Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1928. NOT GUILTY !

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 November 1928, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1928. NOT GUILTY !

|T has taken a Labour newspaper to discover that to recall a man’s experience as a “swagger” is to insult him. Such snobbery in an alleged democratic quarter is, in these days and this country, somewhat surprising. In its editorial column, this morning, the 11 Argus ’ ’ endeavours to “bury the hatchet” in ourselves, by attempting to attract sympathy for Mr. J. 0 ’Brien, M.P., because we reprinted under the photograph of him we published yesterday, a reference to his “swagging” days. That such reference could be construed as being “vindictive” or an attempt to belittle Mr. O’Brien, never entered into our calculations, and we hasten to assure Mr. O’Brien that such reference was not meant, in the least degree, to be derogatory to him. If he thinks otherwise or felt hurt by the allusion, all necessary apologies are tendered to him. Mr. O’Brien, during his recent campaign, made mention of his “swagging” days, and none but the “Argus,” would think there was anything to be ashamed of in being a “swagger.” Many men, notable and otherwise, have, on. occasion, “swagger! it,” ami to connect anything disgraceful willi a so strongly-entrenched overseas routine, would be absurd, —or malicious. We have little doubt; that the latter motive inspired the article in our contemporary to-day. We claim to have given Mr. O’Brien not only fair play, but even generous treatment. We fought him during his political campaigns and will do so again if opportunity offers, but have never treated him with disrespect. When he was Member for Westland before, we gave him all the publicity he desired, and have often devoted more space to his speeches as Borough Councillor etc., than our contemporary spared for him. He, himself, would be the first to admit this, we feel sure. During the recent election, we gave him better treatment than our contemporary

afforded his opponent, and to attempt to picture the “Star” as begrudging his victory is foolish. We regret it/ of course, but we are not alone, in that.

FUSION OVERDUE

|T is not often that we have the pleasure, of agreeing with political comments by Mr. TT.E. Holland, leader of the Labour Party, but we can cordially endorse his remarks yesterday, with reference to the desirability of the Reform and United Party amalgamating. Mr. Holland said: “In my opinion there is no material line of demarcation between the policies of Reform and the United Parties, and an amalgamation of those parties is both logical and likely, and more especially since during quite a number of years they have voted, together in the House in opposition to the Labour Party.” We have, in this column, expressed similar opinions, time and again/and it is to be hoped that the opportunity now afforded the Constitutionalists will not be sacrificed, without full consideration. As. both Parties in the new House of Representatives will be of about level strength, negotiations could be conducted on terms of equality, and if national interests were placed before personal or party advantages, the fusion that has been too long delayed, should be effected, without any loss of political principles. Sir J. Ward seems to have the greater claim to the Premiership, with the reversion to Mr. Coates, who meanwhile could be DeputyLeader.