3.42 



The Review of Reviews. 



October I, 1906. 



majority, and not a three-fifths majority, voted for 

 the restoration of license, it would instantly be said 

 that No-license existed in defiance of the wishes of 

 a majority of the people. More than that, one is 

 democratic enough to believe that, if a majority de- 

 sire anything, they should have it. It is overturn- 

 ing the principle which underlies our democraric in- 

 stitutions to say that majorities, in the ordinary 

 sens=, are not sufficient to rule, and secure observ- 

 ance of the law. What New Zealand has 

 lost through this arrangement is evident from 

 the accompanying diagrams which have been issued 

 by Jhe Young Mens No-license Club in Wan- 

 ganui. They speak more eloquently than words of 

 the result that would have been achieved in New 

 Zealand had a majority been sufficient to carry No- 

 '.icense. 



They speak still more eloquently of the wrong 

 that is done the majorities in the different elector- 

 ates through not allowing their wish to become law. 



The first map sho«-s the result of the poll taken 

 in 1902. Of course it must be remembered that 

 voting in New Zealand refers to licensing districts 

 (identical with electoral districts), and not to the 

 colony as a whole. There has been an effort on 



the part of some to get a colonial vote instead of a 

 local one, but the reformers have consistently and 

 rightly opposed this, on the ground that each dis- 

 trict knows its own business best. The first map, 

 therefore, shows in the white spacing how much 

 of New Zealand there was that out-voted the liquor 

 traffic in 1902. It must not be thought, however,' 

 that the whole of this spa' _• was under No-license. 

 Six electorates managed to top the necessary three- 

 fifths majority, but the whole of the white space 

 would have been free of the liquor traffic had the 

 majority vote prevailed. 



The second map is a most remarkable one. It 

 shows the result of the 1905 poll. As in the other, 

 the white space shows where the No-license vote 

 exceeded the License vote. Had the turning out 

 of the drink been dependent upon a majority vote, 

 it is evident that most of New Zealand would be 

 under No-license to-day. Imagine the splendour of 

 the advance of Temperance sentiment when such a 

 result as that indicated takes place. These maps 

 alone are sufficient to condemn any proposal for 

 three-fifths majorities in dealing with the liquor 

 trade. Any district desiring to be free of it should 

 be able to get its desire when a majority of electors 

 vote in favour of it. 



SOCIAL REFORM. 



THE LEAGUE OF PATRIOTS-HOW TO HELP. 



By the time this reaches our readers' hands, "How to Help," the pamphlet which I have written 

 in order to give those desirous of working social reforms an idea of what is necessary, will be in the 

 hands of those who have applied for copies. I most earnestly beg those who are interested in any one 

 branch even of what is proposed there to commimicate with me, when I shall be pleased to furnish the 

 best ways of going about the work in the particular district in which the helper lives. I suggest 

 that we call our combination of workers all over Australasia, who are willing to help on the advance- 

 ment of mankind, "The League of Patriots," and shall be glad to get into communication with each 

 one. Suggestions for a better name will be considered. The time is ripe for the pushing of Social 

 Reform, and, if a determined efifort be now made, a good many of these public wrongs may be 

 cleared away. I shall be glad to send "How to Help " to anyone who desires it. I want a repre- 

 sentative of Social Reform in every centre throughout Australasia, and you, reader, mav be just the 

 person who will be able to help. Send at once to W. H. Judkins, "Review of Reviews," Equitable 

 Building, Melbourne. 



Referring to the scheme for Social Reform, as outlined in the July "Review of Reviews," Mr. S. 

 Mauger, M.P., writes: — "Your July number is excellent. It marks an epoch in the history of 'The 

 Review of Reviews.' Every social reformer and true citizen wishes you God-speed. The National 

 Anti-Sweating League of Victoria, which has done so much for the worker, was the outcome of Mr. 

 Stead's Civic Church idea — 'The Union of all who love, in the service of those who suffer.' I expect 

 still greater things from your Social Service idea, and with Morris would say : — 



" ' Let ignorance assail or hatred sneer ; 



Who loves his race he shall not fear; 

 He suffers not for long 



Who doth his soul possess in loving 

 And grows strong.' " 



