Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE FRIDAY, MAY 23, 1941. POLITICS AND CHARACTER.

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 May 1941, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE FRIDAY, MAY 23, 1941. POLITICS AND CHARACTER.

F J’HE importance of character was stressed by the Dominion President (Mr. A. (Jordon) of the National Part}', yesterday, in his address at the annual conference. Mr. Gordon suggested that the policy of ever increasing State aid wjis sapping the self-reliance of the nation. This danger has been repeatedly discussed. There is no doubt that people to-day are encouraged to look to the State where earlier generations would have displayed more independence. It is equally- true that much hardship has been avoided by the extended policy of social security. There will always be found those who take advantage of the desire to assist - the distressed, and “easy money” has been plentiful since Labour came into office. It is difficult to devise a system to prevent the undeserv-

ing obtaining what is intended for genuine applicants, and, here, personal character is all important. ,

This, question of unjustifiable grab was referred to, this week, by the Bishop of Wellington (Rt. Rev. H. St. Barbe Holland) in his address, at Christchurch, to the conference of the Church of England Men’s Society. “Why is politics always regarded as a dirty job?” he asked. “It is because, as we see it, politicians represent a class striving to get something for their particular class. Politics, instead of being regarded as a dirty game, ought to be the highest form of Christianity—because politics was the science of living together.” Politics may or may not be a “dirty job,” but the professional politician is becoming a national menace, and will become more so if State control—which means dictatorship by Ministers — extends at the rate it has of late

years. Bishop Holland, continuing, said he often felt a hankering after something of the political mind of Britain. “ In Britain you felt that the man who differed from you in politics was a fool, but not a knave, but in this country the political opponent was regarded as a knave.” The Bishop was exaggerating, both about Britain and New Zealand. The former is not so lily white as suggested, nor the latter so black. The

Dominion has its special weaknesses where politics are concerned, and so has Britain. Possession of the gift of the gab is often the chief qualification of a New* Zealand politician, whereas in Britain, the possession of worldly goods is a deciding factor in securing Parliamentary nomination. The war has expedited a purge in Britain of the “moneyed-candidates,” but it has not gone far enough, yet. At a recent meeting in London of the Central Council of the National Union of Conservative and Unionist Associations, it was agreed that “the possession of wealth or the backing of vested interests should never be tacitly accepted as a principal qualification for a local or Parliamentary candidature.”. An instance was quoted of the case of a man of means who was interviewed by a selection committee. The committee asked him if he would agree to pay £9OO election expenses, subscribe £5OO annually to the association and pay £2OO a year to local charities. He said he would, and was then told he would be recommended as a proper person to represent them. He replied: “But are you fit and proper persons to be represented by me? I have come to the conclusion you are not,” and he put on his hat and walked out.

The fact that so much money was expected from a chosen candidate was significant, and something more than prestige would be required in return by many, opening the way to corruption in administration. In New Zealand, rich men are fewer in numbers, and not many of these have political ambitions. This leaves the way open more to those who frankly look upon politics as a means of earning a better livelihood. Once elected to Parliament, they take every precaution against losing the job. This means that the securing of votes is important, and everything else becomes secondary, principles giving way to promises, and expenditure of public money and State aid becoming main planks in the Party platforms. Character in candidates as xvell as in the people, is essential, if politics is not to degenerate into a “dirty job.”