SECTARIANISM ATTACKED.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 148, 23 June 1923, Page 12

SECTARIANISM ATTACKED.

USE AT BY-ELECTIONS. REFORM'S ACTIVE ALLY. (B.v Tnlesrcipli —Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Friday. Sweeping condemnation of the sectarianism introduced into Ihe Tauranga and other elections was voiced by Mr. H. Atmore (Nelson), who said it was one of the most disgraceful things in the history of New Zealand politics, and it remained for the Reform party, above all others, to enlist it as an active ally. Certain cards were issued by the Tauranga Liberal Committee soliciting votes for the Liberal candidate, and on one of these cards was added, without their authority, "and thus support the Holy Roman Church," the card being put into an empty milk can going to a farm. Similarly' added to another card were the words, "and bo will give £50.000 to build convents," and that card was put in a case going to a farm. There was no doubt the Rev. Howard Elliott was enlisted to keep the Reform party in power, and the sectarianism introduced at Tauranga was a disgrace to New Zealand. "With all respect for the member for Tauranga," continued Mr. Atmore, "I think it was a public calamity that the other candidate did not win." He added that justification for that statement would be found by the endorsement of almost any gathering of business men. The "Mercantile Gazette,' , for example, stated that any man who put the country lie fore party would welcome Sir Joseph Ward back into Parliament, because his knowledge of finance was required at the present time. That was correct. Mr. Atmore declared that he was one of those who believed Sir Joseph Ward's work was not yet concluded. Mr. Wilford: Hear. hear. Mr. Atmore: No Parliament can "be representative of what is the best in politics in New Zealand without Sir Joseph Ward. Mr. Massey: Why does not Mr. Wilford say "Hear, hear"?