A PLEA FOR UNITY

Evening Post, Volume XCV, Issue 43, 19 February 1918, Page 8

A PLEA FOR UNITY

"Commonsense" writes:—"lt is enougt to itiake sensible and patriotic people explode with exasperation when they see the warring factions and confusion at this : critical time in the ranks of. the Reform Party in Wellington North. Such conduct is ludicrously short-sight-ed,' and may result in disastrous' consequences to the community. To divide the votes and conquer, is the deliberate policy of extremists. Surely in a time of Empire crisis Wellington North electors can sink their petty personal differences and show a broadminded and patriotic view. It would be an ill day for the people of New Zealand and particularly, for the workers, who would ultimately suffer the most, if the government and management of the affairs of the country should fall into the hands of extremists. The great majority of the workers in New Zealand can think for themselves and can take sane, straight views of things and are not deceived by the clap-trap, hot-air talk and glittering generalities of rainbow-chasers. The National Government symbolises a united country. It has produced a high degree of patriotism and a splendid concentration of energy and co-ordination of effort on the part of all loyal, law-abid-ing, patriotic people, who, united in, mind and heart, are determined upon doing their duty to their country and the Empire. Every man in wlioso heart beats the' impulses of true patriotism despises all those who are now promoting bitter, political' strife in order to win political success for themselves or their parties. I speak no panegyric when I say that the Eight Hon. Mr. Massey and the Eight Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, with their respective political supporters, deserve all honoured praise for sinking party feeling and forsaking the narrow way of party politicians, and walking the broad road of patriots. They have truly placed the best interests of New Zealand and of the Empire on a higher plane than the interests of their parties. The controlling consideration and thought with these two leaders is the welfare of the' Dominion and the winning of the war, beside which all other questions pale into insignificance. There are problems before us so complex and grave that they will tax the highest statesmanship. With'a National Government we will. have, that stability, which will inspire public confidence, and the result will be that every effort will be put forth to help to win the war, that the finances of the State will bo maintained on a footing of strength and security, that production will not be depressed, that industry and employment will not be crippled, and orderly progress and good government will be assured.'-