Religion and the Electors

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 237, 7 October 1938, Page 3

Religion and the Electors

PROTESTANT EXPLANATION The following statement has been issued by the Dominion executive of the United Protestant Association and the legislation committee of the Grand Orange Lodge of New Zealand:— “Particular interest attaches to the statement made b, the Hon. Adam Hamilton on ‘Religious Issues in Politics. * The statement is vague as to the immediate reason for its issuance, bul the issue raised is not vague. In certain electorates we are aware that by reason of an organised block vote, candidates have been selected who are not acceptable to large numbers of electors anl will result in spoilt ballot papers. There has not been any attempt on the part of Protestant organisations iu any electorate to organise for the selection of candidates. The Protestant organisations issuing this statement which direct those movements have studiously refrained from action in view of the important issue before the electors; Demrocracy versus Socialism. If, therefore, sectarian influences are at work or sectarian issues raised, the blame nni‘t be placed where it belongs. “On the other hand, it is an assumption which all history, especially democratic history, disproves, to allege—as Mr. Hamilton has done—that religious issues ought not to have any part in determining votes. Tho fact that so many people have written to him on tht subject is disproof of the assumption. Even in Germany, under Nazism, thf proposition is denied by millions. “The fact remains, however, that no religious or sectarian issue has been raised by Protestant organisations in connection with the forthcoming Gen • ral Elections. 99