THE GENERAL ELECTION AND SECOND BALLOT ACT.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 143674, 19 December 1911, Page 6

THE GENERAL ELECTION AND SECOND BALLOT ACT.

(To tho Editor.) Sir, —With your kind permission I would like to make a few remarks upon tho above events, i think most people wiii have noticed Sir Joseph Ward’* attempt at deluding the electors into believing that lie was in general favour, and that, as ho said, “lias party’s prospects were brighter than ever.” But to all appearance bis crafty method has failed, and I think all such like deceitful means ought to fail. Whatever technicalities may ensue, I consider that under existing circumstances the most honourable course tor Sir J. Ward would be to accept defeat like a true Liberal and resign. Tho Second Ballot Act was passed by the present Government for the purpose or promoting the monopoly, and it was thought at the time that it would prove a great achievement to their party, and be tlm menus of wiping out the Opposition Party altogether, and leave the socalled Liberal Government in solo control. But. alas! the first time it was tried (three years egg) the Government lost several seats by means of it. Tho results of the second ballot on this occasion leave the parties in the same position no they would have been hud the first poll been final, that is so far ns the strength of the parties is concerned. So far as the Act has been tried. I fail to hoc any good that will result to the Dominion by itf> use. but a groat deal to complain about. The Government knew at the time that that principle had been tried in other countries and afterwards abandoned; but they were satisfied that it would prove an important factor to their party, and f:0 far it has failed them. On this occasion there have been thirty second contests and eight reverses*. Consider the trouble of nil those constituencies going to the poll a second time, the suspense and expense, and vexation and disappointment occasioned by it. It also affords ample opportunities-* for political jobbery; Mich as working men’s unions plumping mechanically to Mipport the candidate nearest akin to their own interest,'. This, in my opinion, is a de-ry-rtem. It is not a ease of electing the fittest man for legislative nork, hut who will servo Mich and Mich interests, and it will occasionally happen! that a mere partisan will replace a I man. So far ax I can see ; the Second Bailor Act i« a piece of worthle««. wasteful, and provocative legislation. The Premier wax in great expectation of the results of the second ballot, hat what has it 'lone fo* him? \ thing. The good Old Book nv«: '’The expectations of the W .shall be cut off.” The rowdyism manifested toward* the Premier i« mainly due In his false and trumpery talk, and his persistent i.-.elf-dcfcm'r.-—-( am. etc., JAMES FORTUNE.