LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1388, 14 March 1912, Page 3

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

REFORM ORGANISATION. Sir,—l think that it must have been a surprise to very many Reformers all over the country lo learn'from Mr. Ifassoy's speech, in the House oil February 28, that the election fund of the Reform Party for tlio recent election did not amount to as much ns .CIUOO. In making this point, I do not seek to blame in any way the rank and filo of Hie party, for I am not aware that any specific appeal for funds was made to them, but, with some, experience, in electioneering, I do say that such a sum as JHOOO is very insullicicnt for the purpose. That we did fo well on such a small sum is a gratifying, yet not unexpected, tribute to the innate justice and .strength of our programme. But I feel sure that Sir. Massey must have been seriously handicapped by want of funds. Much Hint he would have, likeil to have had dono must have been left undone, or have been only superficially done, because the fund was so small. If he could bo prevailed on to speak, it is more than likely ho would tell us that with larger funds during the recent campaign, the party would have returned from the polls independent of pledge-breakers and of rail-sitters, and would now bo in office with a satisfactory majority. We have a great and an honest programme. We have an aide and an honest leader, whose namo and reputation stand higher in Xew.Zealand to-day than ever, if that is possible. Tho least we can do for him and for the cause we bclicvo in, is to remove one of his causes of anxiety, by providing him with ample sinews of war without loss of time. To put off doing so until the "charge" is sounded is to leave it until it is too late. Now is tho time when all our preparations for the coming tight should be made. If Reform voters in every constituency will contribute an average, of Is. each, the cause will not again suffer from lack of funds. After all, Is. per head is a very low premium for insurance, against the increased taxation, tho setting of class against class, and the policy of confiscation that must follow in tho footsteps of a Labour-"Liberal" Government. The best method of carrying ray suggestion into practical effect must, I think, be left to the Reform leaders in each constituency, since local conditions vary. There are election committees in each and branches of tho Women's Political Reform League in many. Let them meat together quickly, and initiate their plan of campaign quickly. Mr. Jlassey is worth all the support we can give him.— I am, etc.. WORKER. March 11. A REFORMER'S OPINION. Sir,—l was much amused by a letter in your issue of March 8, signed "Jas. Corrigan," and headed "A Wardist Opinion." Ho is evidently disgusted with many of your leaders and sub-leaders. So might he! The Ward party has never been fond of having the truth exposed, so.that I do not wonder at Mr. Corrigan's feeling of disgust at seeing the truth so ably exposed as it is in your paper. He boasts about the bad beating suffered by the Opposition party, and when one considers dishonoured pledges and the influences that were brought to bear to accomplish such, the word "bad" is very appropriately placed. Had we been honourably beaten we would have been content to wait until the next triennial election, but having been dishonourably ""beaten, we want the people to have something to say before then, and see how Jfessr?. Payne and Robert.-ou fare. It would no doubt suit Mr. Corrigan were we to keep quiet, ns he kindly suggests, lmt we won't. That is not the policy of tho Reform party, whether they win or lose,'but it is what the sn-eallert "Lib?ral" party will have to do after next general election.' The shock, I hope, will prove tno much for them. There am two good things about Jas. C«rrisaii. lie hos a keen spiiso of humour iM'iMip reatjs The Dominion'.—l am. etc., March 11. A.E.M.