LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1867, 29 September 1913, Page 5

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

THE TRADE COMMISSIONER. Sir, —I notice tliat Sir Joseph. Ward has been championing tlio interest of his friend and henchmap, the Trade Commissioner. This appointment was made by Sir Joseph Ward some sixteen years ago, and tho lucky appointee has been enjoying the "sweets of office" all these years., junketing all over the world at tlio expense of a grateful country. What did the country got in return for tlio thousands of pounds spent. l ' Nothing—absolutely nothing. That Sir Joseph Ward should, in Parliament, uphold this appointment, and s|icak to Sir. Massey as he did, is a piece of downright audacity of which tlio people of this Dominion aro taking special notice. I travel very frequently throughout the country, and the genoral feeling for years, particularly among business people, has been that this appointment was purely a "political job," and of no benefit whatever to tho country. Let mo assure Sir Joseph Ward that in his own electorate he will find many who will challcngo his attempt to foist the Trade Commissioner on the Government when ho comos before thorn at the next election. It is a blessing to the country that there is now a Public Service Board .which will prevent political patronage in future. For that Act alone tho Massey Government deserve the support of all right-thinking people in tho Dominion. I notice that Sir Joseph Ward hararigues in Parliament about the visit of the battleship to the Bluff. What buncombel Because Mr. Hanan and a few tof iliis henchmen in Invercargill conspired to raise a cry against the Reform Government, tho short stay of tho battleship was eagerly seized as a weapon to thrash Masso.y and show up tho wickedness of tho Reform party. Ninety per cent, of the people of Southland were never troubled about the visit of the battleship, and all tho noiso was made by a, few political agitators who simply wished to make political capital out of the incident. We know both Sir Joseph Ward and Mr. Hanan, and estimate, at its true value, their anxiety for our welfare in Southland.. I believe the next general election will see a change in botli electorates. Continued eloquence is wearisome, and a cliango is necessary. I enclo.se my card.—l am, etc.,

REFORMER. - Invcrcargill, September 23, 1913.