MR. WILKINSON’S , CANDIDATURE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 18 June 1928, Page 6

MR. WILKINSON’S , CANDIDATURE.

Sir, —It- is a pity that your correspondent “John Blunt” cannot content himself with a quiet laugh at the Egmont Liberals instead of airing his views in the Press and attracting public attention at this early stage to Mr. Wilkinson’s candidature. Every person who reflects for a moment must recognise that a straight-out Liberal candidate like Mr. Green, or tnat old stalwart Mr. Astbury, would completely shatter Mr. Wilkinson’s chances of election, should they choose to enter the political arena- at a later stage. And “John Blunt’s” remarks were just about- sufficient to rally the loyal and self-respecting members of the old party to adopt this course. “John 'Blunt” must recognise that the so-called disgruntled Reformers in Eginont- electorate, when fully mustered, would not be, numerically 'strong enough to form a football club, and without the support of the bulk of the Liberals Mr. Wilkinson’s hopes of entering on a second Parliamentary career must be' dashed to the ground, and in such event the name he' has established for himself as a Parliamentarian would be very much discounted. We all remember the gentlemanly attitude adopted by the present member for Egmont when he first contested- the seat. . Mr. Haw kenmade it quite clear that on no account would he offer his services unless assured that Mr. Wilkinson had definitely decided to retire from politics. In the fact of this I would ask “John Blunt” how is it possible- for Mr. Wilkinson to re-enter a political contest unless requested to do -so and assured of smrport ? No one could reasonably say that Mr. Hawken had not proved himself equal to Mr. Wilkinson as a. Parliamentarian in every way, both inside and outside of the House, so that vour corresnondent must admit a candidature such as Mr. Wilkinson’s apnears to bo at the. ore sent time haft such delicate foundations that a few more ill-timed' 'ont-ributions like “John Blunt's” will completely ruin it.—T am, etc.. UNEASY ELECTOR.