LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 59, 3 December 1917, Page 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

WELUNGTON NORTH SEAT

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —The letter signed "Elector" in jyour issue of Saturday last does not correctly state tho facts ro tho political career of Mr. J. P. Luke. Mr. liuko was elected member for Wellington Suburbs and Country electorate. Ho was not an official candidate of either political party, and during his term of M.P. was not subject to the party -whip or caucus. His capable nnd independent services as a member Nvero favourably commented on by electors and his' fellow-members of Parliament, and tho opinion was widely shared that he would have little difficulty in again winning tho seat. The result of the general election was disastrous to a great number of former •members, Mr. Luko being among those rejected.

Subsequently, Mr. Luke was elected Mayor of Wellington. During the striko period tho relations between the Roforra Party nnd Mr. Luke became cordial and mutual, and soon after the industrial upheaval had subsided a largo deputation, of electors, many ifropi/ tho Wellington North electorate, waited on Mr. Luke, urging him to offer himself for Parliament. . In reply io tho request Mr. Luko stated ho. had not contemplated re-entry into Jflolitical life, but if tho Reform Party "wished him to contest a scat ho would Heave' himself in their • hands... He would contest his oil seat or the constituency in which he. resided, Wellington South, or, if he could serve the party by. not becoming a candidate, he would refrain from doing bo. Later, the party decided that the exmember for -Wellington Suburbs should (contest Wellington South at the gen■eral election, and requested Sir. Luke ■to offer'himself for Wellington South, lut without meeting success. I am sure no one has a greater appreciation of the capable powers and administration of the Hon. A. L. Herdman than Mr. Luke has, and he does :not claim to have the special qualification of the retiring member. Mr. Luke is an honest, sound, practical jnan, and having been elected for six consecutive _ years as Mayor of Wellington, is justified in.offering himself for any of the ; city 'Parliamentary seats, and I am convinced, if elected for Wellington North, will prove a • worthy successor to the retiring-mem-ber. ■ _ ■ ■; - ... In conclusion, I would reniirid "Elec-tor"-that similar'letter to his. of Saturday last appeared in the public Press ■of: this city, condemning the candidature of Mr. Luke when he first offered himself for the Mayoralty. That the ■then writers did not sense the strength and capabilities of Mr. Luke has been proved by : his record as' Mayor of the city, and the capable-manner-in-which he has carried out his duties—l- am, etc., . ■ ■ -FACT.