THE NATIONAL LEAGUE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1150, 10 June 1911, Page 3

THE NATIONAL LEAGUE.

Sir,—What, is the , National League? What' do t'hey intend 'doing, and of what use are they to tho community in general ?

At their meeting.on May 29 Mr, E. F. Iladfielcl said,' inter alia; "Speaking broadly, the league existed for the purpose of 'putting out' rotten and absurd legislation, and in plain English was in favour of freedom."

Now that's nil right, but immediately nil opportunity is offered.lhe leaguo to discuss a malt'or dealing indirectly with "freedom" (vido Mr. 1\ 1?. Waddy's motion) two or throe members arise in probable (?) fear and'trembling lest such discussion should stamp the league as being of some' weight in the little world of Coday. Several stirs in tho legal firmament adopt tho .attitude of t'he nervous little school boy. and hasten, to. exsuM them•c. - •

selves with a "Please, sir, it wasn't me."

iiut what' construction docs the' leaguo place on the word "freedom"? If the sample meled out lo (lie principal figure in t)ie "Secret Case" is meant, then the league is steering a course for hitherto unknown seas, and "freedom" of that sort is seldom met with under any flag. But if the league is to merit, one ounce of respect from the average New Zealander, then thev will have (o adopt; a policy of manliness, and fearless discussion of national issues that go to constitnto t'lie freedom of the people. Must wo think that the "National League" is merely an organisation on the hot-air and afternoon tea principle? On the face of it their statement of policy as adopted bv them, is all right, but will they 1)0 anvthiim? They are to watch this and watch that, and will support fo-and-so and oppose the other tiling, hut the other fellow only smiles, as, so far, the National League is harmless and more resembling a' hen convention. Apologising for asking space in which to fire hot shot into a camp of genial and well-meaning gentlemen,—l am, etc., ZERO. Longbush, Wairarapa, June 1, 1911.