PRESENTATION TO MR A. W. HOGG, M.P.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 831, 26 April 1910, Page 3

PRESENTATION TO MR A. W. HOGG, M.P.

At Masterton, last Friday, Mr A. W. Hogg, M.P., was presented with a well-filled purse of sovereigns as a sligfit recognition of the sacrifice Mr Hogg had recently made, not only for Masterton, but for the whole Dominion.

Mr Hogg, in reply, said : —“I cannot thank you enough for the trouble you have taken to recognise in a practical way the action I took some time ago in resigning several portfolios rather than abandon my principles. That action was due to the assurance of the Premier that my views on certain policy questions were out of harmony wild those of the other members of the Cabinet, and also supporters of the Government, who threatened to withdraw their support if I remained in the Ministry. My views on the laud and currency questions have never been concealed. Twenty years ago I was a member of the Knights of Labour, and subscribed to its platform. That platform was almost identical with the platform of the Liberal party that did such wonderfully fine work under the leadership of the late Messrs Ballauce, McKenzie and Seddon. All during my political life I have been in conflict with vested interests, and I have consequently been at war with a whole army of shareholders, who are dependent on rent and interest, and some of whom acquire colossal wealth by a process 01 gambling. Some people have told me in a most inoffensive way, “ Hogg, you were a 100 l to sacrifice a lucrative position for the sake of your principles.” I would make the same sacrifice again and again. Of the attitude of the Labour organisations of New Zealand towards myself I cannot speak too highly. I received complimentary resolutions from, I believe, every Trades Council and Union in the Dominion. I have long been associated with the party of Labour, and I have strenuously supported its principal planks. If lam spared to be able to assist in the achievement of its ideals and aspirations, I shall feel that the chief aim of my political life has been accomplished.”