CORRESPONDENCE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 11 October 1928, Page 4

CORRESPONDENCE.

POLITICS AND PLEDGES. To tbe Editor. Sir, —It is quite evident that I did not make myself understood in my letter. My point was that it was* illogical and absurd for the Tn.de in particular and the . Sports Protection Society to cry and squeal at the action of the' New Zealand Alliance in securing pledges from a majority of the members of Parliament in favour of supporting - this reform, seeing that they all had been busy striving to secure the same results. Surely, Mr. Editor, this is correct reasoning or, in other words, logic. Absurd, did I say? Well, false, unreasonable complaint. I did not say these organisations have no right to seek written' pledges. You do not deny that the pledge is a useful weapon. When nil use the same means, why complain of being -beaten in.the fight? When the questionnaire came to me from the organisations mentioned they received a straight-out answer and knew just how 1 stood. Surely, sir, you will agree that- if the questionnaire and pledges were done away with it would be very difficult indeed to know how some men would vote. We have a few rail-sitters at present; t-hev would only _ add to the number. No, sir, tbe time has arrived when the people demand to know how men stand in relation to great reforms and other vital questions that -affect the welfare of the people. If all parties would sdifcetmen of character and ability, in whom they had the utmost confidence, then it is -a question if it would be -a soliition. You say that the candidate should state his.opinion and not bind himself to support certain proposals. lam afraid, if we accepted this ruling, not a- few’ would lie continually changing. A written pledge .is - the only way. to find where some men stand. Thanking you.—l am, etc., E. DIXON.