MR DOWNIE STEWART’S CANDIDATURE.

Evening Star, Issue 22194, 23 November 1935, Page 21

MR DOWNIE STEWART’S CANDIDATURE.

■ TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —The letter that appeared under the nom de plume of “West Dunedin Catholic would naturally make one think that the Catholic vote is going in favour of the Nationalist Party, and , was meant to influence that large body of electors which way to vote. This last-minute propaganda is set forth on the eve of election time, and one is naturally not surprised at this attempt to dope the electors. The Catholics, however, will not fake much heed of this poor attempt to lead them to that Land of Promise which has been promised so often if given a blank cheque. I have always contended that a man or woman should vote on the inspiration given him by his soul. When one sees the sufferings of humanity, the hungry and unclothed, and above all the forgetfulness of the present world governments towards God, is it any wonder that of recent years Labour is becoming, so strong and powerful that millions, to-day being converted, will live to see sane Labour in power throughout the. world?. The

— —] = Pope recently said that if you want to save tho nation, look after the individual first. How true these words are, but what a poor attempt is being made to carry it out. I have asked myself what political party would be ' most acceptable to God ? My answer is that the .Labour policy would be the accepted one. If anyone can prove to the Catholics of the world that capitalistic/ governments* are carrying out the wishes of their Creator, they ; would be safe in thinking that the world was wrong and-the people right. As I have said, the Catholic will not take any heed of this political eyewash, especially in connection with the Nationalists. Every Catholic votes for , the party that stands for the abolition of and tho encouragement of a decent living for all.—l am, etc.. Seal Catholic, November 23. ■ TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —As a Catholic and as a fair-i minded Christian, I take strong exception to the inference contained in the letter in Thursday’s issue by “Dunedin West Catholic.” Your correspondent praises Mr Downie Stewart for resigning from office because - of a- difference of opinion with his Ministerial, colleagues, and then,* by stating that he_ did not think that anyone but a Catholic would have been prepared to do such a thing, he blatantly infers that, with a few, exceptions, ’ Catholics are the only members of the community who are willing to stand by .their prin- ’ ciples and, if necessary, make sacrifices for their beliefs. I consider that a !. person who makes a statement like that ' 1 is not worthy of the name of either 1 Christian ior Catholic, as one of the

elementary- teachings of our religion is to be charitable to our neighbours; and your correspondent’s implied insult to non-Catholic members of the community is an indication that, if he is a Catholic, then.he is certainly a very narrow-minded and ; ignorant one, and it is obvious that his bigotry has blinded his sense of reason. However, I question very much whether, your correspondent belongs to the denomination indicated by his nom da plume. If he understood,the,teachings of the religion to which he claims and the practical application of the principles of that, religion, .then he could hot possibly bo honest in eulogising Mr Downie Stewart’s political actions. I will give Mr Downie Stewart credit for being a sincere man, but in view, . of your correspondent’s remarks it ia well to remember that the same Mr. Downie Stewart did not see fit.'to voice his disapproval when ; the Government of which he was a member made wholesale reductions in pensions and social services, and placed on the Statute Book some of the most reactionary and inhuman© legislation in New Zealands’ history. .1 wonder if your correspondent would dare to claim that this is also in accordance with Catholics principles. I do.mot see how any conscientious, Catholic could be true to hia (or her) religious principles and at the same time use his (or her) vote and in- : fluence to help to return ; a supporter of a Government which has adopted a! policy of balancing its Budget at tha expense of those least, able to bear it.and has thereby brought misery and degradation to, thousands of women and children throughout the country,—l am, etc., Catholic with Social Conscience. November 23. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —People who have read • the twd . letters must contrast the vehemence, of the letter of “Christian,” so called l ,; with the mildness of mine. I merely said, and I say again, that Mr Downie Stewart’, a Presbyterian, by giving up the plums of office because he could not' agree with ,his associates on policy points, showed a markedly Catholiq characteristic, Catholics being among the few people who, in my opinion, are prepared to suffer for their beliefs.Docs “Christian” dispute the accuracy of the statement? If so, in what respect? I do not. know Mr Downia Stewart. I, am not connected with' newspapers or politics. I did not attend a political meeting , last election or this election so far. The editor can find my name on the Dunedin West electoral roll, and will know it as the name of an old Catholio family in Dunedin. Can “ Christian ” say as much?. —I am, etc., Dunedin West Catholic. November 22.