SECTARIANISM.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 December 1919, Page 4

SECTARIANISM.

(Otago Daily Times.) The Dunedin “Times” in commenting on the defeat of Sir Joseph Ward at the poll last week, goes on to say: While we have never, been identified with the political views enunciated by the Liberal leader and while hia defeat may to some extent be attributed to bis revival for electioneering purposes of outworn party tactics, we feel nevertheless that the temporary disappearance from political life of a leader of sucli long and varied experience is a matter of regret. For a period of nearly thirty years Sir Joseph Ward has been an outstanding figure in the politics of the country, and it is safe to say that the New Zealand Parliament will be the poorer for his absence. There is the greater reason why his political defeat should be regarded as unfortunate if it may be traced, even in part, as we suspect it may be, to the exercise of sectarian influences in his electorate. The introduction of religious issues into the realm of politics is to be deeply deplored, no matter who is responsible for it, and it is specially to be viewed with concern when it involves the relegation into private life of a public man of the wide experience and undoiibted ability of Sir Joseph Ward. (Dunedin “Star.”)

Many surprising results were anticipated, but nothing to equal the surprise over the decisive defeat of Sir* Joseph Ward by a candidate who entered the tournament rather late, and was deemed apparently by his opponent to be unworthy of a serious contest. Optimism has betrayed a man who hae ren-i dered splendid service to his country -and to his Empire. Obviously the political influence of the P.P.A. is much . more powerful than most people had imagined it to be. It is regrettable that sectarianism should take so prominent a part in politics. Sir James Allen had just escaped similar punishment, his narrow victory in Bruce, which is practically a moral defeat, being undoubtedly due to the influence of the P.P.A. It is another lesson that a -gracious manner is an asset in politics 1 . We had hoped that the electors of Bruce would have been more appreciative of Sir James Allan’s magnificent war ser.yice. .