PROHIBITION AND POLITICS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5462, 14 January 1896, Page 3

PROHIBITION AND POLITICS.

The Oamaru Mail, which has given a most consistent support to the Temperance Party, says prohibitioniste are not always wise. Like the Labour Party— -or the leaders of that party — they,, in their blind devotion to a single principle, often forget that, as they, prof ess to show the way to justice, wisdom and propriety, it is their duty to operate with some regard to others and to the general good. This the Christchurch prohibitionists are . evidently not going to do in connection with the Christchurch election. Mr J. L. Scott-ra member of the well-known engineering firm, and who was one of the late Railway Commissioners—has been chosen by the Liberal Party to take Mr Reeves's place ; the Opposition are bringing out Mr Lewis j and the .prohibitionists, who would have a member to themselves in' every constituency, if they could, are bringing into, the field one of their number. Of course, these prohibitionists — who, it appears to us, would be satisfied if they got prohibition, even if it were accompanied by rapine and murder — will not succeed. . Fortunately, Mr Scott, who was objected to by the publicans because he was held by them to be antagonistic to the liquor traffic, has the support of the local Women's Political Association, and Mr Lewis is as unpopular as Toryism itself; otherwise the narrowmindedness of the Christchurch prohibitionists might result in Mr Scotfs rejection and the return of Mr Lewis, who is opposed to all liquor reform. ' . ■. .