"TRUE MEN WANTED."

Dominion, Issue 1337, 15 January 1912, Page 6

"TRUE MEN WANTED."

MR. C. A. C. HARDY ENTERTAINED. Mr. C. A. C. Hardy, who represented Selwyn in Parliament for twelve years, from 181)9, wis entertained at a "sociul" held in the Sheffield Hall, Canterbury, on J hursdny evening last. Mr. 11. A. Anight, who occupied the chair, said that Mr. Hardy had represented the district in u manner which was highly creditable o himself and the district, and .it was to bo regretted that ho was no longer a member of the House. The chairman expressed a hope that; their guest would soon again bu a member of Parliament. It was a source of pleasure to know that several prominent, members were present to fell them of the good work that Mr. Hardy had done. Parly politics, however, would not bo discussed, but a general discussion on political affairs would be instructive. Mr. Hardy's medical advisers had recommended a short rest cure, but soon tho guest of the evening would be himself again, and would take up the work which ho had temporarily laid down. Mr. Allen, who was warmly received, said it was a great pleasure 'to be present in paying honour to Mr. Hardy. Ho would not lo.ueh on party politics, but ho would say something of Mr. Hardy. True men were wanted in the House, and Mr. Hardy was a true man. He had many sw-eet characteristics. As a member of Parliament ho was a worthy representative of a very worthy constituency, and ho could not understand why thero had been a change. That mistake would probably be rectified in future years. Mr. Hardy's services as Whip were invaluable to tho Opposition. He much regretted that Mr. Hardy would not bo in the House during tho coming session to keep tho Reform party in order. Ho spoke of Mr. Hardy's work on various sessional committees, and said that he was a warm sympathiser with tho causo.of Labour, but his services on tho Labour Bills Committees wero not recognised, ne regretted that tho minds of tho people had been poisoned against tho Opposition and tho work done by the members of the Reform party in the cause of Labour. He expressed | regret that Mr. Hardy would not lie in tho House this Parliament to reap: tho benefit of his labours. Tho party to which ho belonged, which had been in a minority for many years, was,now strong —he would not say it had a majority, for that was to bo proved next monthami ho felt suro that tho. party which had been in opposition for twenty years could conduct the affairs of the country in a manner that would enable it to meet any crisis. It would bo tho task of the Reform party to put tho finances of the country on a sound footing. Tho people should be told'the''absolute truth regarding politics, and Mr. Hardy wus a member who always told tho truth. Ho particularly hoped to be ablo to work for all classes of the community. They wero entering on an interesting period, and no one could say what would happen next month. Ho did not believe in threeparties. Ho hoped a stable party would bo evolved. Ho did not expect a dissolution within three years. Politicians in many cases wero too parochial, and ho thought many local affairs should bo entrusted to local bodies. A national fooling should be encouraged. They should recognise their partnership in a great nation. New Zealanders should cultivate the ideal of efficiency, asd if this was done no people could compete with them. They had great opportunities, and if properly guided and directed they wero in a position to become a great people. Opportunity should be given to all, and his party would strive m that direction. That might mean self-denial, but this should be borno cheerfully. Ho had tho most profound respect for Mr. Hardy as n man and as a politician, and a House composed of men like Mr. Hardy would be a better House than the present one. (Loud applause.) Mr. Rhodes expressed pleasure in being present at that gathering to do honour to Mr. Hardy. In Mr. Ilardy they had a true friond. Mr. Hardy was a worker, but ho was no longer the silent member, as he could, if necessary, take his place in deliate and acquit himself creditably. Mr. Rhodes spoke at somo length regarding the difficulties which fell to the lot of a party whip, as the position required constant attention and much diplomacy. Mr. Hardy was an ideal whip. By Mr. Hardy's defeat tho Opposition had lost n> splendid whip and colleague, and the country an excellent representative. Mr. Hardy, who was received with loud and prolonged applause, expressed his warm appreciation of the kindness of tho electors. He regretted his defeat, not for himself, but for the party with which ho was associated. He had been asked by the Liberals of Selwyn twelvo years ago to come forward, and ho was also asked by Mr. Seddon to enter the political field, although that great man of tho people knew that ho was an opponent. He had also been persuaded to come forward by Sir John Hall and Mr. Wason, but it was with a great deal of diffidence that ho at length acceded to these requests. Ho felt that he might have done a great deal more for tho _peoplo than he had done. (Cries of "No.") Ho had nover made many promises, but bo had striven to carry out his pledges. Ho was elected to support tho Hoform party. Ho had done so, and ho had never felt a desire to change his political coat. Ho spoke in appreciative terms of Sir William Russell, who was a warm sympathiser with Labour. His political lifo had afforded him much pleasure, and ho had worked earnestly and strenuously. _ Ho had w-orked silently, as he recognised that ho was not a speaker like Mr. Allen, Mr. Herries, and others. He regretted the absence of Mr. Massey, whom he recognised as his leader. (Applause.) He believed in tho mission of the Reform party, which was striving for clean administra-i tion. The laws were not bad, and he I could not tako exception to any of them. However, the administration was' not clean. Ho hoped that tho friendships which he had mado would endnro as long as life lasted. (Loud and prolonged applause.)