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Hokitika Guardian, 23 November 1922, Page 2

The Parliamentary candidates opposing the Liberals, who are rising the parrot acquired phrase that Liberalism is dead, and the party out, have a very inadequate knowledge of the fundamentals of polities. We quote again to-day a sentence or two from one of Mr Buddo’s speeches which should he helpful to clear the cobwebs from tile minds of those who do not realise what is the end and aim of all sound government. The policy of the Liberals to-day us yesterday, and for to-morrow is to afford liberty and freedom to all, break down class privilege and advantage, and establish State action where the many may ho bencfitted. Looking hack over the nrevious period of the Liberals in power the reader will see how the objective was worked for, and in the improved condition of tbs masses, in the advancement of tile country, in the opportunity to get oil the land and in the care of the agetl and sick the Liberals pursued a line of policy identical with the aims and aspirations of Liberalism, Mr Uuddo has defined so clearly. Tho Liberals are out now to take up the task where it was left off a decade ago. They have the ideals in mind. They can furnish the brains to do the work. Where there is a will there is a way. Mr Massey had the way with his omnipotent majority but lie had not the will, and he neglected his great opportunity. Tho country is realising that fact and there will he a practical demonstration of that fact in the sixty or more electorates the Liberals are contesting. Mr Wilford lias brought out a fine class of candidate and already we hear more than one Minister's seat is in peril. Mr Massey is busy rushing about trying to rally his followers and save seats where lie can. Ho has been trying to do this in Auckland, in Hawke’s Bay and other parts of the North Island which indicates tho peril his party stands in. Ho is to come to the South Island soon, for Ministers and candidates are in peril in this Island also. Speeches such as those of Mr Buddo and others who are exposing Reform and its failure to administer the country wisely and well are having their effect, and they will he as effective in Westland too, for they show how empty are the Government claims for consideration on paßt performances when the administration failed so pronouncedly.

Tiif. greatly increased attendance at the political meeting last night, indicated no doubt the natural popularity of the Liberal candidate with the general public. Liberalism has prevailed so long, in Westland and Mr Seddon’s review of tlie position last night, com-

bined with his criticism of the Government, showed cause for Westland to remain Liberal. Mr Seddon was able to refute Mr Massey’s imputation on the loyalty question, and to trenchantly criticise the leakage in the public finance, combined with the admini- i strative extravagance. He was able to make out a good case for proportional representation, and to illustrate the need for dealing with Trusts. In regard to soldier settlements, and the plight of the men on the dear land, Mr Seddon’s revelations showed the justice in asking for a revision of values, and at the same time, the gross extravagance and maladministration of the Government in the system employed to find land in the first instance, and the impotent way in which the authorities went about placing the men on the land. The catalogue of defects in regard to tile Government was ! such as to justify the need if not for a new Ministry, then certainly for a strong, critical opposition of the sane and constitutional character of the ! Liberals.

.Mil Seddon cleared up the allegations made by Mr Steer the other evening that he (Mr Seddon) had voted for Air Holland (Extreme Labor) on a noconfidence motion. Tt turned out from the revelations made by the questioner last night, that Mr Steer was prompted by no less a person than the Prime Minister in making the charge he did. Mr Seddon was able to quote from Hansard and from Mr Massey’s own reported wolds, that it was ‘‘an amendment” by Mr Holland, and not “a motion of no-confidence” which .Air Seddon had supported. The very fact that Air R. A. AVrigbt, the Reform member for Wellington Suburbs, had also voted in company with Air Seddon, showed, likewise, that no question of “no confidence” was involved. If there were, the ordinary business of the House would have been suspended, and the members would have settled down to a straight-out no confidence debate. But there was nothing of the kind, and Afr ALassey lias been longenough in Parliament to know the position. The electioneering tactics be is disposed to follow in this instance shows that Reform is being very much pressed. But Air Seddon promptly drew the charge, and has made it clear and definite that he did not, nor would not, support Air Holland on a no-confidence motion.

Tim candidature of the sitting member judged by last night’s meeting is going to be in great favor in this district. It will be to the credit of the hearts and minds of the people that this is so. In fair weather and foul, in peace and in war, for upwards of half a century, Westland has put its political trust in a Seddon. That name has never failed the people, either of this single electorate, or the whole Dominion. Tile name has brought honour and credit and great renown, and in the present member, there has been a worthy representative of the highest character. Mr Seddon is held in the greatest esteem and no more worthy representative could he found. The political record he stands for is a policy which has stood the test of time, and which is founded on a desire to advance the country, to uplift the people. What the Liberals have done in the past is all to their credit and New. Zealand lias profited greatly by it. The Liberal policy brought prosperity and security to the country. Mr Seddon is a loyal ardent supporter of that policy, and Westland cannot do better at the coming poll than continue to pledge its political faith to a Seddon, the name of all others New Zealand is specially proud to revere.