MR. HAWKEN AND THE P.P.A.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 December 1922, Page 8

MR. HAWKEN AND THE P.P.A.

(To the Editor.) Dear Sir, —I notice in the News of this morning a letter signed by W. J. Wright, under the heading, "An Affront to Loyalty. 1 heartily agree with Mr. Wright that the letter he refers to was an insult and an affront to any loyal Catholic. I object, however, to Mr. Wright’s attempt to couple Mr. Hawken’s name with that of Mr. Ira J. Bridger. Mr. Hawken is as broad-minded a man as any in the Egmont electorate, and is as unlike Mr. Bridger as any man could be. If Mr. Wright had followed the papers he would have seen that a few nights ago Mr. Hawken was asked about this very letter, and he told his hearers ir. that straightforward "yes” and "no” style, winch ii characteristic of Oswald Hawken. that he had had nothing whatever to do with it, and had riever seen the letter before it went out. He said that ho knew the letter called on Protestants to vote for himi, but that he had never asked for it, nor did he desire Protestants to vote for him because he was one, and that if he were returned the Catholics could rest assured that whether they voted for him or not. he would serve them and assist them to the best of his ability, as he has done in the past. Mr. Hawken has always kepr aloof from religious strife and I for one. who happen to be in the same position as Mr. Wright, have tana and confidence in him. I regret that on account of my official position I am forced to use a nom de plume, but if Mr. Wright will •phone you to-morrow morning you might kindlv give him my name, so that he may get in Touch with me. when I can convince h m thoroughly that on two occasions , dnr ’"*J’ l * past three years Mr. Hawken, in his capncl v of member for Parliament, has' rendered Ahiable assistance to Catholics who did not «ote for him last, election. —I am. Sir, NO REFOPxMER. BUT A STAUNCH FRIEND OF OSWALD HAWKEN. Opunake, December 6, 1922.