VIEWS OF CORRESPONDENTS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 127, 15 February 1918, Page 6

VIEWS OF CORRESPONDENTS

A HIGH TRIBUTE TO MR. LUKE. (To tho Editor.) Sir, —Tho glib way in which yoitr correspondent "Elector" speaks of Mr. Luke "merely performing his duty" as Mayor would load one to believe that duty was one of the easiest things to do, and that everyone did it as rmatter of course. If Mr. Luke has done his lull duty—if he has done all that he ought to have done, "and left undone all that he ought not to have done—his term of office would certainly be tho most memorable in the annals of our city. If all citizens "merely performed their duty." Wellington would be brought witliin measurable distance of realising that great ideal of "the city of God" which lias fascinated so many of the world's noblest minds. "Elector" appears to have a very cheap conception of duty; but the greatest saints have always been tlvi tirst to admit how greatly tliey ha\ ■ fallen short of the exacting requirements of duty.

"Electcr" pays an extremely high tribute to the National Government's candidate for Wellington North by his implied admission that as Mayor Mr. Luke "has done his duty." It is to be hoped that the doctors of Wellington North will also do their duty. II they do they will subordinate all party prejudices and personal considerations to the interests if their country, and by electing the National Government candidate by an overwhelming majority show to the whole world that New Zealand holds as firmly as over to its resolve to do all in its power to bring, the war to a good end. They must not forget that every vote 'wasted by supporters of the National Government on Mr. Brandon must improve the prospects of tho anti-conscription candidate. Mr. Brandon has 110 hope of being elected, but it is just possible that he may poll enough votes to ensure the return of Mr. Holland. Are tho disgruntled Reformers prepared to take this risk? Are they going to stab the National Government in tho back because its candidate does not satisfy all requirements, or because he may not possess the precise kind of polish demanded by some of those who glory in the privilege of entering the holy of lloK.es of Thorndon society?— I am, etc., COMMON SENSE.