MR. ASTBURY'S CHALLENGE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 80, 16 November 1911, Page 3

MR. ASTBURY'S CHALLENGE.

(To the Editor “Stratford Post.”)

Sir, —I noticed in your issue of the tyth instant a challenge from Mr David L. A. Astbnry to Messrs T. 11. Anderson and J. Smith to resign their seats as members for the West Riding and contest an election against him, the cost of the election to be borne equally by the three parties. Now, sir, to' anyone cognisant of the real facts of the case this is manifestly unfair, because it was entirely Mr Asthnry’s own fault that his nomination paper was not in the hands of the returning oflicer in time for nomination; lie, holding a public position, and knowing he was going to contest the election, should have sent in his nomination, earlier and not have left it till the eleventh hour. Hence he is to blame. And, as it was not the fault of 'either Mr Anderson or Mr Smith that Mr Astbury’s nomination “missed the bus,” why in the name of common sense should they resign their seats, and then ,to add insult to injury, be a-kecl to'pay then own expenses? However, the expenses have to be borne by someone, and as I 'have proved it is unjust to ask Messrs Anderson and Smith to pay, and the ratepayers are out of the question, there is only loft the challenger (Mr Astbnry), and he, in my opinion, should alter his challenge, offering to pay all expenses. That would be more manly and more sportsmanlike. Then, perhaps, Messrs Anderson and Smith may consider his challenge, but under present conditions they would be more than foolish to do so.—l am, etc., TWO VOTES. Hastings Road, Lowgarth, Nov. 15.