The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, April 2, 1914. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1228, 2 April 1914, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, April 2, 1914. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

The political meeting addressed by the Hou. Mr Fisher, Minister for Marine, at Foxton on Monday night, clearly indicated that a local audience knows how to behave itself and possesses a sense of British fair play. The few persistent interruptions came from two individuals more or less under the influence of liquor, and it was clearly apparent that the audience had no sympathy with such interrupters. It is suprising, however, what a diversion may be created at a public meeting by irresponsible persons and there were a number in the audience whose secret wish was that a disturbance should have been created. The Minister had the meeting with him throughout and bis speech on the Government's policy and administration was of educational value to a number of the audience whose minds had been poisoned against the Government by misrepresentation. It is a fine thing to see young New Zealanders taking an active part in the administration ot their country’s affairs, no matter what political leader they follow. We are satisfied they possess the educational facilities and natural ability and each election sees an increasing number entering the political field with the laudable object of serving their fellows and boosting the grand little country which their father’s pioneered. We need have no fear for the future social and political welfare of this Dominion if the native born rise to a sense of their responsibilities. In this connection we admire Mr Fisher and all New Zealanders who are actively engaged in the social and political arena. To think that the people of this country, in political and industrial matters, are to be in the leading strings of imported agitators and fire-brands, is a reflection on our national intelligence, and the sooner we kick out such parasites irom our public life the better it will be for the country. Mr Fisher's address indicated that the Government intended to stamp out the revolutionary methods of those who pose as leaders of the horny-handed sons of toil, and in this connection the Government will have the undivided support of every patriotic New Zealander. We hope that some of Mr Fisher’s colleagues will visit other parts of this electorate in the near future and come into closer touch with the industrial workers.

Asked during the course of his Foxton meeting if he would meet Mr W. T. Mills on the public platform, the Hon, F. M. B. Fisher replied that be would meet any member of the Labour Party if he was given a fair hearing. The national organiser of the Social Democratic Party on Tuesday forwarded a letter to Mr Fisher, offering to debate the national measures of disagreement between the Reform and the Social Democratic Parties. Mr Mills suggests that the largest halls in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin be engaged for that purpose, and that Mr Atmore, or any other person approved by Sir Joseph Ward as an authorised spokesman for his party, be invited to join in these debates. “I do not know that this would be acceptable to Mr Atmore,” adds Mr Mills, “nor do I insist upon its acceptance by you, but it would be agreeable to me to meet representatives oi both parties to which I am equally opposed.” Mr Mills concludes: “As to your reference to good order, you are already aware that I will have no part in a disorderly gathering, that I have the unanimous support of all persons authorised to speak for the Social Democrats in affi rmiug that it is always our wish that all public meetings shall be conducted with good order, and that all spokesmen on public questions of all sorts shall always be given respectful and attentive hearing,” While admitting that Mr Fisher is game enough and keenly anxious to cross swords in debate with this American citizen or other imported individual of the same type, we question the wisdom of giving such individuals the opportunity tor gaining publicity and attention that such an encounter would create. Mr Fisher can find better use for his talents in other directions, and would better maintain the dignity of his position by refusing to exchange views with the of the Red Revolutionary Party, whicfr has already been given too much prominence by the press and Parliament of this country,