The Labour Party Squabble

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 54, 6 March 1935, Page 6

The Labour Party Squabble

(To' the Editor.) Sir, —Without wishing to enter into the dispute in the local ranks, p/crhnps I may be permitted to remark that the action of the malcontents in admitting the Press into a meeting called to discuss, what is after all, only a personal affair, in the party itself, shows that the malcontents, not content with injuring Mr Hodgons, have unwittingly injured the whole Labour movement in New Zealand. The whole thing, to my mind, looks pretty paltry and vindictive. I will leave it at that. As one who knows the Labour Party inside and out, I think the whole trouble is the result of faulty regulations inside the party itself. As 1 understand the position, candidates are selected about three years before an election is due, with the result that if the selected candidate proves unpopular, or develops the power to do his own thinking, nothing can bo done to depose him. Then, of course, there is the chance that a much more suitable man may appear on the horizon, with the result that he cannot bo nominated. L would earnestly suggest to the Labour Party that it amend its rules accordingly. With all due respect. I suggest that it does not necessarily follow that because a man contested last election lie is the best man to do so again. I think you will find, if you could get all the facts, that that is the real trouble in Palmerston North.—l am, etc., SOCIALIST. March 5, 19,J0.