THE LABOR MEMBERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 November 1919, Page 8

THE LABOR MEMBERS.

i / WHERE THEY STAND, ; ( (From Our Own Correspondent.) Wellington, November 10. Though a great gulf separates Mr. W. A. Veiteli and Mr. S. G. fcimith from Mr. Holland, Mr. R. Seinple and Mr. P. Fraser, and Mr. J. McCombs and Mr. A. Walker stand somewhere between the progressive pair and the turbulent trio, the expiring House of Representatives is commonly credited with containing six Labor members. Mr. H. Poland and Mr. J. Craigie are almost as well qualified as Mr. Veitch and Mr. Smith are to be included in the designation, botli of them carrying their independence to the length of renouncing all party' obligations, but they are Liberals at heart and it is to the Liberals they will look for support at the approaching election. Mr. Payne, one of the most capable and vigorous critics fn the House, who has been sitting in the neighborhood of the Labor members, has persistently disclaimed any connection with their organisation and is temperamentally incapable of subservient attachment to any leader. THii PROGRESSIVES. Mr. Veitch, the member for Wargalini, who wns first elected in 1911, was not long in making a favorable impression upon the House. He came to Wellington with a better knowledge of politics than many of the older members possessed, and he did not make the mistake of displaying it on every possible occasion to an audience which ,is peculiarly ready to resent any assumption ot superiority. Of course his frank acceptance of the necessity for the National Cabinet and his whole-hearted support to its war measur6s have permanently estranged him from the extreme Laborites. Mr. Smith, the worthy eon of a worthy father, one of the stalwarts of Liberalism in its most strenuous days, has been even quicker than Mr. Veitch was in winning the good will and respect of the House. Infinitely better equipped for the role than most young men are in these times, he is likely to go far in politics and a portfolio, perhaps in the first Labor Government, is not beyond his reach. "THE RED FEDS." Mr. Holland, coming to the House with a certain reputation as a student, an 'orator and a firebrand, has been a disappointment, even in the last of these roles. His set speeches which had moved his friends and sympathisers tn enthusiasm at "demonstrations" and "rallies," 'proved stale and unprofitable when repeated before a more critical audience, and bv the end of the session he had become a bore rather than a force. Mr. R. temple adapted himself to his new environment more readily. Possessing a keener sense of humor and a broader vision, he did not persist in lecturing the House, and the House, duh grateful, listened to him patiently and with some measure of interest,. Mr. Fraser presented vet another type. Studious, widely read, if not altogether wisely, and intensely in earnest, he compels respect and commands attention. Unencumbered hv his party's pledge and adhering to its platform lie might become a very effective apostln of progress. "THE BETWEENS." Mr. J. MeCombs. who was closely associated with the late Mr. T. E. Taylor in his Canterbury" election campaigns, has aspired to follow in the footsteps if that valiant fighter, but he has not the personal magnetism of his 'predecessor, nor his rare gift of appealing speech. Coming into the House to-plav tlie part of a fire-eater lie has fallen somewhat short of the requirements of Hie role. Still he is one of the best informed men in the House upon many matters that ou<rht to he interesting its members, and if he could shed a habit, of sceptical thought and speech he would be listened to with interest and profit. Altogether the Labor Party, thousrh by no means a united familv. contains many elements that might he turned to good account under capable leadership. Unhappily this is the saving grace it lacks.