WELLINGTON CENTRAL

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 9, 5 October 1918, Page 9

WELLINGTON CENTRAL

THE GOVERNMENT POSITION

STATEMENT. BY HON. W.D.S

MACDONALD

The Hon. W. D. S. MaoDonnld, Act-ing-Leader of the Liberal Party, mado a statement to a- Dojuniom reporter yesterday regarding the Wolhngton Central by-oloction. Mr. MacDonalci attempted to address the election crowd in Willis Street oji Thursday night, but was continuously interrupted by Labour supporters.

"I have very, little to say in connection with the election," said tho Minister. "Tho National Government .fully expected the support of all loyalists in regard to Mr. Hildroth—the candidate selected by me, and approved of by tho other members of tho Cabinet—a man of undoubted loyalty, who was keenly interested in the carrying on of tho war to a successful issue, in tho repatriation of soldiers, allowances to soldiers' dependants, as well as in all the internal politics of tho country.

"Mr. Hikirelh was no< novice in an election campaign; having been on tho lato Mr. Fleteher's election committee Bo did not, however, do much platform work, as owing to tho number of candidates in tho field it was impossible to secure a hall to noM meetings at convenient dates; and,judging by the fairness displayed by the Wellington audience last nignt, it is easy to imagine the treatment that would bo meted out to a Government candidate at an onen-air meeting. Mr. Hildroth issued Ins policy, delivered a speech expressing his views, and published his speech, in order that everyone would be aware of his views and ophu'ons. . "Tho public of New Zealand as a whole know the Government policy, which cannot be altered to any great extent until a general election. Only machinery amfjnilments in existing legislation can bo given effect to, witii tho exception of war legislation, which includes soHiers' land settlement schemes and matters generally dealing with soldiers and their dependants. "I have no desiro to complain .of the attitude of Labour during tho_ campaign—tbey were well organised, and got a great deal of .support from unexpected, sources. I make no complaint against sane, loyal Labour having proper representation in Parliament.

"Under tho party system tho Government and tho Opposition fully oxplained public matters daily, and thus either satisfied or dissatisfied the public. Unfortunately, a National Government, dealing largely with war matters, cannot always take the rrab'ic into its confidence; naturally all the best men are not in the Government, and tho men outside tell the public how things ought to bo dono iu the direction of financing the country, carrying on tho State activities, and, in addition, reducing the cost of living by some magic unknown to the Isational Government. , "Tho chief cause, to my mind, ot the defeat of tho National Government candidate is that the Government >as handled tho affairs,of tho country su satisfactorily that the majority of # the. peoplo'do not realise that there is_a war flu, and they dwell upon their different grievances—political, sectarian, business, and so forth—forgetting altogether that wo aro engaged ill tbo most titanic struggle for tbo libertj of;mankind since tho dawn of history.

"Tho hands of tho Government are tied in many mattffS that it would like to make public, lit is not always able to do so. The Government trusts that the people appreciate tho difficul-ties-of-- tho. ■situation,'-and hopes-for tlioii' loyal support and co-operation. An election , occasionally is a good thing. It gives one an opportunity of knowing one's friends! when they are most needed.",