Provides Pretty Problem For Reform

NZ Truth, Issue 1188, 6 September 1928, Page 6

Provides Pretty Problem For Reform

NOT so long ago a Cabinet Minister was almost m tears at the reluctance of leisured people to enter the hurly-burly of public life. But nowadays there is greater likelihood of the busy man than the individual of leisure seeking public office. For Instance, J.J. Clark, of the Empire City, leads a full life, both In business and public activities, but he is intent at the present moment upon widening his horizon. For years a chief of much mana m the Reform League —member of the j Dominion executive, 'chairman of Wellington branch and what not— he is slightly at cross purposes with the organization. And, all because Tom Forsyth objects to Clark butting into the Wellington East electorate. As the, Reform organization lays it down as a dictum that sitting members of the party shalKcarry the official imprimatur, Forsyth declares himself beyond the selective processes of a party ballot. For the life of him, Clark cannot see where the prescriptive right comes m and snaps his fingers at the wonderful organization of which he was so recently a shining light. A pretty problem for the inner circles of Reform, but a gift to Labor if the situation only continues. Powerful counsels may prevail,, however, before the situation gets put of. hand and honeyed phrases sweeten the retirement of one of the unfortunate wooers. A citizen of the Empire City for very many years, J.J.C. has, by energy, grit and. the qualities that make for success, carved for him>elf a niche; m the community. Particularly m his live suburb of Kilbirnie is. he to be found m the forefront of public movements. - 7 Nothing spectacular about serving on a school committee, but J.J.C. is quite as thorough over the small offices to which he is .elected as the larger ones.. Nearly thirty years ago, when' the opposing captains m Soutfi Africa were Kitchener and Kruger m a contest quite unlike Rugby, Clark was one of New Zealand's ..khaki lads, strenuously playing their parts as younger sons m a big Empire family. , And if you would wish to see him m a reaLly happy, setting, just look m ,at the annual gathering of the slow.ly-greying lads of those past. days. Calm, deliberate an.d without fluster or rhetoric, J. J. Clark will pursue the aim he < has iri view. He has hitched his wagon to a star. / „ ...