THE POLITICAL ISSUES.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 December 1922, Page 6

THE POLITICAL ISSUES.

THE EGMONT SEAT. In one part of the Egmont electorate opposition has been raised by Mr. O. J. Hawken because of his attitude on the question of setting up a Dairy Produce Control Board. Mr. Hawken was honored by the House in being chosen as chairman of the committee that heard evidence upon the question. Mr. Hawken, as you know, is a man who does not act hastily, but thinks out matters very carefully. He has given his Tonest opinion in favor of a dairy pool, for doing that he is being severely taken to task by some who do not see the matter in the same light as he does. Would these people who are opposed to his View have felt more respect towards him if he had taken up Mr. Masters’ attitude of first heartily supporting him vigorously and then opposing the proposal? Mr. Hawkenacted with straightforwardness, and it seems that because of this some of those who think differently upon the pool, but who are otherwise in full agreement with his policy, are letting this one question blind them entirely to the excellent service which Mr. Hawken has given during his term in Parliament. What about his spelendid effort to safeguard the interests of Taranaki on the Highways Bill? What about his efforts on behalf of the people of the Omoana when the cloud-burst did so much damage?

Are these, and the numerous other good services which he has rendered, to count for nothing 9

Mr. Hawken is—and this is the opinion on all sides —one of the best members in the House. He is a hard work er; he is Mr. Massey’s candidate; and he will undoubtedly go far in political life. As far as the Dairy Pool is concerned, it is a very big question. On all sides farmers have said that something ought to be done to improve marketing conditions. Yet because Mr. Hawken has indicated plainly what he thinks of the matter, he is being punished by some of his former supporters. We ask them to think seriously of what they are doing. Do they want this country to fall into the hands of a weak Government at the dictation of extremists? That would do much more harm than any dairy pool or anything else could ever do to the producers of this country. Furthermore, the pool question is still in abeyance, and the Prime Minister has stated very clearly that he wants the farmers to get to gether during the vacation and make up their minds on the matter, and he will then see what suitable legislation is passed. But if you, through failing to support the 'Government candidate for Egmont, help to weaken Mr. Massey’s hand, or endanger the Government in such a way that a weak Liberal Government secures office at the dictation of Mr. Holland’s party, then it is certain that the desires of the producers will not be given effect to. We ask you

to think it over very carefully, and we feel confident that you will find that you will serve the nation and your own interests best .by voting for Mr. Hawked and the retention of a strong Governmeat in power. ' (Published by Arrangement.)