THE ELECTION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 226, 22 August 1935, Page 6

THE ELECTION

(To the Editor.) Sir, —“Elector” appears to have lost some of his bombast, seeing that he still prefers to hide behind a nom-de-plume. However, although a person may labour under the delusion that lie is in a safe hiding from which to hurl his incorrect statements and innuendoes, there are certain mannerisms in literary (?) style which proclaim ones identity. If “Elector” will look up the files of cither paper in Palmerston North and read the editions of November, 1922, he will know that his statement that I adopted his style of propaganda is incorrect. The statement of the man whose cause lie is championing is nearer the mark when he says 1 definitely stood on a policy of banking reform and stabilisation ol prices, or, as lie is pleased to call it, currency reform. But why rake up the past? What good would it do, for instance, if I pointed out that in 1911 fill- Mansford was supporting the Opposition against the Liberal Government, notwithstanding the fact that that Government had placed more humane legislation on the Statute Book than any other government in the world, legislation which the party Mr Mansford was supporting was to subsequently destroy when it became the Government? Or wliat'good would it do to point out that in 1914 Mr Mansford was secretary, and liis present chairman was chairman, of the committee which assisted Mr J. A. Nash when he was at the bottom of the poll as an Independent Reform candidate? Or that ho still supported Reform as late as 1928 to my knowledge, in spite of the fact that the Government had demonstrated its policy of wage cuts in 1922 and prior to that? And why deal in personalities? Would it do me or anyone else any good to point out that “Elector was dropped by the Labour Party and also by tho U.W.M., and has to rest on Mr Mansford’s committee? Why, none whatever. Let us deal with policies and the results of policies by all means, but personalities and “hot air” catch phrases are not argument.—l am, etc., V. A. CHRISTENSEN. 46 Hcretaunga Street, 21-8-35.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—“Elector’s” frightful picture of the Labour Party’s highway robbery policy reminds me of an experience most people have had at some period of their life, viz., a mental derangement in their slumbers as a result of taking an unaccustomed late and heavy supper. By jove, lie has given us Labour chaps a thrashing this time alright, but in his furore to inflict punishment upon us and his excess of anti-Labour zeal, ho has discarded the elementary British rules of lighting, ho has sledge-hammered us everywhere but above tho belt; but we are pretty good tempered and quite used to it. “Elector’s” anti-Labour chloroform is hopelessly out of date; years ago it may have had some effect, but to-day people aro more enlightened and refuse to be “put. under.” Now, what aro “Elector’s” facts or rather his omission of facts? He says the Labour Party stands for confiscation. Let me tell “Elector” that the Labour Party is composed of honourable men and women, and when the time comes for the substitution of collective ownership of tho industrial machinery in place of private ownership, the Labour Party will deal honourably with their clients and give them their true valuation. So “Mr Elector,” don’t try to make political headway by imputing false doctrines; it is not fair. What have you to say of the present day confiscation and 'ruination of individuality? Judging by your letter you would defend tho present system at any cost rather than suffer the policy of the Labour Party; are there not thousands of people in this country who have put a life’s hard earned savings into a house or farm or business as part payment, hoping that some day by their industry and perseverance they would say the house or farm or business would be their very own, but to-day in despair, through no fault of their own and under circumstances over which they have no control they cannot meet their financial liabilities, and in consequence have lost or will lose the lot? Good business for the mortgagee, but a tragedy for the one who has lost everything. Now, the Labour Party says that a system which allows this is cruel, vicious, and unjust, hence the desire to away with it. “Elector” seems very perturbed about Russia and how God is blasphemed in that country; but if “Elector” is a Christian, and 1 presume he would be highly indignant if anyone suggested he was not, does he not think we could get nearer to God in this country at aiiy rate if we adopted the co-operative state of society as the Labour Party advocates where each would be for all and all for each, instead of this hideous nightmare of a system of every man for himself and the Devil take the hindmost? Speaking of Russia, men of letters and learning and not of the Labour Party have been to that “Elector”-despised country, and they tell us through the Press that everyone seems to be well fed, well clothed, and happy, and that Russia has no unemployed; more than we can say here, “Elector,” isn’t it? And in regard to religion tho people still worship in their own way, but the churches are not State-aided; but don’t forget “Elector,” there are a lot of infidels in New Zealand and lots of children who have never been inside a church. In regard to “Elector’s” outburst, the ltcd Flag and National Anthem, all 1 can say is that we of the Labour Party are more loyal and patriotic in- j wardly than those who make such an outward show and I’m sure that our King is broadminded enough to allow that the Labour Party is trying to make this world a happier place to live in so that his poorer subjects shall bo a credit to him and he as King be proud of them. About guaranteed prices to the farmers, I suppose “Elector” knows 'that all the farmers are not labelling the idea as “eyewash.” In summing up “Elector’s” harangue, sir, I hope I have not trespassed too much on your space; but I might say in conclusion that knowing “Elector” by his verbosity to be of the “Diehard Anti-Labour school,” and that facts or fables would never induce him to be otherwise, I will leave him to it for all time. I quite realise that your spaed is too valuable for “shadow-sparring.” —I am, etc., TEAMWORK.