PATRIOTIC M.P.'S

Grey River Argus, 12 June 1915, Page 5

PATRIOTIC M.P.'S

TWO JOIN THE COLOURS.

LIBERAL AND REFORMER GO TO

THE FRONT,

MEMBER FOR WESTLAND JOINS

AS A PRIVATE

(Per United Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, June 11

Mr T. E. Y. Seddon', M.P. for Westland, and Mr pownie Stewart, M.P. for Dunedin West, enrolled to-day in the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces.

They join the ranks, and will go into training at Trentham shortly. Both members of Parliament were seen by a "New Zealand Times" representative in Wellington this afternoon, and they made a joint statement which has been forwarded to their respective constituencies.

They are anxious to impress upon their constituencies that, in the step they have taken, the absence of any earlier intimation w&e not intended as a discourtesy to their constituents.

They feel that, in view of the gigantic struggle in which the Empire is involved, it lies upon them as a paramount duty to make the interest cf the Empire their iirst consideration.

Indeed, they have felt for some time that the step should be taken promptly, but the unique position in which party government in this country has stood since the general election has made it incumbent upon them to meet, as far as practicable, the wishes of their respective leaders, and this has entailed the delaying of their enlistment. „

.Their presence from Parliament while training, and on service abroad will not in any way affect the respective strength of the parties.

Each member felt it his duty to identify himself in the matter with the local recruiting effort.

Consequently, although the applications for enrolment have been lodged in Wellington they will be sent on to Dunedin and Greymouth respectively, to be dealt with by the district military officers.

Mr Downie Stewart is returning to Dunedin to-morro^ night.