The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1928. A MATTER. OF LOYALTY.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 October 1928, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1928. A MATTER. OF LOYALTY.

It has been said that the present General Election contest is a. matter ot constitutionalism versus red fedism. The electors should hear that aspect in mind for wolves have been known to masquerade in sheep’s clothing. The Argus on Wednesday professed to be very irate with us for drawing attention to some of the earlier political expressions of the Leader of the Labour Party, and letting in a little light on the political creed Mr Holland expoused in his salad days. Our contention was that imbued with the socialist ideas of fervour before Australian audiences, it was not likely those views were altogether dead sea fruit. That in point of fact, they lingered heavily in the memory, and were ready for service as opportunity offered. In order to dray'

a red Herring across the scent, the Argus naively tries to. side track the main issue by stating that Richard John Seddon had been maligned and had risen superior to all criticism. But the Argus may be reminded that there was not any question of loyalty at issue in the life of the great statesman referred to. He was himself one of the highest exponents of Imperialism the Empire has had. His policy in party politics was severely criticised of course, but he came through with flying colours so that those who scoffed remained to pray, and all the great Liberal»legislation be sponsored is on the Statute Book to-day, nothing repealed, even though his politcal opponents have been in office, so long. In point of fact they have paid his life work the honor of imitating it, so his great and good deeds live after him. But the late Mr Seddon, never spoke of planting the red flag, of stirring up a class revolt, or of demanding that any section of the community should have all the wealth, and turn the country towards a goal which, as Mr Holland expressed it, was a social revolution! But that reminds us, we must return to Mr Holland, as the Argus invites us .to do by suggesting that in a previous reference we made a veiled charge of disloyalty. If our offence, we make amends by recounting an episode of 1919. It was towards the end of that year that Mr Holland was announced to deliver an address at Murchison, and at the appointed hour over 100 residents had assembled in the local hall. Mr J. Bredbury a prominent citizen, was voted to the. chair, and when he rose to introduce Mr Holland, Mr Thomson Junr., moved the following resolution:

“That in view of the fact that Murchison was second to none in the Dominion in loyalty to the King and country in the Great War, and in view of the. fact that the Minister of Defence had cause to describe Mr Holland as being throughout the war disloyal to his King and country, and the men who went to fight for freedom, this meeting of Murchison citizens feels that although fully sympathetic to the legitimate claims of Labour, it cannot suffer to he addressed by The Labour representative now present, and every loyal citizen is therefore asked to quietly leave the hall.”

This motion was seconded by Dr Waneford, the Chairman, declaring himself in full accord with the motion, both gentlemen retiring from the meeting. Seventy-nine of those present thereupon left the hall. This is the story from a metropolitan newspaper, and was published abroad at the time. Murchison is a well-known West Coast centre, and in common with the general feeling of the Coast, showed it was jealous of its loyal reputation. This matter of loyalty is, therefore, not to be considered lightly. The security of the country is of the highest importance, find the electors should be care-

ful to see into whose hands they are going to entrust the Government on polling day. The party with Mr Holland at the head does not appear to be attractive for the loyal citizen regarding the material interests of his country of paramount importance.