WAIKATO.
Observer, Rōrahi XXIII, Putanga 10, 22 Whiringa-ā-rangi 1902, Page 5
Mō tēnei niupepa
WAIKATO.
Mr Lang, the present member, is opposed by Mr H. Greensjade, formerly a journalist at the Thames, but now a dairy farmer in the neighbourhood of Ohaupo. Of all the slavish followers of the Government, Mr Greenslade is one of^he most slavish. According to him, there are no faults i" either the Government policy or administration. Kverything Mr Seddon does is above reproach. So Mr Greenslade says. Also, Mr Greenslade is not standing for the seat because Mr Lang has been an unsatisfactory representative. On the contrary, Mr Greenslade admits that lie has been a diligent member and most devoted to the interests of his constituents. Hut alas, heinous political sin, Mr Lang belongs to the Opposition, the party that discharges the thankless but necessary duty of keeping a check upon the Government administration. It is for this reason, and because Mr Lang is not a Government supporter, that Mr Greenslade is opposing him. Plausible Mr Greenslade. Evidently, long association with Mr William McCullough has given him command of the blarney. But now for his sincerity. Three years ago, Mr Greenslade bitterly opposed the Hon. James McGowan for the Thames seat, on which occasion he didn't preach all this perfection in the Government administration, and didn't scruple to make political capital out of Ministerial administrative enormities. However, the temptation to secure the Government support, and possibly to gratify his political ambition, has evidently been strong enough to induce him to turn his political coat. Now, he is prepared to follow the Government he so recently abused whithersoever they choose to lead him. Mr Greenslade's candidature is remarkable for the oily promises which he is prepared to makeon any and every question, and which contrast disadvantageously with Mr Lang's consistently independent attitude. Mr Lang has served the electors of Waikato faithfully for many years now, they have found him to be a diligent and reliable member, and it is characteristic of his political life that he has never abused nor betrayed the confidence the electors have repeatedly displayed in him. Also, he is a farmer of the farmers, alive to their interests, and losing no opportunity to advance them. We shall be surprised indeed if Mr Greenslade's promises, be they ever so oily, tempt the electors of Waikato to set aside Mr Lang's excellent record and capacity as a member, and accept in his place the ambitious young gentleman from the Thames.
