ARE THE PEOPLE YET FIT FOR THE FRANCHISE?

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5737, 4 November 1905, Page 2

ARE THE PEOPLE YET FIT FOR THE FRANCHISE?

(To the Editor “N.Z. Times. 1 ') Sir, —It is doubtful whether colonials still full}- appreciate tlio blessings of tho ballot, -which, since the days of the great Gladstone, has conferred so many benefits on mankind; and for the following reasons :—Many people are indifferent as to enrolment, because they fancy they have a grievance against somebody; some, but very few, because they are opposed to the Government, or some member of the Government ; others, because they are not satisfied with the single electorate system, which compels every man to get transferred from one district to another on a change of residence ; others, especially prohibitionists and Bible-in-scliools advocates, because they cannot have everything according to their lights; others, because they are opposed to tho present system of voting; others, because of socialistic tendencies ; others, because of sectarian prejudices; others, fearful of tho secrecy of tho ballot; others, because of their confidence of being already enrolled, as to be impervious to reason or argument, but all through ignorance or malice. It is a'jput time that these fallacious impressions should be dispelled, that ..the people may all bavo the benefit of that glorious privilege which pertains especially to this free country.—l am etc., DEMOS. October 31st.