Man Of Parts

NZ Truth, Issue 1207, 17 January 1929, Page 4

Man Of Parts

PEDAGOGY and politics are not synonymous terms, but m the case of A. J. Murdoch, the senior Government Whip, his initial venture m life — school-teaching — qualified him for honors m his later-day ' activities — politics. ■-."•.- . Always keenly interested m government and local body affairs, Murdoch won the confidence of the Marsden _. electors m 1922,

but like many another of his brethren, was submerged by the Coatesian wave at the 1925 poll. Last November, however, the electors of the district turned round and told him they didn't mean the little back-hander delivered three years before. Now he's again enjoying his seat

m the House. That he is competent may be gauged from the fact that his party holds sufficient confidence m his ability and tact to trust him with the job of party whip. More of a thinker and leader than a toiler with his hands, A.J.M. nevertheless, m pursuance of his animate desire of the open, has expended -a great deal bf his energies on the land as a farmer. But he has not let this phase of his activities monopolise all his time, for a-s a member of the Whangarei Chamber of Commerce, he has done much valuable work. Where the advancement of his district is concerned, Murdoch is always there, and for years boosted the formation of the Waipu railway. Like all men of his ilk,- he is a keen sportsman, and he'll carry that keenness into the political arena, not as a pot-hunter,' but for the good of the country.