MR HERRING'S RECORD.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 18, 1 November 1938, Page 6

MR HERRING'S RECORD.

Sir,—lt is a surprising thing that no mention has been made in tho “Guardian,” either editorial or otherwise. of the good work done for the district by Mr Hearing during his three years in Parliament. Without a doubt he is the first to adequately represent, and to be at the service of every section of the community. <Sir William Nosivorthy, Mr Jones, and, to a lesser extent, the late Mr Connolly, were representative more in name than in fact, and practically inaccessible to the average person.

Mr Herring lias made his own, to the point of sacrifice, the motto “Ich D'ien” —that motto which, should be the inspiration of everyone who aspires to public life, but which is so foreign to most. Those workers who needed his good offices in approaching the Minister of Labour, farmers who found, it necessary to place their individual cases before the Ministers o,r Departmental heads, business men in their relations with the Minister. of Industries, or public bodies conferring with the Public Works Department, found in him a ready and powerful advocate.

Being occupied with his farm and living at a distance, Mr 'Grigg can -have neither the ability nor the will to render the same ungrudging service regardless of creed or caste. Perhaps it is not considered quite respectable to express appreciation ot and admiration for the work of a Labour member. f. x. McDonnell.

[Our correspondent is entitled to bis own views on the measure of praise that should bo accorded Mr Herring for his work during bis term as representative of Mid-Canterbury, but he is in error in asserting that no mention of tho ox-Momber’s record has been made in the “Guardian,” either editorially or otherwise. The. “Guardian” on three occasions—twice lielore the poll and once afterwards —a cknmv-lo-tlged the activity Mr Herring displayed in the discharge of his duties. On the night of the poll, Mr Grigg paid a generous tribute lo his predecessor and the Mayor also voiced an opinion that is held by all whose sense of proportion and justice is not destroyed by political bias. These tributes were duly reported on October 17. Finally, it may be suggested that by bis reference to Mr Grigg our correspondent displays the failing of which be attempts to convict the “Guardian.”— Ed. “Guardian.”]