THE POINT OF VIEW.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13272, 13 November 1908, Page 5

THE POINT OF VIEW.

TO THE EDITOR OF "THE TRESS." ! Sir,—Since Mr Laurenson's remarks .'.ii.iut my attitude at Dr. Thaeker's Meeting have lou.'id their way into your .jiumub, let mc help Mr Laurcnson to tjo where tho prejudice really lies. I repeat what 1 said in yesterday's j •'Lytteltou Times," ''that I believe Mr i.aureiison iias don 3 his host to improvj the casualty accommodation in J.yttelton. All that he says about tho deputation to the i>finister is„ I bhoul'i ,;avo thought, sufficiently well known to relieve ine of any obligation to advertise it. What Mr Laurenson does not scons to understand is that I spoke upon tli<> Casualty Ward question with regard only to what I thought to bo beneficial to Lyttelton residents and workcis. 1 did not speak upon the Casualty Ward question with regard to its influence on Mr Laurenson's enndidjturo, nor on Dr. Thaeker's cand'dature, if that, is any solnce to Mr Laurcnson. And tbu political heat has sc warped Mr Laurenson's view that I am in the ironical situation of defending my disinterestedness because I refuse to join in tho bi:u "of others. I hai no intention at the time, nor havo I any now, of allowing tho subject to draw mo into a p-ilitical brawl. If Mr Laurenson's political reputation were proved to belfyo fairest lily in the field, which it may >yell ho for all I know. I would still leav'o him to repel Dr. Thaeker's advances for himself, and vico versa —Yours, etc., JOHN GUTHRIE. Lyttelton, November 12. IN DEFENCE OF MR WITTY. TO THE EDITOR OP "THE PRESS." Sir, —Following the bad example set by your morning contemporary ro slanging candidates on tho Opposition side, you attack Mr Witty, a victim of circumstances, in this morning's issue. Let mc explain. Ever since Mr Witty has been in Parliament, a portfolio has dangled before his nose. First, there was the of the Ministry, which the Government papers, at the instigation of Mr Seddon. claimed the great Liberal Party demanded. Then Mr Hall-Jones's illness suggested another vacancy, and tho over-worked Ministers called for assistance. Thus there was tho possibility 'of several portfolios to fill. Bunches of carrots dangling before tho noses of lion, members created a feeling of loyalty to tho Government which was extremely meritorious. Hon. members in many oases sacrificed sucli principles as they claimed to possess for tho purpose Of bringing tho said principles into lino with those held by the Government. Aftor the elections there will be at least one portfolio to fill—perhaps several. So soon as these portfolios are allocated, members will revert to their normal independence, and all -will be well. No longer will the unportfolioed. Wittys be satisfied with a load of shingle, or a lamp-post, as a reward for a subservience which has ceased to exist. No, sir, tho Buddos, Ells, Tanners. Grays, and Flatmans. being released from the hypnotising influence of tho carrots, will speedily prove to our littlo Dominion that they are statesmen of n very high order—not quite Glad'stonoi, but nearly so.—Yours, etc., SOLON.