The Pahiatua Herald. with which is incorporated THE PAHIATUA STAR. Published Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 17, 1893.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume I, Issue 78, 22 November 1893, Page 2

The Pahiatua Herald. with which is incorporated THE PAHIATUA STAR. Published Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 17, 1893.

A M \v and utterly contemptible depar lure lias, we regret to say, been madt in the Masterton electoral contest. I' consists of a system ot espionage upon the private actions of candidates and their friends, and an endeavor to make political capital out of acts not only innocent in themselves, but such as are indulged in by 99 men out of every 100. The other day one of the candidates in the contest, Mr Harkness, accompanied by his secretary, Mr Hornblow. arrived at the Alfredton Hotel, and. as every other man would have done after a long and tiring drive, refreshed themselves bv a drink of liquor (non-intoxicating) at the bar, Mr Hornblow, however, inviting another man and a boy to “ have something.” Ot course they had something. and now the matter is made the subject of leading articles in the Masterton papers, and the aforesaid boy has been induced to make and sign an affidavit to the etfect that he was “shouted” tor by Mr Hornblow. There is much loud screeching and parading of virtue in certain quarters, and much violent denunciation ot Mr Harkness tor this alleged violation of the principles lie professes to hold ; but what this affair has to do with Mr Harkness’ political opinions or with any of the burning questions of the day, we absolutely tail to see. We understand that Mr Harkness professes to be a total abstainer; and, political opponent though he is, we have sufficient taith in him as an honorable man to believe his statement. Hut surely a man is not to be raved at and made the subject of violent vituperation l>ccausc he drinks a non intoxicating liquor in a public house, or because a totally irresponsible person chooses to " shout ” for a mail aud a boy, both knowu to him, whom he meets in the bar. We are as hitter political opponents as Mr Harkness has in this electorate, but we have no hesitation in saying that the attempt to make capital out of this thing is discreditable in the. extreme, and calculated rather to injure the perpetrators than the subject of attack. A more childish and ill-advised attempt wc have not known; and the three meddlesome individuals responsible for the fuss will 1 have- the bitter knowledge that they have brought themselves into disrepute and ridicule without assisting their cause. Their party view the attempt with abhorrence, and condemn it accordingly. If elections are ever to be decided on pitiful and contemptible grounds such as these introduced, then God help our country, for it will have been betrayed by its people. No one could more abhor such tactics than Mr Hogg, and no one would be quicker in denouncing them or in demanding for Mr Harkness and Mr McCardle fair play and every consideration. He is in no way to blame tor the indiscretion ot his thret over-zealous supporters, and would speedily suppress such attempts were he aware of them.