ELECTION COLOURS.
[TO THE EDITOR OP THE " SPEOTATOR:1
SIR,—How was it that when Mr. Forster introduced his Ballot Act, modelled avowedly on a colonial pattern, he failed to pro- duce a thorough copy ? In Australia, the "flag-and-pole business " has no existence, the Australian Legislatures having sternly prohibited the employment of any distinguishing colour, whe they in rosette, banner, or placard, as inconsistent with the principle of secret voting. Surely, in the new Act for the repression of bribery, which must now be passed by the Imperial Parliament, the same prohibition ought to find a place. Drapers may complain, perhaps : and people who fancy that an election could not get on without a childish display of blue and yellow will of course be disgusted ; but candidates will gain greatly, in the cutting-down of needless expenses. And the getting rid of a favourite mode of "colour-
able employment" will, so far, promote purity of election. Possibly, there are other points in which the parent may learn from her children. Certainly, although the preparations for a colonial election, in the way of public meetings, &c., are by no means free from excitement, yet the election itself (I speak as having been a resident for many years in a colonial city) is conducted with remarkable quietness and simplicity.—I am,
Previous page
