CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVI, Issue 11122, 23 November 1896, Page 3

CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATES.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —The doings of some of the workers in the interests of the National Association’s candidates are rather amnsing, and show to what desperate lengths the Conservatives are driven in their endeavour to secure the return of the three opponents of progressive Liberal legislation. borne of the°electors in a suburban part of the constituency have lately been visited by the good ladies of the National Association, who earnestly appeal for support to Mr Beswick because he is a “ perfect gentleman, you know.” On being asked what were Mr Beswick’s political views, the ladies’ answer was, “Oh, we don’t know much about his views, but he is a perfect gentleman.” While being quite prepared to admit that Mr Beswickis a gentleman, although some authorities tell us that perfect gentlemen are practically non-existent, I may be pardoned for venturing to assert that other qualifications are also necessary for an M.H.R. A perfect gentleman might be a perfect nonentity in the House of Representatives, and even Mr Beswick’s warmest supporters can scarcely think that a man who has made such a lamentably sorry display on the political platform would ever have much weight in the House. When we take into consideration that Mr Lewis expresses complete confidence in himself for doing nothing worthy of fame in the House, does he not, by that admission give us a splendid argument in favour of his rejection ? We want men of progressive Liberal ideas and not stagnation representatives like Messrs Lewis, Boswick and Donnelly. The good lady canvassers for the Conservative nominees will find that however perfect their candidates are as gentlemen, something more than that is required, and men are wanted (and will be returned) who will give us sound progressive Liberal legislation. —I am, &c., * PROGRESS.