THE GERALDINE LIBERAL ASSOCIATION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2562, 30 September 1893, Page 2

THE GERALDINE LIBERAL ASSOCIATION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — I see by Tuesday’s issue of the Geraldine Guardian that the above association ale inviting Messrs Stout, Barnshaw, Pinkerton, and Hutchison to spout in Geraldine ou Liberalism on their return to Dunedin. 1 have always been an ardent Liberal, but-1 am beginning to waver in my views. , First, I have seen a copy of the rules of what they call the Geraldine Liberal Association. How is it that this association is not uniform throughout the colony 1 For instance, the Christchurch branch has not the same rules as Geraldine, when the Christchurch branch ought to be, or should be, the ruling one, with such men as the Hon, Mr Seddon and the Hon. Mr Reeves to guide them ; but from the men I see connected with the Geraldine branch and its surroundings there is a peculiar “ twang ” about it, if I may use the expression. lam beginning to think they have some other object in view besides true Liberalism, if not, why should they invite two such men as Messrs Stout and Barnshaw, the very two men who for the last coup’e of months have done more to disorganise the Liberal party than all the rest put together. You may say a man has got his own opinions and should have the courage of them, but I say he should sink them in deference to his party, for instance, how would Mr Gladstone have faired over the Homo Rule Bill if he had turbulent followers like Messrs Stout and Barnshaw 1 Why, his party would’nt last a fortnight One thing I know, I shall support no Liberal candidate who wont support the present Ministry, and no true Liberal could conscientiously do otherwise, and I warn all true Liberals to be on their guard against such men as have got private ends in view. We want no faddists, nor no splitting or dividing the Liberal party. It looks very much like the framers of the Geraldine Liberal programme as if they were the ardent followers of Sir Robert Stout. 1 am, otc., A Liberal.