PRESENTATION TO MR A. W. HOGG, M.P.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10026, 23 April 1910, Page 5

PRESENTATION TO MR A. W. HOGG, M.P.

"I WOULD DO THE SAME AGAIN AND AGAIN." The members of the "A. W. Hogg" testimonial committee waited upon Mr Hogg at his private residence last evening. Mr Ji Prentice introduced the committee, made a few explanatory remarks, and°called upon Mr R. Brown to make the presentation. Mr Brown, in presenting Mr Hogg with a well-rilled purse of sovereigns, said the presentation was a slight recognition of the sacrifice Mr Hogg had recently made, not only for Masterton, but for the whole Dominion. Mr Brown also made other complimen tary references to the member for Masterton.

»Mr Hogg, in reply, aaid:~l cannot thank you™enough for the trouble you have taken to recognise in a practical way the action I took some time ago in resigning several portfolios rather than abandon my principles. That action was due to the assurance of the Premier that my views on certain policy questions were out -of harmony with those of the other members of the Cabinet, and also supporters of the Government, who threatened to withdraw their support if I remained in the Ministry. My views on the land and currency questions have never been concealed. Twenty years ago 1 was a member of the Knights of Labour, and subscribed to its platform. That platform was \ almost identical with the platform of the Liberal party that did such wonderfully fine work under the leadership of the lat3 Messrs Uallance, McKenzie and Seddoo. All during my political life, 1 ha\sfi been in conflict; with vested interests, and I have consequently been at war with a whole army of shareholders, who are dependent on rent and interest, and some of whom acquire colossal wealth by a process of gambling, Some people nave told me in a roost inoffensive way, "Hogg, you were a fool to sacrifice a lucrative, position for the sake of your principles." [I would make the same sacrifice again and again. Of the attitude of the Labour organisations of New Zealand towards myself I cannot speak too highly. I received complimentary resolutions from, I believe,, every Trades Council and Union in the Dominion. I have long been associated with the party of Labour, and I have strenuously supported its principal planks. If I am'spared to be able to assist in the achievement of its ideals and aspirations I shall fa ;1 that the chief aim of my political l life has been accomplished."