THE LICENSING ELECTION

Observer, Volume XXIX, Issue 27, 20 March 1909, Page 2

THE LICENSING ELECTION

the Baud ; and that, in fact, they have no time whatever for the Band. At the same time, some organisation, for the conservation of the public interest is an urgent necessity ; it has been a felt want in Auckland for some time ; and by its existence in former years many civic errors might have been averted. For instance, had a Oitizens' League been in existence when the idea of inaugurating an electric tramway service was first mooted, it is more than probable that that service would never have been allowed to get into the hands of a private company, but would belong to the city. In suchlike ways the League can be of vast service.

Some people appear to be inclined to think that the result of the recent election proves that a reaction has set in against the ultra-puritanism that was threatening to rule the country. Whether this is so or not, it proves that the citizens, as a whole, are determined that narrowmindedness and prejudice shall have no seat on their public bodies. And the winning party have shown no undue elation over their victory. They have accepted that victory just as they would have accepted defeat, with a quiet dignity that does them infinite credit. The new committee may be fully trusted to do the right thing to all concerned without fear or favour, and in a spirit of moderation. More than that no man coilld demand unless he was impregnated with that fanaticism and those extreme views that at one time threatened to become the bane of the community, but that now have, happily, got a convincing quietus.

A Decisive Pronouncement

WITH no uncertain voice, the majority of the electors of

Auckland City have decreed that the ' ' moderates " shall sit on the Licensing Bench for the next three years. By their decision they have proved that the fanaticism of a certain section of the community doesn't appeal to them, aaid that they refused to be dictated to by that argumentative and arbitrary body known as the Band of Business Men. It is probable, indeed, that these latter did more harm than good to their cause by their fatuous advertisements. The victory went to commonsense and justice ; the defeat to fanaticism and prejudice ; and this must be a source of gratification to those who believe in fair play, true temper aJice, and the striking of the happy medium.

The predominating factor in the election was, of course, the Citizens' League, an organisation that has set itself the comprehensive and generally thankless task of keeping a vigilant eye on matters appertaining to the welfare of the city. It speaks volumes for the energy of the members of the League,, as well as for its organisation, that although it has only been in existence for a few weeks, the candidates nominated by it were able to swee- all before them on polling day, and to achieve a victory that probably. under the circumstances, caused as much surprise to the victors as to the vanquished. Before the election many people openly derided the League and the idea that it would have aaiy influence on the result. These scoffers are strangely quiet now .

We hold no brief for the Citizens' League in particular, but any body of men that is banded together to protect the interests and safeguard the liberty of the citizens is worthy of support. The electors have shown or a majority, at least — that they have no desire to come under the shelterirfg wing of the Band of Business Men ; that they do not and will not subscribe to the narrow views of