The Manawatu Herald. Saturday, November 14, 1914. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1324, 14 November 1914, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Saturday, November 14, 1914. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Contrary to the expectations, the general election campaign is not going to be characterised by that party bitterness which some people had prophesied. The usual partisan clap-trap will be indulged in, of course, but the bulk of the electors know how to sill the chaff from the grain. The issues before the electors are clearly defined, and the policies of the three parties stand out prominently. The Massey Government has been faced with the keenest and bitterest opposition, political bargaining, and an industrial crisis unprecedented in the political history of this country, and to top all, have to bear grave responsibilities connected with the war in which the Empire is engaged. Truly the late Parliament has been a memorable one. But the Massey Government has come through with Hying colours- It has successfully beaten down political party trickery, and has placed on the Statute book legislation of a distinctly beneficial character to the country as a whole. The Government’s record will stand the most searching examination, and its return to power next month is practically assured.

Mr RoiiHRTSON emphatically informed his meeting last night that Mr Gardener was not the official Fiberal candidate for this constituency. He said the Fiberal Party decided not to put up a candidate against him (Mr Robertson) and a similar arrangement had been made between the Fabour Parly and the Fiberals in other constituencies. This clears up a very important point and is evidence that political bargaining has taken place between the Opposition and Social Democrats to oust the Massey Government at any cost. It would be interesting to know the exact terms of this unholy alliance. Mr Robertson has let the cat out of the bag but was slim enough to avoid details. Will Mr Gardener enlighten us on the subject ? Mr Gardener claims to have been and to be a staunch supporter of the Fiberal Party and if he is prepated to cover up such political trickery then the sooner he gives politics a wide berth the better.

[Since the above was in print we have heard that Mr Gardener, who has only recently recovered from a serious illness, suffered a breakdown in health after his Paraparaumu meeting last night, and is rumoured that this may preclude him from continuing the contest. This will be-regretted by supporters and opponents alike,]