IN JOHN HUTCHESON'S DEFENCE. TO THE EDITOR.

Evening Post, Volume LIII, Issue 101, 30 April 1897, Page 2

IN JOHN HUTCHESON'S DEFENCE. TO THE EDITOR.

Sib — As you have severely criticised the opening career of John Hutcheson, I hope you will give me space in his defence. I write as one who assisted to place him at the head of the poll, and who was more pleased with his success than with that of any other member in the present Parliament ; not so much because the representative of Labour was John Hutcheson, but because the workers gave proof of their interest in what politically concerns them, and forcibly demonstrated that in the legislation of the country they are an increasing section of the community, who have to be reckoned with in a much greater degree than ever before in the history of New Zealand. Speaking as he did for the first time before a large assemblage of old and critical politicians, on his trial as a member, in a unique position, there is no doubt he said much be had rather not have said. In one way such conditions should have shown us John Hutcheson at his best, but it does not necessarily follow that a man's first appearance gives indication of his subsequent career. The best politicians the world has ever seen opened their careers somewhat lamely. In your criticism you seem to have expected as much from him as the longsentence men of the Opposition or the lifers of the Government. That John Hutcheson did not take the stand I imagined he would, and which from his speeches one might reasonably have expected him to have taken, is after all a small matter, and of itself is certainly not sufficient evidence to justify the belief that he is bound, gagged, or hindered in any serious degree. The fate of John Hutcheson lies with the workers, whose appreciation I think he is sufficiently sensible to' value highly. I confess the Address-in-Reply disappointed me. together with numbers of others who support him, and there can be no objection to pointing out the weakness of his speech, and value or depreciate it according to its worth, or the want of it. But there is no occasion to be harsh, for it must be remembered that there are many people holding Democratic principles who, on an occasion such as the Queen's Record Reign, willingly cease to obtrude their democratic beliefs in order that the British nation, including various religious dogmas, and principles, and fads, and many other things, shall join hands, and forgive, congratulate, and cry quits— for the time being. It may hay« its uses ; Ido not khow, and personally do not believe in supporting the British Constitution as it now stands, and think the right course fbr any Democrat is to avoid taking part in demonstrations in commemoration of any part of it. It is true that we workers expect a good deal from our Labour member, but we sire prepared to give him a little rein, and I hope we shall show sufficient sense to avoid the constant • jagging at the bit. The workers have frequently spoiled their representatives by unnecessary and incessant interference; they have yet to learn the wisdom of trusting their men to act according to the circumstances under which they happen to find themselves. They do not endeavour to put themselves in the member's place often enough, and so frequently become too exacting and critical. John Hutcheson, bo far as I have been able to gather, is yet free from suspioion of unclean shabby transactions, and it is the duty of the workers to assist him in every possible way to keep his record clear, and endeavour by a cheerful, strohg, and manly attitude to make his Parliamentary work practical, effective, and distinguished. Under the Party Government system a Labour member is frequently puzzled as to the best course to pursue, for if he take a purely independent attitude, then he weakens the Party he most approves, strengthens that he most dislikes. lam one of those who believe in an independent Labour Party on strictly Democratic lines, returned to Parliament with a well-thought-out definite plan of action, to carry legislation ever in a Socialistic direction whereever possible. We cannot form such a Party now, as the workers are not well organised to make it strong enough to be of much use. The independent Labour Party in England is a quite different affair; there they recognise that neither the Liberal nor Conservative is of the slightest service to them, hence it does not matter in the least which Party is returned. At the last election in England the Socialist leaders directed the workers to withhold their votes from both Liberal and Conservative, and the result was that the Liberal, who chiefly depended upon the workers' vote, was in nearly every case miserably defeated. This was a valuable object-lesson ; it showed the power and 'cuteness of the worker, and was a forcible way in which to make clear to the Liberals that if they desire to get into power in the future they wijl have to come down and do something for the masses of the people, who will give their vote on terms. The Liberal Party is not a dovecot by an J means, but it has at least done something for the people, and its future is only certain to the extent they show a determination to do much more. The negleot of progressive legislation

by the Liberal Party will breed the independent Labour Party in New Zealand, and the Premier is beginning to realise the coming force, which can no more be stayed than the incoming tide of the sea. John Hutcheson, if lie be a strong man of sound convictions,, has his part to play, and we workers look forward with hope to a decent performance. Occup3'ing the gallery seats in life we expeot something by way of compensation. I nave followed your artioles closely, and gather you are not averse to the workers being directly represented in Par. liament. Admitting so much, we may reasonably look to your giving our man a fair start, and, to be sincere, should encourage him by plain and convincing writing to keep along the honest and useful course. "Bitter or unduly severe comments will not do this, and as one who is anxious to see him acquit himself with credit, I trust your attitude towards John Hutcheson will be, above •verything, straightforward and fair. Your criticism of John Hutcheson appearing to me uncalled for in its severity is my excuse for writing at length. I hope, however, being my first offence in this connection, you will print this letter as received. I am, &c, Wobkek.