RELIGION IN POLITICS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2567, 14 April 1923, Page 3

RELIGION IN POLITICS.

MB MASSEY REPLIES TO CHARGES. Wellington, Last Night. Tn replying to references in the editorial columns of the “New Zealand Times,” (he “Auckland Star,” and the “Timaru Herald” to the subject of religion in politics, Mr Massey, to-day, staled he was glad to testily that there was less sectarianism in the Tauranga election than in any previous election. Regarding to the reference to the visit of wary Cahineteers to the South Island, coincidental with the Oanrnni election, Mr Massey said thev were there solely on departmental business and also for the recent Executive Council meeting. Regarding the "Star’s” statement timl Mr Massey had permitted one of his Ministers, Mr Nosworthy, to declare he would not take office with a Roman Catholic as a colleague, Iho Premier said it was very far from correct. It was true that Mr Nosworthy, when not a Minister, had expressed strong views on the subject, but he later was Government whip to the National Minislrv wherein Sir Joseph Ward was a member.

Mr Massey quoted the following lei ter from Mr Ewen MacGregor, president of the Protestant Association: “I congratulate you upon your win in Tauranga. Neither T nor my association helped you, as we considered it best to let the country realise what a solid menace we are up against in the combination that was arranged against

“That,” sad Mr Massey, "is a complete answer to the alleged using of sectarianism at Tauranga. It was a straight, clean fight on political issues, and as far as T am concerned the Oainaru contest will he fought the sme way.”