BRUSH ASIDE PETTY ISSUES

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 130, 19 February 1918, Page 6

BRUSH ASIDE PETTY ISSUES

REMEMBER WHAT IS AT STAKE,

. "The suggestion that the code of political honour has not been observed by. the leader of the, Reform Party, towards its members is hardly worthy of further notice," remarked Mr. Massey last evening. "'Coining from people who have so far declined to abide by the honourable understanding agreed upon by the leaders of tho two great parties in Parliament, when party politics were laid upon one side for the purpose of enabling the people of New Zealand to present a united front to tho enemy, it is pretty rich. These erstwhile friends of mine are all honourable men—even as Brutus was.

"At the risk of being accused of reiteration, let me again say that I consulted hundreds of the electors in meetings and otherwise before Mr. Luke was nominated by Sir Joseph Ward and myself, and I am satisfied that at loast three-fourths of those whom I consulted were in favour of the present National Government candidate. Anions them were my Keform colleagues and many of the workers for the late member for "Wellington North, wlio are now working enthusiastically for Mr. LukeThe result of the poll will prove that what 1 am stating is correct. "I wonder, though, does it ever occur to these dissatisfied people that we are in the midst of a serious war? Anyone who reads the cable news can see that the' position to-day is more serious for Britain and the Allies than at any time since the battle of Mons; tliat by the finding of mines on the New Zealand coast during the last fewdays it is proved that we have the enemy at our gates. The _ Central Powers are concentrating their forces for a tremendous effort this spring. In spite of all these momentous facts, however, strife is being fomented and dissension oncouraged in one of the most, loyal 'electorates of a Dominion which, in proportion to its population, has come next to Britain itself in the war efforts it lias put forward. "What would other countries say and think if by any evil chance a revolutionary Socialist—a 'Red Fed'—or an opponent of the win-the-ivar policy happened to be elected for one of the most important constituencies in the Dominion? What would Germany say? • "It has been suggested by some.of these generous and patriotio people that Ministers—myself particularly— are only working for our own positions. Let me say, and I speak in all sincerity, that, while I appreciate to the full tlif confidence of my fellow-citizens, as compared with maintaining New Zealand's effort until victory comes, 1 consider my own position, or that of any other man, simply as the small dust of the balances. For Britain's sake, and for humanity's sake, let us keen our paltry differences, in the background until the great object which wo set out to accomplish in August, I&L4, has been achieved. My advice and request at this election is: 'Do not be misled; avoid vote-splitting, and support the National Government by voting for its candidate, Mr. J. V. Luko.'"