THE SEQUEL!

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8350, 10 February 1913, Page 6

THE SEQUEL!

Strange, is it not, that the squatters organ has suddenly ceased the publication of those glowing and adulatory accounts of tho triumphal progress of the versatile F. M. B. Fisher through the West Coast? Strange also that no explanation has been vouchsafed for withholding from its “Reform” readers such important and gratifying information. The fact of the matter, sad to relate, is that a sudden change has come over the situation. Tho West Coasters, having received their Wellington newspapers, were startled to discover that tho hospitality to strangers that they have made proverbial, had been misconstrued into enthusiastic prostration at the feet of self-styled Reform. They were surprised to learn that patient attention to the views of political opponents, well-expressed by an unquestionably good platform speaker, had been misrepresented into an abject and sudden surrender of the Liberal principles which they hold dear and a prompt and unreserved adoption of the doctrines of Toryism. They were disgusted at the political capital that had Been made out of the fact that Mr Fisher, as a mark of honour to a Minister, whatever his politics, and as an extreme act of hospitality, had been allowed to sit in “the, identical chair from which the late Right Hon. R. J. Seddon ruled tho destinies of Kumara.” But they had had no idea that this generous concession was to be regarded as a masquerade and employed to belittle the memory of a great statesman that is revered in every home on the Coast. In a word, the limelight effects were employed too strongly. That is why the political atmosphere of the West Coast suddenly froze, why tho only ovation at Westport was one accorded to Mr Colvin, why the applause conceded to Mr Fisher at . his subsequent addresses was toned down to the exact measure of politeness, and why tho votes were limited to mere expressions of thanks. Even the promises of plentiful expenditure of public moneys, and the offer to push on tho Otira tunnel faster than ever, failed to stimulate any enthusiasm. Mr Fisher, in view of his discouraging experiences in the cause of Toryism, promptly shook the dust of the West Coast from his feet and betook himself to Pioton in the hope of winning more sympathy there.