POLITICAL MATTERS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 384, 2 June 1915, Page 3

POLITICAL MATTERS.

<To the Editor.)

Sir, —.Allow me through the columns of your paper to reply to " Country First's" disparaging remarks 2.1011S Sir Joseph Ward and Dr. McNab. Why, if he is so very anxious about the men and funds for the war, does he not get thi! Massey Ministry to both subscribe nnd give their sons to help? Hus anyone seen the name of Massey among the men that have gone to the front? Has anyone seen the name of "Massey in any subscription list? Let iiie tell

"Country First" that either Dr. McNalt or Sir Joseph Ward would not have made such a scandalous mess as the present party lias doue. Look at the canteen scandal, look at the rotten way the Government has carried on the enlisting, getting men to enlist and tc examined by the doctors and che;i letting them go for a couple of months, and then to be at their beck and call at once. I anr sure Sir Joseph Ward has more brains than to muddle up thiiifs like has been done by the present Government. As for seeing the back of Mr. Allen, I do not think it would be an 1 irreparable loss, and, as for the few | followers of Sir Joseph Ward, your correspondent must bo either a fool or a direct descendant of Annanias, for the Liberal Party polled a greater number of votes than the Tory Pariv did, and in a much cleaner manner. Look at the matter of the Bay of Islands election. Why not disqualify Massey for bribery? Look at the Taumarunni election. If yom boasted Massey had a particle of fairness, and he was so loud in talking about a "square deal," why did he not give it in this case. As for hunting, why, the Government has been 011 the hunt continually. How about Te Ilenare, the Maori, and 'the Bay of Islands? I would like the writer to look at' this week's- Auckland 1 News, and see the photo of the four McLeods, Liberals all. Can J'our correspondent or any of his party show the same? Why, the young men of New Plymouth, especially those of means, should pe made to wear petticoats as an emblem of cowardice. Of course, a good few have gone, but mostly from the ranks of the workers. Your correspondent should not write annoymously, but should sign his name| Then I think we should see another of those " willing workers," that is, always willing to kill the Kaiser with his mouth. I question whether we could not put him with the New Plymouth business man who' made it his boast that he had not given a penny to either patriotic or O'.elgian fund. No, "Country First," come out and be manly, not like most of your party, do tilings under hand. We shall then see if you have helped in either men or money. ' When a man is afraid to sign bis name to a tirade of slurs T do not think him up to much. —I am, etc.. PAUL WILLCOX. Raliotu, 'May 31.