DUNEDIN NORTH AND BEDFORD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13449, 24 November 1905, Page 8

DUNEDIN NORTH AND BEDFORD.

TO TIIE EDITOR. Sir,—For consistency arid straightforwardness as a politician no man in our late Parliament surpassed Dunetlin's senior member, IT. D. Bedford. So far as the arts of a politician are concerned—that is, hiding his real opinions and saying both "Yes" and "No" at. the same time,—it is evident Mr Bedford is too' honest, and manly to adopt them. Having watched him closely, tho fact is demonstrated that iic has not during the past three vears voted against any liberal and beneficial measure lending to the welfare of the people and the colony. Mr Bedford lias energetically, and with much skill, championed the elective Exceutivc and the elcctive Upper House reform proposals. They were two of his main planks at the last election, and now through bis able advocacy, along with others, they aro within the rceion of practical politics.

Every elector who seeks a representative of manly and upright character can surely not find anything to complain of in 11. D. Bedford, against whom 110 one can justly raise tho finger of scorn or contempt-; and who goes as he talks, -"straight as a die," Again, in connection with tho liquor question, who is more hated by tho traflio than Mr Bedford? This is because of the power, ability, and energy with which lie has advocated the no-license reform. Are Iho friends of temperance going to stand and see their clean and plucky champion squashed by the liquor interests? I trow not.

It must bo remembered iliafc the machinery clauses of last year's Licensing Bill have not yet been tested in thoir relation to the local oplion poll. All sorts of quibbles will again be raised to try and thwart the will of the people, and 10b thorn of thoir victories. Similar results, scandalous and undemocratic, may again obtain as happened to Bruce, to Chalmers, and to Newtown after last poll.

Now, the fact is that Messrs J. A. Millar and Co. made no effort to give effect to the will of the electors, as expressed by a three-fifths majority; the will of tlio electors was sacrificed to tho interests of a capitalistic monopoly, the liquor traffic; and the same thing will happen again if men are returned who favour the trade. Therefore, follow electors, bo cautious, and return men who will not danee to the music of any combine—men of integrity and character, who can bo trusted, above all things, to uphold the rights and welfare of democracy. It tliis is done, Messrs Bedford and Adams must be elected, because they stand for true Liberalism, true progress, true reform all round.—l am, etc., November 22. Citizen.