The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, AUGUST 11, 1928.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 August 1928, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, AUGUST 11, 1928.

A MATTER OF SEKVIUE. The Greymouth morning paper on Thursday offered a very garbled criticism of Mr Seddon’s services to the electorate, but as often happens, with the kind of criticism, the pa per in question indulges in, went to extremes, the very extravagance of which restricted its own attempted argument. The verdict of the Argus was that Mr Seddon “had miserably failed to look after the interests of Westland.” As Mr Scddon lias been representing the Westland constituency' for about nineteen years, with some six or seven appeals to the electors over that period, it does seem a reflection on the good sense of the electors if wliat the Argus asserts is true. Bue we may he safe in saying that so clear-sighted an electorate nts this is not given to making such foolish mistakes, and that it has been possible for Mr Seddon to win the seat off his own bat on every election. Mr Scddon has never been bolstered up by outside members in his fights for the seat. He has won out .by his own merits. We know that Mr O’Brien has had outside help, and on this occasion the leader of the party Mr O’Brien supports, has been already' over a large section of the constituency in the endeavour to make good Mr O’Brien’s shortcomings, and pave the way for his candidature later. During his term as Member for Westland, Mr Seddon had to fight hard for the completion of the Arthur’s Pass tunnel. A week ago the Greymouth press was acclaiming the virtues of that great work, and looking back to the strenuous work Mr Scddon had to perform in the matter of spado work to assure the completion of the tunnel and the East and West Coast connections, if he had -accomplished nothing more, liis work would have been worth while. Regarding South Westland, when Mr Seddon was first elected, only.the Waitalia river was bridged. The other large bridges have followed in steady sequence, and to-day there remains only three or four small streams, all of which are earmarked and will lie bridged within tho next two years. Mr Seddon’s work.in the northern district has been equally striking. The town of Greymouth is reaping many advantages from railway expansion, and it is wellknown that Mr Seddon’s influential support has been of outstanding service. If Mr Seddon were “the miserable failure” the Argus contends. Greymouth would not have enjoyed the pleasure of the stay pf the Duke

of York, in regard to which to secure tho stay over night the member for Westland must have made a good deal of personal sacrifice And with tho late Jubilee of Greymouth, it was apparent that Mr Seddon’s influence secured for that event features which with a less favoured representative would have been missing. And so wo might go on enumerating outstanding features of the Member's services up and down Westland, for ho has worked assiduously for all parts, and served his many masters well and faithfully. There is, however, one phase of Mr Seddon’s career that can bo mentioned 'hero with every propriety, seeing that > during his nineteen years of service tho Greymouth morning paper considers Mr Seddou a “failure.” When tho Great War was in progress Mr Soddon, though in Parliament, did not shirk his responsibilities. If the Argus considers Mr Scddon a “failure” in that sphere wo suggest it confer with some of Captain .Seddon’s comrades in the Sotiimc or at deadly Passchemlnele, where all the fighting line carried their lives in their hands. Or later, if he was a “failure,” why selected to tour the United States on a recruiting campaign? To undertake such a task one had uj have capacity and understanding, and his selection for the responsible position does not smack of inability. Neither was his courage and capacity in the ar period symptomatic of “failure.” He served his country well, and in serving the country as he did he reflected credit and honor on tlics who had sent him to Parliament. So much for the past—to-day. As to the present, tho. Argils takes umbrage been usd Mr Soddon, during the present session lias not seen fit to vote for a Labour scatter cash policy in regard to education, pensions and relief work. Mr Scddon will he able to give direct answers to those questions when lio meets the electors. Mr Scddon does not vote blindly and can always give a good account of himself. On the referendum question,' to which it was proposed to permit preferential voting—but not to Parliamentary Elections—wo are sure lie will be equally explicit. We fancy we can see a Labour catch in Mr McComhe’s bill, and are rather pleased to see Mr Scddon opposed it. I nere are other phases of this little controversy, hut space i,s gone, though doubtless there will he future opportunities to recur to the subject. But we may say in conclusion that Mr Sedd'on’s opposition to Labour is consistent with his platform pledges, and in keeping with his promise to the electors. For the rest the electors will have the chance later to ask any and all political questions thought desirable.