THE FIRST BY-ELECTION

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2845, 9 August 1916, Page 4

THE FIRST BY-ELECTION

The death of Mr. J. H. Escott, member for Pahiatua, has necessitated, tho first by-election in tho Dominion since the formation of the National Government. Mr. "Escott was a valued country member of tho Reform Party, and under the existing political truce between tho two chief parties in Parliament there would be, so far as' they aTe concerned, no contest for the vacant seat. The understanding, as stated to-day by the Prime Minister and Sir Joseph Ward, was that in the event of a seat becoming vacant during the existence of the National Government, the leader of tho party to which tho previous holder of the seat bolonged should have the right to nominate his successor; tho person so nominated to rcccivo the support of both parties. This was a reasonable and proper arrangement, designed to minimise possibilities of party strife and political intrigue in terms of the agreement on which the formation of a National Cabinet was based. In Great Britain an arrangement of a similar naturo was made on tho formation of the Coalition Ministry. But the matter of the selection of a succcssor to Mr. Escott is not to be allowed to be decidcd on ' the basis of tlie agreement between the Leaders of the two chief parties. There is, after all, to be a contest. The nominee of tho Coalition Government, Mr. G. H. Smith, a popular and highly respected resident of Pahiatua, is to be opposed by Mr. R. 8., Ross, an ex-member for the district, and Mr. G. D. M'Farlajte, a Social Democratic Patty candidate. It is in one respect regrettable that thcro should be a contested, election at the present time, but sinco the contest has been forced on ,the electorate it is just as well that tho electors of Pahiatua should clearly understand the position. Tho heads of both' the Reform and tho Liberal parties sup-, port the candidaturo of Mr. .Smith. His defeat would be a blow at tho National Ministry, of which they aro the leading spirits. Mr. Ross stands as an Independent candidate; but Mr. M'Farlane is the representative- of the' Social Democratic Party, The Social Demo, cratic Party in Parliament is represented by men whose record during the session just ended is not an inspiring one. Instead of seeking to. assist the National Government, wi.th the heavy burden of work and responsibility it is carrying, tho majority of the members of thu party have devoted their energies m quite i the opposite direction. Their criticism has been in the main extravagant and 'unhelpful, and their conduct suggests that the war to them is a cjuite secondary matter to the advancement of their pot political theories. That their .party should seek to contest a country seat in face of their constant girding at the farming, interests is in keeping with thai? strange conception of the fitness of things. Possibly they imagine. that tho man on the land has a short memory or that he can be won over by the platform professions of the chosen orators with which they propose to flood the electorate. The issue for the electors of Pahiatua is a simple one, and it should not be difficult for them to make up their minds concerning it, Tho question is whether they are going to assist the National Government with the Croat task it has on its hands. Their late member, Mr. Escott, felt it his duty to do so, and he rendered loyal service, even to the extent'of remaining at his post here and sacrificing his personal desire to serve his country in the fightinglines. He gave a lead which his late constituents should' have no hesitation in following.