The Gisborne Times. FRIDAY, JULY 12, 1935. MR. JACKSON PUTS OUT A “FEELER.”

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 12603, 12 July 1935, Page 4

The Gisborne Times. FRIDAY, JULY 12, 1935. MR. JACKSON PUTS OUT A “FEELER.”

Not a little interest centred in the address delivered at Patutahi on Monday evening by Mr John Jackson, who, it would seem, is willing to contest the Ray of Plenty seat if sufficient inducement offers. Mr Jackson opened by disavowing any intention of giving a straight-out political address. Tt may be agreed with him that he had not, a great deal to soon current political problems, hut what his address lacked in that respect was more than made up for in quantity by extensive dips into what is now political history, and a talk about himself. Mr Jackson should not, in the circumstances, take it amiss if critics are unkind enough to ■suggest that lie is now really living in the political past. It must be confessed that the ex-Mayor finds himself in a somewhat extraordinary political plight. As the saying goes, bo makes “no bones” about liis dislike, to the system of party politics. Tf he had his way, parties would be abolished—and no doubt, in that event, the People’s Council in this Dominion would develop on the lines of a Portuguese Parliament. What had been understood was that Mr Jackson had approved the placing of his name for selection on the list of aspirants willing to carry the Government’s banner. Mr Jackson, however, told the good people of Patutahi that, if chosen, he would do so as an Independent. Seeing that these are his political feelings, it may bo assumed that he will be very. lucky—and the; new Political Federation hard pressed for a nominee-—if he should be favored with .selection. As far as we can make out, Mr Jackson’s address wag simply in the nature of a “feeler.” Boiled down (politically, of course!) he would, we fancy, prove to be composed chiefly of the old type of Liberalism which has' practically died out in this-Dominion. Mr * Jackson, it may bo agreed, is not altogether lacking in astuteness and this shone out clearly when hd decided to try himself upon the elec-, tors of what was once perhaps the most noted Liberal'stronghold in' this district. : When Patutahi was. in the Gisborne electorate, the late Sir Jas.

Carroll, it may bo recalled, \ nvhs,/always .assured of a wonderful hearing there. It is not improbable, however, that time has now brought political ' changes even in the Patutahi district. At all events, it is not so numerously settled that it may, claim to be able ,to re-echo the political voice of the far-flung. Bay of Plenty electorate. Mr Jackson was, however, not consistent in respect of astuteness, l'or, if lie wishes to he nominated as an Independent Coalitionist, lie should not have given an address that could not fail to alienate the sympathy of tho. Reform element on the committee which will make tho final selection of the candidate to represent the Government. It will bo interesting to await Mr Jackson’s decision as to how -well, in his opinion, his Patutahi address went down. Tho general opinion will be, however, that if he takes tho field it will require to bo under his own colors and at bis own expense.