LICENSING ISSUE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 14713, 19 September 1918, Page 3

LICENSING ISSUE.

(To the Editor of the Herald.) Sir, — I am pleased ibhat Mr. Chatterton has accepted my disclaimer* of any ulterior action , and glad that he doesr not .think I would approve of such. My only regret is that his letter cast the reflection,' and, m justice to\ the trade, it was but right I should deny the im plication. One really has to be careful to avoid blaming the many for the few. I remember „ when the petition for 6 o'clock closing was being circulated, having it on ithe best of authority that a canvasser for signatures, oh being told certain persona were under age, replied, '"Oft ! That^s alright, they can sign." One coiild have rushed into print over the matter, accusing tha prohibition party of unfair tactics, but I did not do jso, for I knew irresponsible people do exist, and it would' have been unreasonable to. "have, by • inference, accused Mr. Chatterton, nnd other leaders of the party. As to the three-issue ballot, 1 know ;Mr Ohatterton will forgive me.: when I state that he is weak m his contention that "many might vote for State owrierahin with the object of leaving the, State tq decide whether to prohibit the sale of liquor or not." The argument savors of a child .saying, when offered a present, "Give it to daddy," hoping^ daddy would pass it on. I , think, sir, the nnvmal child would not>Tisk losing the present, if it was worth having. The fact remains .that, if the people^ of this ■Dominion are desirous of obtaining prohibition, thefr may dp .so as readily under the threeS'B> tinder the 'two-issue ballot ; m other 'yvfifda, half the votes', plus on>, •would*' carrjp any issue.-^-T am, etc., v&«fe*& ■■• ',■- D, j; BARRY: ■■ ■ ; -.;■ v;i? . -Xiw.il. m nil . •; m.i -ip. ;> .■■ >■■