“TIED” MEMBERS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 244, 16 July 1928, Page 10

“TIED” MEMBERS

Sir, —With reference to your editorial on the question of pledges given by members of Parliament to “outside interests,” I would point out that, so far as the licensing question is concerned, the "interests” represented by the New Zealand Alliance are not “outside interests,” but those of 319,450 voters who desire to sec the liquor traffic abolished. This body is nearly one-half of the total voting strength in the Dominion. Tbc Prime Minister, the Hon. J. G. Coates, said last year: “Every member was entitled to sign whatever pledge he liked.” and I am sure that Mr. Coates would consider that a member’s first duty is to honour the pledges he has given to his constituents. It is not possible in the present state of public interest in the licensing question for members to “commit themselves to vote blindly” ou licensing legislation. The issues are so prominent, and clearly cut that no candidate can escape .them. The observations of Mr. G. W. Forbes on this matter'call for comment. Mr. Forbes, in effect; jeered at Reform members for honouring their pledges. Mr. Forbes is one of the leaders of the United Party. Docs Mr. Forbes wish it to be understood that if that party were in power, United Party members, pledged on non-party questions, would be expected to betray their honour if the pledge was in opposition to the wishes of the party leader or caucus? In short, is a United Party member expected to throw overboard his pledges on non-party matters at the behest; of party leaders? The United Party’s organiser lias declared in the Press that United Party candidates "will be free to answer tiny questions at election time as their conscience dictates.” Answers to questions often constitute pledges ns to future action. This will involve pledges iu regard to licensing legislation. M but is Mr. Forbes, as a lender of the United Party, going to do about members of that party'who give pledges in regard to licensing legislation?—l am etc., J. MALTON MURRAY. Executive Secretary, N.Z. Alliance. Wellington, July 12.