11 MARCH 1911, Page 13

THE REFERENDUM.

[To TEE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.'] SIR,—Is it not somewhat singular that among the strongest opponents to the Referendum in the present House of Com- mons, both on the ground of its great expense and that it would not be understood by the electorate, are many gentle- men who, a few short years ago, were thick and thin supporters of a temperance measure, popularly known as Local Option, the essence of which was the Referendum "pure and simple"?

—I am, Sir, &c., Huou L. P. Lows. Blagdon House, Stoke Bishop.