THE MANTLE OF SEDDON

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22516, 26 September 1938, Page 16

THE MANTLE OF SEDDON

TO THB CDZTOB OF rSJI Pk«M. Sir, —Surely your correspondent, "Liberalism," is not' serious when he suggests that the Hon. Adam Hamilton is the rightful heir to that muchcoveted garment, the mantle of Seddon. Seddon's' greatness was due to his intense faith ~Jn the future of New, Zealand; to his unshakeahle belief in the capacity of this country to provide its people with the opportunity of leading an .abundant and fruitful life; and to his courage and determination. Seddon allowed no obstacle or problem to turn him from his path. Neither the gravest financial crisis this country has ever known nor the relentless; opposition of his enemies could snake his resolution. He followed unswervingly the principle that the strength of a nation rests upon the hearthstones of its people; arid he \solved the national problems with the simple expedients of providing the industry of the people with the opportunity of exploiting the possibilities of the country,, and of safeguarding the proceeds of their industry from the exploitation and extortion of vested interests. Accordingly, he raised this country from bankruptcy-to prosperity; he changed a community sunk in despair into a vigorous and progressive nation; he laid the enduring foundation of national greatness. It casts no personal reflection upon the Hon. Adam Hamilton to assert that his political career fails to provide any evidence supporting "Liberalism's" contention. As a statesman he does not measure up to the stature of the political giant who shaped , this country s destiny, and in the circumstances Liberalism" has merely proved his own incompetence as a political critic— Yours, etc., H . J. EGAN. Motunau, September 24, 1938.

lO,THK B)ITOB Off. THE PBESS. letter is a tissue of evasions. The Labour Party is not my! party, I believe in principle not in. party politicians like Adam Hamilton. "Liberalism" did infer that Mr Seddon's legislation was not Socialistic. Regarding individualism. I am an individualist and as such I can see no essential difference between the policies of the Government and the Conservative National Party. The proof is contained in the National Party s manifesto, which is a rehask of half-baked State Socialism. Mr Savage said recently that if private enterprise was doing its job the State would not intervene, while Mr E. B. E. Taylor, the National candidate for the Westland scat, said at Greymouth, "If any industry was not capable of being carried on by private enterprise then he dm not object, to the State carrying on. I do not believe in State control of industry at all and the producers should not be soliciting State aid. Mr Adam Hamilton, who is a rank conservative, has no right to Mr Seddon's mantle. He is copying the methods of Massey. When Mr Massey found that Conservatism was unpopular, he changed his party's name to "Reform" and he totended to be a "Liberal." What The Press" said, about Mr Seddon is germane to the subject because conservative critics must discredit any party that attacks monopoly and privilege.-'-Yours..etc:; w BQURKE . September 23, 1938. ["Liberalism," who opened this correspondence, may reply. Otherwise it is closed—Ed.,; "The Press."J