ANOTHER VERSION OF THE AGE LIMIT TO VOTE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14381, 26 November 1908, Page 4

ANOTHER VERSION OF THE AGE LIMIT TO VOTE.

; Sir,-In to-day's issue a Intter appeared/ on the subject, of an age limit to vote. It was 1 headed by two lines of » beautiful poem. "I S." must be of a very sympathetic disposition when ho says it was with mingled feelings of liumiliht'wi and regret that Iks viewed the large number of aged and in linn [ eople bsing driven in vehicles to record their votes at the general election. 'Then ho on to suggest that the voting limit Should be from the age of 25 years to 70 years. Just fancy a person like " I S." trying to limit (sie intelligence of the 'human raco. to '45 years, .when from 'everyday experience wo see men ojjtl women of splendid calibre and intelligence in all positions in life, from the boy preachor (Ohn-r----toris) to General William Booth of the Salvation Army! In political life wc have our great thinkers growing into such grand old men as William Ewart Gladstone of England and Sir Henry Partes of New South. Wales, with largo brain power to the finish. Then among seafaring men you find ninetem of sea going vessels navigating up to 81) year? of ago with the greatest care and oertainty, ,and trusted with the utmost confidence. Why, " 1.5." is only casting a slur upon the manhood of this fair country iu passing such remarks about our intelligence. I should like "1.5." to look at the other side of nature, to which apparently bo belongs, seeing that he finishes up his humanitarian discourse by bolstering up the most ennobling, charitable, and heavenborn men—the brewery firms, the '.vine and spirit, merchants, and those engaged inithe trade. .He (talks about their money enric.iViag the 'redo. Rut where do they get' it from? Principally out of the poor, lialfdemented creatures hanging about their drink-bars, spending their hard earnings that their wives and children ought to get nt home. It is a cose of cash over the drinkbar every time; but the butcher, baker, grocer.! and, tailor can go without. " 1.5." does not suggest that a great number of 1 hose are not capable of voting. Oh, no!. But in their poor, demented condition, with bleared eyes, besotted brains, and paralysed limbs they are driven to vote—yes, even in motor cars belonging to the brewers. "What about '' 1.5.," with his mingled feelings of humiliation and regret, for this baton of humanity and the age limit to vote?—l am, etc., *As Old Shellback.