TROOPERS’ VOTES AND THE LIQUOR TRADE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16666, 26 September 1914, Page 4

TROOPERS’ VOTES AND THE LIQUOR TRADE.

The following communication has been sent to tho Prime Minister in reply to a telegram sent by Mr Nordon, ecretary of the Licensed Victuallers’ Association, a copy of which appeared in tho “Lyttelton Times” on Thursday last: — TROOPERS’ VOTES AND LIQUOR TRADE. To the Hon W. F. Massey, Prime Minister. Dear Sir, My attention has been drawn to tho copy of a telegram sent to you by Mr Nordon, secretary of the Canterbury Licensed Victuallers’ Assomtion, and which has appeared in tho Christchurch daily p reK R On behalf of the Prohibition Party'in Christchurch, X wish to point out to you how contrary to fact, the following statements are:—The telegram states “We (the Liquor Party) stood aloof whilst tho Prohibition Purty used sovonil dorices_ to get troopers to vote for prohibition. even going to the extent of circulating a leaflet attributing to Lord kitchener prohibition views vvh'ch that jfficcr never gave utterance to.” 1. The Prohibition Party did not use my efforts or devices to induce the troopers to vote for prohibition. We appointed scrutineers according to law, and nothing more. Absolutely nothing more was done, and wo sincerely challenge the Liquor Party to prove their assertions. On the other hand, whilst the Liquor Party, as such, may have technically stood aloof, the Moderate League did the work of the liquor Party so well that there was no need for more to be done. On the day previous to the poll a circular was received through the post by hundreds of men in camp, appealing to them to vote .against prohibition. This circular was also printedi in the Christchurch newspapers, which were circulated at the camp. On the morning of the poll some of the circulars had not been distributed from the camp post office, and the returning officer declared that the circulation of such literature was so contrary to the spirit of tho law that he gave instructions that tho remaining circulara should not bo delivered until after tho poll was taken. _ The action of the returning officer is the best comment upon the conduct of tho Moderate League which was doing tho work of the Liquor Party as thoroughly as though Mr Nordon himself had 'beonj superintending it. (Hero the text of the circulhr is quoted.) 2. It is truo that a leaflet was distributed giving the views of leaders of army and navy upon the use of alcohol by soldiers and sailors. We respectfully draw your attention to the following facts:— 1. . Before the leaflet was circulated General Godley gave his permission for it to bo distributed. 2. It was distributed on August 26, ten days before the poll was taken on September 6. 3. When the leaflot was distributed 1 it was neither known nor expected that the troopers would be allowed to vote. The only object the Prohibition Party had in circulating the leaflet was to give to each man a copy of the advice of the great-leaders of the Empire, witli a hope that they would act upon it. 4. No reference is in the leaflet to prohibition, no-license or voting. 6. It is untrue to say that tho leaflet attribues to Lord Kitchener prohibition views which he never gave utterance to. Tho cabled copy of his advice which appeared in the newspapers of Augusb 19 was copied and not one word added. A copy of tho leaflet is enclosed and you will be able to verify my statement. Tho telegram is a dehberate misrepresentation of fact, and fairness to the party I represent demands that this reply be made I am, etc., J. COCKER, President Christchurch Prohib’tion League. Christchurch, September 25, 1914.