The Manawatu Herald. Tuesday, December 8, 1914. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1334, 8 December 1914, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Tuesday, December 8, 1914. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Do the Opposition supporters in this constituency fully realise that by supporting Mr John Robertson at the poll on Thursday they are voting first and foremost for one of the leading lights of the Social Democratic Party— the political side of the Federation of Labour, the most dangerous and revolutionary industrial organisation which has ever reared its head in this country—an organisation which was responsible for the greatest industrial upheaval yet recorded in New Zealand —which has set class against class, endeavoured to break down that mutual confidence, loyalty and respect which should exist between employer and employee, which yelled “to hell with agreements,” and tried by its syndicalistic lawdefying and riotous methods to smash down constitutional government in order to attain its ends. Have all the incidents connected with that strike been forgotten ? The Opposition must realise that Mr John Robertson is first and last a Social Democrat, He has been careful to avoid mentioning this fact at his meetings, fearing, no doubt, to arouse opposition and memories of strike happenings. The terms of Mr Robertson’s alliance or agreement with the Ward Party is shrouded in mystery. Beyond the fact that he intends to assist the Opposition to oust the Massey Government from office, the electors know absolutely nothing. Neither Mr Robertson nor Mr Russell consulted the Opposition supporters in this constituency as to the terms of the bargain, and the Opposition supporters in this electorate are expected to vote blindly for Mr Robertson because he is opposed to the Massey Government ? Does Mr Robertson endorse Sir Joseph Ward’s policy ? He has not said so. He said that the Liberal Party had outlived its usefulness and was ready to be made the tool of any section which would enable it to hold place and power. The truth of this statement is revealed in the Opposition's decision not to run a candidate against Mr Robertson in this constituency. It follows, then, that in the event of Sir Joseph Ward being returned to power, he will, in very truth, be at the mercy of the Red Fed. “tool” or tail. Are the Opposition supporters in this constituency prepared to confirm this bargain ? If so, let them beware of the consequences.

We believe the collective mind of the electors in this constituency is made up as to how they will vote on Thursday next. Touching the Incensing questions, both parties have been working quietly, and when the numbers go up we believe a substantial increase will be evidenced in favour of the National Prohibition vote in this electorate. The war has, to a large extent, modified the struggle this year, but neither parties have been idle. Those who favour Local No License and National Prohibition will strike out the top line on both ballot papers and those who desire Continuance will strike out the bottom lines.

Ox the Parliamentary issue, the electors choice of a candidate rests between the representative of the Reform Party, in Mr W. H. Field and the Social Democratic Party, represented by Mr Robertson. The views of both candidates have been fully set before the public both through the press and on the public platform. The line of demarcation between the two parties is clear and well defined. The issue can be left with confidence to the electors, who, we believe, will do the right thing by assisting to keep in power a Government which has the welfare of the country and its people, as a whole, at heart.