MR PETHERICK'S CANDIDATURE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10298, 1 November 1911, Page 2

MR PETHERICK'S CANDIDATURE.

• TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Referring to Mr Petherick's letter, which appeared in your issue of yesterday, I. wish to say first of all that I am not chairman of Mr Isitf's committee, and that I never have been. I am an insignificant member of the committee, but Sir Isitt is no more responsible for my utterances than ho is for those of any one cf his supporters, or, for the matter of that, for thoso of any one of liis opponents. With regard to l Mr Petherick's particular grievance, I did not wish to imply that he made his living dishonestly. If my words, which I admit were spoken in haste and with some warmth, conveyed that impression I regret that they were not better chosen. It was in my mind at the time, and I confess it is there still, that his attack upon mvself and upon the cause I was advocating was made in the interests of the liquor trade. Had I been assured that he was running his crusade against prohibition out of puro and self-sacrificing philanthropy, with a single desire to benefit the present generation and posterity, my feeling would have been one of sorrow rather than of anger. It is conceivable that even an honest man who has closed his eyes and ears and heart to the debasing influence and disastrous effect of strong drink may really believ® that there is no need to place any check upon its sale and distribution. *T felt quite justified, however; in asking Mr Petherick, who has Eorsisfcently dogged the steps of the proibtionists' speakers, how he earned his living, wishing to ascertain whether or not he was really retained by our opponents for this very purpose. He is entirely within his rights to answer or not, but I want him and the public! to clearly understand that I intended to cast no reflection upon his character, unless he thinks it a reproach to bo associated with the fighting methods of the trade. I have a habit of speaking my mind freely and frankly, and, though I am as liable as other fallible men aro to make mistakes, I don t think those who know me will suspect me of using words to hide my thoughts. I do not intend to make a personri matter of this campaign whatever its course may be, and I must positively decline to enter upon a personal controversy with Mr Petherick or anyone elso.—l amj etc.., R. ST CLAIR M'KENZIE. Rugby Street, Merivalo, November 2.