Political Amenities

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 2, 28 September 1937, Page 11

Political Amenities

Sir, —“O wad some power the giftie gie us to see oorsels as ithers see us.” During the debate on the Fair r Rents Bill in the House of Representatives on Thursday last the Minister of Education, Hon. P. Fraser, took the member for Stratford, Mr. Polson, to task for stating that the Minister of Finance, Hop. W. Nash, “was the owner of a block of flats not of a converted type.” Mr. Fraser characterised this remark ‘‘as not only unworthy but it demeaned and lowered Parliamentary life.” In addition he said: “If there is a charge to be made against the Government or an individual it should be made in a manly way and not in the way of a political assassin.” Admirable sentiments. I am, however, constrained to remind Mr. Fraser of the old saying, “Physician, heal thyself.” There are, for instance, many people in the Dominion who have a lively recollection of Mr. Fraser’s wanton and bitter attack under cover of privilege on a member of the National Expenditure Commission for daring to express views unpalatable to Mr. Fraser and his associates. What will be further remembered against him are the abusive and vulgar terms made use of by him when criticising on a recent occasion the Leader of the Opposition who, to his credit, be it said, when reviled, reviled not again. Perhaps Mr. Fraser is going to turn over a new leaf, cultivate the better qualities he undoubtedly possesses and become mentor of the House. Let us hope so. —I am. etc., OBSERVER. Wellington, September 25.