated) at the starting point of the Now Brighton tram, Hobbs’ corner, he calling me away from a gentleman with whom I waa in conversation, and concluded at the gate of hie residence on the East Belt. At this interview no mention waa made of pledges to repeal the Act. The second interview commenced end ended on the following day at tbo Post Office corner, ho on this occasion beckoning mo from two gentlemen in whose company I was, and to whom I returned at its conclusion. At this interview the refusal on my part to give a pledge woe male, and this was subsequent to the choice of Messrs Smith and O’ Bryea Hosre. When a gentleman so mixes two such distinct interviews, it is little to bo wondered at if he is not quite clear as to what transpired. I leave it to others to-judge whose memory is at fault —Mr Isitt’s or mine. I have no cause of complaint with Mr Isitt and his friends for nob endorsing my candidature, and his remarks in this connection are wide of the subject-matter of my letter. What I did call attention to—and the points which Mr Isitt ignores—was that he and his colleagues had misrepresented my position aa a candidate and my attitude toward tbe Liquor Bill, in stating that I was the nominee of the liquor ring, and that 1“ refused to budge an inch on the Liquor Bill.” Tho fact is that tho reverend gentleman’s zeal in a good cause has apparently blunted his sense of fair play in dealing with ono who, whilo agreeing with him aa to the desirability of attaining p. certain goal, cannot see. eyo to eyo with him regarding the course to be pursued in such attainment. Aa to how the Bill will work, I set my judgment against that of the prohibitionists, and if March proves me to bo mistaken, I shall be quite prepared to admit their superior perspicacity.But I do nrotest against misrepresentation. —I am, &c., E. SANDFORD,