UNDERHAND TACTICS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 29 October 1928, Page 7

UNDERHAND TACTICS

BETRAYAL OF DEMOCRACY There is a danger creeping into the political life of New Zealand, which will undermine the democratic principles of government, unless public attention is aroused and voters act wisely. Ibis serious menace is the attempt of the New Zealand Alliance to institute government by a faction, by extorting pledges from Members of Parliament to promote legislation favourable to a minority.

During the last elections, a certain number of members pledged themselves to do the will of the Alliance, thereby ceasing to represent all the people of their electorates. They forgot their duty to their constituents, and the time-hon-oured traditions of British justice and fairplay.

In the interests of democratic government, underhand tactics like this should not be countenanced by the electors of New Zealand. Corruption of our political life will be the outcome, and government by a faction will be the order of the day'. The prohibition movement is a minority organisation which is not above adopting unconstitutional methods to/urther its ends. It cannot sway the soberminded citizens on election day to vote for prohibition, or stampede undecided voters to bring American anarchy into British administration. It needs must tamper with the law of the land. at its source by cajoling the representatives of the people and bringing about the betrayal of the democratic principle. Every right-thinking New Zealander will apply the remedy by voting Continuance at the coming elections.*