AN ACCOMMODATING- POLITICIAN.

Manawatu Times, Volume IV, Issue 46, 9 June 1880, Page 2

AN ACCOMMODATING POLITICIAN.

Amongst other of the self-glorifications which the Hon. John Hall showered upon himself and his Ministry, is the credit which he has taken for modelling his political programme after the most approved American style. • I can quite believe it ; and certainly his tactics ever since his elevation to power have been a.fac simile of those of a Trans-Pacific senator, who, at the conclusion of a pre-election speech, thus addressed his audience :— " Gentlemen, — These are my sentiments, but they are by no means cast iron, nor am lat aU wedded to them . If there be one or more items of my political creed which do not give general satisfaction, you have only to direct me to alter or discard it or them, and I will be only too happy to obey. I consider it the duty of every candidate to give way gracefully to public opinion — if by such concession the great aim and object of his ambition — a successful return — is secured." Mr. Hall has so far certainly carried out m its integrity the creed of his American prototype, for his Government measures — like the very thinnest of iee — give way under the slightest pressure. The platform which the Premier has adopted may possibly secure him an extended lease of power, but it certainly is at the expense of any rag of political reputation which he might have ever possessed.