FROM Gregmouth Evening Star, AND BRUNNER TON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, AUGUST 24th, 1922. VOTE LIBERAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 December 1922, Page 1

FROM Gregmouth Evening Star, AND BRUNNER TON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, AUGUST 24th, 1922. VOTE LIBERAL.

Ihk Reform Party has made some extraordinary claims during its last term oi office, but, perhaps, the most absurd is the electioneering tactics being pursued by inferring that it is necessary to vote for Air Alassey and his supporters if true patriotism is not to he suspected. That sort of .statement may be suitable for the intelligence of Reform out-and-out voters, hut it is unlikely to beguile others. Mr AYilford did well to denounce such propaganda, which, however, need not be taken too seriously, nor should Liberals retaliate in kind, flinch as Reform jHilities should be disliked, allegations of want of patriotism need not be launched by Liberals against Reformers ; such criticism can be best used against those who see good , : n every country but their own, and whose policy is r dated to that prevailing at Aloseow. For Liberals and Reformers to mix their party polities with claims as to which side is the more patriotic will not further true patriotism, nor help to solve the domestic problems of this country. Even the Labour leaders now realise that New Zealanders, generally, honour their country. King and Flag, and that any attempt to belittle such sentiment will bring disaster to those responsible. Ibe immediate object of all politicians should he to make the Dominion more of the social, paradise it could be. That is not possible while Labour regards the interests of one class only, and whilst Reform works mainly for farmers, and the “big men” at that. The Liberals can claim to be striving for the general good, and, if a vigorous leadership is forthcoming, the result of the December elections should be a Liberal accession to office. The count tv is very dissatisfied with the Reform Government, a Labour Alinistrv is regarded as a worse evil, and it is from llie Liberals alone that redress can he looked for. -Many good candidates have been chosen to represent the Liberal cause at the coming elections, and only votesplitting can let the Reformers again obtain the majority of Parliamentary seats despite a minority in the conn-

try. Air Milford , next week, is to make n policy speech at Dunedin, and, it on the lines to ho expected, a distinct rally to Liberalism must be forthcoming. It would be to the country’s advantage to have a change ill the political colour of the Alinistrv, as the decade in office ol the Alasseyites has had the effect of depriving them of any initiative they may have had after so long a stay in the “wilderness.” There is, of course, not the slightest chance of Labour obtaining anything approaching a majority, and the moderate trade unionists or sane Labour supporters, would serve their own cause best by

voting Liberal at the coming polls. The workers will get little from the present Alinistrv, and less from a small Labour minority, but a Liberal Government, even ii it did not go quite so far as desired by some workers, would improve their conditions beyond anything the other parties are likely to achieve. The Aluderate Reformers, too, would on reflection discover that their views are mere in harmony with the modern Liberal policy than with the actual programme being carried out by Air Afassov and bis colleagues, and such electros would be well advised to change their allegiance. The time has come when real interest .should lie taken in the December elections, and wiser opinions are more likely to ho cultivated now before the campaign opens, than during tlie time when the people •ire being beguiled bv specious Reform promises, or Labour encouragement of class-consciousness. A HAPPY EVENT. •'From Greymouth Evening Star, December 29, 1921.) The name of Seddon will always he honoured on the Most Coast and keen interest is taken in every member of the dead statesman’s family, thus wliat>ver individual polities may he, congratulations and good wishes will lie general to the present Alemher for Westland on his engagement to he 'Harried, ft is frequently remarked on he Coast that everybody likes “Tom

■ieddon,” ami few Parliamentarians are more popular personally. The lady to •rhom he is engaged belongs to a well known and much respected Clirist•huroh family, and it is understood that Greymouth is to he the future home for Mr Seddon ami his bride. The warmest of welcomes from Most Coast people will await her and her presence should lie a decided acquisition to Const social and other circles. It lias long been a matter lor regret in Greynioulh particularly that too little was seen of its parliamentary representative. lie lias always been desirous of assisting his constituents as much as be can, hut it has been difficult for a iilffieiently close touch to be uia.intninh! between the member and those who lesire his co-operation and support in district public matters. Corresponlenee inevitably meant loss of valulblo time, and perhaps occasional misunderstanding, hut if in future it is to have a resident member Westland can

hope for an avoidance of possible disappointments. AVritihg quite generally it is not the happiest state of affairs for any constituency to have an “absentee” representative and Air Seddon could not have done anything better to maintain the feelings of friendship towards him by AYestland electors, than by bis desire to become one of them, Greymouth wants more men like him in its public life in affairs other than parliamentary. AVe have perhaps wandered from our original purpose in congratulating Afr Seddon and extending ,m the name of all AA r est Coast residents the heartiest of welcomes to his future wife and there is no intention of striking a jarring note. The “Star” has consistently supported his candidature for Parliament mainly for his Liberal principles and partly for his personally good qualities and we expect to have further opportunities to congratulate him oil being head of the poll j at subsequent elections. • “Non Resi- I deuce” has hitherto been the only j cause for criticism and with this removed .Air -Seddon can confidently ex. | peel to hold the AA’estland seat against all comers. " ,