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Hokitika Guardian, 29 October 1925, Page 2

On Hie occasion of Mr O'Brien's speech m Hokitika we remarked on its mild and moderate tone. Our attention lias since Keen called to his address at Orcymouth, and in particular to a re port in the “Grey llivor Argus.” ii which Mr O’Brien is made to say that: “He admitted that he had spent eleven months in Lyttelton .gaol, but (and this is the point) expressed himsclt ready to do the term again should the occasion ever ari.se." If Mr O'Brien is reported correctly we have no hesitation in saying he is not a fit and proper person to represent the loyal population of Westland in Parliament. We were of course aware that -Mr O'Brien had served a term of imprisonment. hut had hoped, in fact, felt from his protestations on the platform and in public, that his experience had corrected his mind, and he was genuinely sorry for his offence against the peace and honor of his King and Country. We find we are mistaken. Mr O'Brien, if lie has been reported correctly in hi? own paper, still glories in seditious wavs, and is prepared to speak against law and order, and the disruption of constitutional methods, if bv so doing he can serve a cause which has for its objective the overthrow of authority in our midst. It is a very frank admission to make at any time. In point of fact it- repeats the offence of which he was found guilty in a court of law. It discloses a state of mind and temperament which should be revolting to all loyal minds in Westland. Mr O’Brien says in effect he will not subscribe to law and order, and all this

despite the oath he took when tie became a member of Parliament. Hi.s attitude at this juncture makes it more plainer than ever that the present contest in Westland is a sharp division between a loyalist and one who is not. By his own words. Mr O’Brien glories in his action which brought him to book before the law of the land ; yet he would again pint himself in a similar position, if he saw the occasion to do so. In actual fact he would lie

prepared at any time to act unconstitutionally to gain his cuds and in the gaining of course the constitution would he imperilled. -Such is Air O’Brien's public attitude in seeking the suffrages of the people to represent them in Parliament. We say at

once that such a representative is foreign to the past history of loyal Westland. and we shall he surprised indeed, now that the position is clear to the people, it Westland does not say so in a very definite way on Wednesday next. I UK writer in a London papier draws pointed attention to the position of the Prince of Wales, who it would appear. it is the piartieular desire of tho people that lie should settle down, and as all romances should conclude, “live happy ever alter." No doubt the views expressed by the London writer will receive a good deal of endorsement by the public generally. Prince Edward has endeared himself wherever lie has travelled. His many good qualities arc estimated with a wealth, of detail bribe London writer, and there will Ikfull appreciation of all those qualities They, in fact, lit him well for the purpose of his ultimate kingship, foi as heir to the throne, he must have qualifications out of the ordinary. H< is very well equipped and should mak< a loveable figure at the head of the nation. The desire that he should

marry is a natural one. more so because of the national example hi.* father ha? given of a happy, useful married life. The Prince of Wales has his choice circumscribed naturally, but we hope there will be no insurmountable difficulties to the future King of Groat Britain selecting a helpmate worthy of the Prince and of the exalted position hi* bride will occupy. II Is not usually an occasion for haste, hut time is getting on and in the natural order of tilings ilia Prime of Wales niu-t soon he settling down.