MR SEDDON’S SPEECH

Hokitika Guardian, 25 October 1928, Page 4

MR SEDDON’S SPEECH

(Grey Star.)

Mr Seddon* had a very successful meeting on Tuesday evening, at the Greyinouth Town Hall, which augurs well for bis victory on polling day. A full report of his speech makes interesting reading. Mr Seddon covered a wide range of topics, and was candid about the political policy he supports, lie demonstrated, once again, the futility of Labour Press criticisms that he takes no definite stand on political issues. 0 The fact that at the conclusion eff his speech, the Labour supporters present could find nothing to use effectively against the candidate, was a proof that Mr Soddon’s comments were founded on commonsenso, and could not be answered by the Reds.

Mr Seddon should waste no more time in answering Labour allegations as to the size of the majority which elected him in 1925. Labour supporters were chagrined at getting so near victory, and yet being so far from their aim, and the three years’ interval has not lessened the bitterness of defeat. Next month, Mr Seddon’s majority will be much larger, and that is all what matters, to-day. Once again, Mr Seddon emphasised that under no circumstances will he vote against the Reform Government on a no-confidence motion the carrying of which would place a Labour Ministry in power. That should re-assure all Reform supporters in the constituency and they can vote for Mr Seddon, without any sacrifice of political principle. The fact that prominent Reform men are among his nominators is a furthei guarantee in this direction, and, moreover, it'must not be forgotten that any vote withheld from Mr Seddon helps the Labour candidate, with whom Reformers have nothing in common.

It is unnecessary to comment in detail on Mr Seddon’s remarks. They are explicit, in themselves, and can be accepted in all good faith. Mr Seddon has no' regrets ffor supporting Mr Coates against Labour tactics, and when in some directions, he could- not see eye to eye with the Reform. Government, he states why. ty This political': honesty should win for him the respect \ of all the electors, and convince them that he is not trying to be all things to all men, in order to get votes. Mr Seddon also demonstrated that dniing ... the past three years, he has been an ; excellent “ district ” Member, obtaining for his constituency a fair quota of Government grants and assistance. Any matter that arose affecting Westland interests he was eager to give hm personal attention,.and it can be justly claimed that no other could have done bettor. Our morning contemporary’s unconscious humour was lightly touched on by -Mr -Seddon, and certainty the “ Argus ’’ does add' to the gaiety of the community. Its professions that - Labour has a monopoly of sympathy ffor the workers, and that a- Labour Government is the country’s best hope are treated by intelligent, electors as . iokes. The real issue in Westland is .Constitutionalists y. Reds. Mr-Seddon stands for the Union Jack and all; it means. His Labour opponent/acclaims ~ the Red Flag and the political and economic doctrines of At. election times, that part of a our s programme is apologised for, when it is actually admitted, but electors , should not be deceived. It is not sufficient for a Labour candidate to say that he, \ is not a Communist. The question, is does, he associate with them, does he strive against them, and is lie dependent on them for Press and other aid. Mr Seddon’s position is clear where ,; Communism and Socialism are concerned and that alone justifies Westland electors in choosing him as their Member apart from his other undoubted qualifications for their preference. •