MR McBRIDE UNMASKED.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12364, 1 December 1905, Page 6

MR McBRIDE UNMASKED.

A more pitiful display of political ineptitude than that made by Mr McBride last night, when he was cornered by 6ome of his questioners, regarding his political faith, we do not remember to have seen. He is a "Socialist"who believes in "nationalising some things "here," and who intends to "get right "on and reach out for more," as he expressed it in his quaint trans-Atlan-tic way. At the same time, he calls himself an Independent Liberal, but it is quite clear he would not support Mr Taylor if he moved a want of confidence motion against Mr Seddon. He is equally sure that "there is not a drop "of Conservative blood in his veins"— on which tho Conservatives, we think, aro to be congratulated. Then, where is he, or what is he, politically? Just as the reason of liie hearers was beginning to totter, Mr Mcßride was asked if he would vote for/Mr Seddon on a no-confidence motion, and cheerfully replied, "Why, certainly." "If I did " not," he sapiontly observed, " what " would happen? They want somebody "there, you know." What this profound observation may mean wo aro not very sure. If Mr Mcßride wishes to imply <that his own presence in Parliament is desirable in the public interest, we venture to think that he is mistaken. At any rate we entirely refuse to believe that the farmers of Courtenay wish to be represented in Parliament by a gentleman with 6tich very hazy ideas as to what politics really mean.- One of his indignant auditors summed up the 'candidate last night' when he said, " Why do you call yourself an Independent Liberal? You don't appear to " bo anything."