ESTABLISHED 1875. Manawatu Daily Times. The Oldest Manawatu Journal. Conducted by E. D. HOBEN. Published Every Morning. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 1909 SHOCKING BAD FORM.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 679, 31 March 1909, Page 4

ESTABLISHED 1875. Manawatu Daily Times. The Oldest Manawatu Journal. Conducted by E. D. HOBEN. Published Every Morning. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 1909 SHOCKING BAD FORM.

MrT, E. Tayior, M.P., has done many things that were in bad taste. The "voucher incident" for instance and the personal attack npon Mr Seddon's family were examples. The answer of the oolony to them was the return of Mr Seddon's supporters in unprecedented majority. Bad as these things were their effect was purely domestic, but the intervention of the member for Ohristohuroh in the Dreadnought incident tranBoends anything that has hitherto been attempted by that olever and irrepressible Parliamentary larrikin in that it removes the exhibition of bad taste is carried beyond the country where it would be estimated at Its proper value. Mr Taylor has sent this telegram to Mr Asquith :

"Cabinet's offer of a Dreadnought was made without' the consultation of Parliament or people There is an inoreasing feeling that the offer was unconstitutional and an unfortunate interference in British party politics. I believe Parliament would gladly inorease the naval subsidy.-T. E. TAYLOR, M.P. for Ohristohuroh North."

,Oould anything be worse than this attempt to disoount in the face of the world an offer whioh has proved itself most timely and been highly appreciated from Royalty down, that is quoted as evidence tint "New Zealand leads?" Mr Asquith may well ask "who is T. E. Taylor?" but the faot that he is irresponsible doeß not lessen the gravity of the offence, and we believe that as in the former instanoe in which Mr Taylor over-reaohed' himself, the effect will be the opposite to that intended. Had tho Imperial Prime Minister asked Mr Tommy Taylor's opinion he might have been justified in giving it, but as the thing stands it is a gross piece of impertinence. As for the Dreadnought offer, that is increasingly justified in results. The "tearing up" of the Berlin treaty has illustrated afresh what would happen were Germany able to become dominant on the sea as oombined with Austria it is on land in mid Europe, and whether Australia or Canada contribute Dreadnoughts or not New Zealand's aotion will have hastened the time when both will havo their own coast defenoe navies to free the Imperial Davy of some of its responsibilities. And against all ths wo have-Tommy Taylor.