The Pahiatua Herald. with which is incorporated THE PAHIATUA STAR. Published Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 1894.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume II, Issue 124, 16 March 1894, Page 2

The Pahiatua Herald. with which is incorporated THE PAHIATUA STAR. Published Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 1894.

A 8 the dntu of the licensing election draws nearer the nearest manifested by tho public is becoming more general, and it is safe to predict that when the poll is taken it will be found that a surprisingly large number of th electors have exercised the electoral right. The proposals on the billot paper are ll) Whether the present number of licenses are to continue ; { '2) Whether the number of any such licenses is to be reduced ; -(3) Whether any licenses are to be granted. To render the vote valid it is necessary that two of these proposals should berased, that one which the elector wishes to vote in favor of b ung left untouched. The electors will also be called upon t) elect eight persons to form a licensing c mnmttee. Of the proposals which will be sub nit ted for decision it is certain the war will rag ■ round that one numbered “8" whether any licenses are to be granted. The Prohibitionists have abandoned all intention—in this Licensing District, w mean —of running candidates pi edged to their views, and have avowed their determination of securing a reply in tho negative to the most important question. Tho Prohibitionists have by no means been so idle as is generally supposed. In a iniet m inner they have been pegging away with might and main to make converts and turn waverors—and all under a pretence of inaction. Their latest proclamation isonlyacunninglydevised move. They will do their utmost to prevent the granting of any licenses, but they have been very careful to see that a certain number of “ independent” candidates havo been nominated. No description so fits an independent candidate as that which says: “An independent canj didate is a candidate who can never be depended upon." In this instance the independents are ail men of woll-kn lwn teetotal—if not Prohibitionist leanings, whose return would be as pleasing to the most ardent Prohibitionist as that of the Rev. L. if. Isitt himself. There are eight candidates labelled “ moderate,” and hey constitute the very pick of that >arty. Messrs A. Walkor, T. E. Chamberlain and J. Uessey, are all gent'e nen well-known in the district, tnd most rasp cted where they are host known. Mr Sheaih we do not know so well, but ho is well-spoken of. Mr F. Bright has not taken much part in public matters, but he is a nan of character, and can be depended on 1 1 act with impartiality. Mr B. Syverston is also little known at this ! end of the district. Mr J. Dawson is I known everywhere throughout the district, and no better man could bo chosen as a m lnber of tho Lioensing Committee. Mr A. Stewart probably knows the Alcoholic Liquors, etc., •ct h itter than any oiber person in he electorate, and could be depend-d ip m to ssi i administered thoroughly, md without fear or lavor. Coming to the independent candidates, Mr J. Vile is certainly the most conspicuous, md on whatever ticket ha goes is almost sure to ba returned. Mr F. Von ileden is a well-known pub ic man who has always done good work in official capacities. We are not tware of his opinions on licensing matters. Mr \V. Pragnell and Mr C

:■!. Dnniell arc both gentlemen who have been prominent “ teetotal" advocates in Maaterton. They are both worthy citizens; and are none the less worthy because they inc ine to Prohibition. But on this question their idea 3 arid Our* do not coincide. These are the candidates, Ifld Oil the whole it must bo admitted tho electors have an excellent choice. It is important that every elector who can do so should record his or h r vote on Wednesday next. Wo reiterate that the Prohibitionists, despite ail that

bit been said to tin.- contrary, will do their very utmost to carry th poll in thoir favor, and Will not allow a sing o voto to bo lost that thoy can possin y socure. Therefore, unless th©y aro willing to 800 the poll swept by tha extremists, those holding mod .rato views should bo equally strenuous iu their oxortions, and should do their best to induce the careless or indifferent to roll up on [wiling day and counterbalance tho vote uf the Prohibitiouists.