MISTAKEN TACTICS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17696, 24 January 1918, Page 4

MISTAKEN TACTICS.

Dr Thackkr’s methods are not usually orthodox, but ho does sometimes “ put his finger on the spot ” and get d'r 'y down to facts. His activities in 15 in connection with the Trentham Camp will be remembered by the majority of people with feelings of gratitude. Ho then exposed really shocking conditions and succeeded in the difficult task of stirring into action authorities who obviously resented “interference” and wished to be left alone. Of course, neither the Minister of Defence nor his officers realised the facts and the dangers of the situation, but Dr Thaoker made them see those facts and dangers, with the result that Trentham Camp'*was closed and cleaned. To the vigorous persistence of the member for Christchurch East tho country, is certainly indebted, for .the revolution that lie caused saved many a soldier’s life. Later the doctor appeared to have acted rather too impulsively when ho cut open a mattress on a hospital ship, but there was a sequel in the discovery —the belated discovery—that a Government contractor had been making soldiers’ mattresses out of such unsuitable material that thousands of them were rejected and the contractor was prosecuted and punished. In the light of these happenings it is not wise to be over-critical about the methods employed if there ’ still exist abuses or grave defects in the Defence administration. We are not referring, in any way, to the receut inquiry concerning the medical examinations. Until the report is available we have no desire to express. an opinion on this subject. Our purpose in writing how is to disavow, as wo feel we can, on behalf of the majority of the electors of Christchurch East and the people of the city, Dr Thacker’s present erratic campaign in the North Island. The employment of unusual styles and .tactics may be all very well when the end, proves to have justified the means, as certainly was the case in the matter of the Trentham Camp. But for a private member of Parliament, or anybody else, for that matter, to attack tho Minister of Defence and the National Government on tlie lines , reported in a telegram from Napier is beyond reason, and we cannot help deploriug that a Christchurch representative is so engaged. Nothing in its way could very well be more ridiculous than tho idea of challenging Sir James Allen and the Government by trying to put an unknown person into - the Wellington North seat in Parliament. If and when Mr Herdman. resigns, the constituency is quite capable of electing a now member, and wo may bo sure that the inJluenco of a Visiting politician anxious to “fight” the Government will be very insignificant. W T e put it- to Dr Thacker, as a reasonable man', who has shown himself capable of more useful activities, that he ought to drop the notion of settling tho Wellington North representation. By accepting our advice he will escape a dilemma, because n Government supporter will almost assuredly be elected, and that will be so difficult of explanation. Sir Janies Allen’s sins, real or imaginary, and the public opinion about them are not remotely connected with the Weliiugton North by-election. Hie circumstances do not exist that- could bring out of that contest an order of any sort to the Minister or the Government. Tho Napier resolutions asking the Govern'ment to go out of office are scarcely worth remark, unless it is to say that they ai;c as futile as Dr v Thncker’s efforts ’in the. same queer'cause.