AN ELECTION PLEDGE.

Grey River Argus, 17 December 1928, Page 2

AN ELECTION PLEDGE.

Sir, —The Hokitika Guardian, in a recent issue, lamented the fact that the electors of Westland had not returned Air T. E Y. Seddon as their representative in Parliament, suggest , .ng that, with the turn of the political i -eales against the Reform Party, and Sir J. Ward in power. Westland would have had Ministerial representation, the “Guardian” considering the exmember would have been sure of a portfolio in the Ward Ministry. The writer has some doubts concerning the above, which might be set at rest by the “Guardian.” First, how would Mr Seddon have voted on Sir J. Ward’s no-confidence motion? Would he have stood by the pledges made to the electors during his campaign wherein he stated that “under no circumstances would he vote with Labour to put out the Government.” If he stood by his pledges and went over to Reform during the division, is it bke’y that Sir J. Ward would have I andcd him out a. portfolio? Would he oot be more likely, if he was going to draw on the Reform Party for his Ministry. have selected one of the members of that party "who has had some experience of Ministerial duties? Does not the same thing apply with regard to the suggestion that Mr Seddon might bo selected as the next High Commissioner? Had the electors of Westland selected Mr Seddon as their ; representative, I am inclined to think he would have been in a very awkward position, and doubtless if the truth was known, he himself thinks he has got out of it in the best way possible. He would have either had to abide by his pledges and vote against the Leader of the Party to which he i professedly belonged, or else break them. I shall await the “Guardian’s” I reply with a good deal of interest. £ am, etc., CURIOUS.