A BOGUS BALLOT

Northland Age, Volume 25, Issue 27, 22 October 1925, Page 5

A BOGUS BALLOT

(To the Editor) Sir,—lt is now many months since rum- ; ours first reached us of a “Labour" oandi- ; date for the Bay of Islands, Mr. Bowen, of Hikurangi, was mentioned. The name was not widely known, hut sterliag simples of loyalty to principles like Messrs Webb and Semple always bespeak respectful consideration for any political product the miners put forward. Later, however, word came that Mr. Bowen was standing down in favour of Mr. Way. To wide-awake Socialists this also was satisfactery. There was never a hope of of winning of course, but at least they should not have to bluth for their advocates’ ignorance ; while his campaign would ' he an education in Socialist doctrines ; much needed in the lay of Islands and well worth the expense entailed. Mr. Way, however, soon faded out of the picture and Mr. Bowen resumed his place with credit enhanced by his unselfish gesture. But there was talk of other aspirants and , of the need for a conference. This took place at Kawakawa, and a strange affair it must have been. The competitors were not to appear ; their merits were to be judged by men who had never seen or previously heard of them. The result was peculiar. Before this conclave Mr. Bowen had been the man ; but the delegate from here returned from Kawakawa in | raptures about a Mr. Risset whom neither i he nor any one else had heard of before, j As for Mr. Bowen, the diffusion of some j subtle disparagement soon eradicated all favourable thoughts of him as if they j had been dangerous weeds. Mr. ay, be it remarked, had been treated in the same fashion, so that men who had never even heard of him were now able to reveal to | you his innermost motives and denounce him with portentous assurance. What a just, fairminded, happy, fraternal folk we hall be when the Holland Party spirit j prevails! Mr. Bisset was now the hero of | he piece, Ballot papers arrived. These were hawked around by the delegate, Mho instructed everyone to mark one opposite Mr Bisset’s name and saw that they did if Mr, Bowen and Mr. Jones were not to be allowed an outsider's chance—weren't worthy to bo placed even second and third to the “popular" Mr. Bisset. When it was asked, why this change towards Mr. Bowen ; the answer was ‘Mr. Bisset works in an office the other fellow’s only a miner.” Thus far, the narrative of this extraordinary, “bailor.” Now for points not to be over- ' looked. Mr. Holland’s deputy boss here j who was also deligaie at Kawakawa, received the “ballot” papers, took them round, instructed the voters what to do, saw that they did it. made up thr- returns Ind sent them away. Scoffers asked why he didn't sit at home and mark them all himself. There was nothing to prevent (hat. Also ho seemed to have plenty of ballot papers to spare, for when Comrade Fathead pul a cross instead of a figure one, he was given another paper forwith »nd shown how to contribute his share towards Mr. Bisset’s “popularity" in a more calculable way. The final results were given in the press as, Mr. Bisset, 235; Mr. Bowen 0; Mr. Jones 66. No 1 doubt these two men woke with surprise to find themselves in such limited esteem. Phis letter may restore their self respect; may even stimulate them to inquire how j ind by whom the dice was so heavily loaded against them at Kawakawa. I am, most justly, heading this “A Bogus Ballot.’’ Your readers may describe the product of it how they will. It is said that only two years ago Mr. Bisset w.is an ardent Reedite. What so suddenly induced him to join the “Labour" Party ? Was it the prospect of a much split vote assuring an easily won seat? Did ha stand as a “Labour" candidate when he was elected to the Council and the Harbour Board ? It is pretty certain he didn’t. The working class movement was built up laboriously through long bitter years by 1 pa tient unselfish men. Now that the goal is in view, it is being rushed by adventurers , bent on exploiting it to serve their own : imbilions. Mere upstarts, they will jet contend with veterans and defeat them by their shameless aggressionor trickery. The political “careerist" is the most repugnant and dangerous of all who prey upon the workers, and Mr. Bisset so res ?mbles one I cannot see the difference. I hope, therefore, most earnestly he will be relegated to the bottom of the poll. Certainly no honest man will vote for a candidate produced by such methods as was Mr. Bisset. lam, etc., Black watch.