Nelson Evening Mail SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1922 PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 25 November 1922, Page 4

Nelson Evening Mail SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1922 PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT

NELSON is fortunate in securing a visit from the Hon.' W. F. Massey, Prime Minister, for whatever political views the people may hold, every one now realises that he has already attained to one of the foremost places in New Zealand’s history. For ten of the most momentous and perilous years he lias held the office of Prime Minister, and friend and opponent alike, have paid lasting tributes to his solid worth. And wo feel sure Nelson will accord Mr Massey a great welcome. It is only' right that the political leaders should tour the country and speak in as many electorates as time permits. Mr Wiiford is busily engaged in the same manner, and we would like to see him with us also. It is hardly likely that Mr Holland could be expected to come here in the present circumstances, but the same applies to him as the Leader of the Labour Party. For it stands to reason that the leaders are able to deal with the political situation at first hand. And even if they were not, it is an incontrovertible fact that it is to the advantage of the electors to hear as many as possible of the leaders of political thought in New Zealand. For the more light that is thrown on the situation, the better able will the electors be to weigh up all the issues and cast their votes in the direction they believe to be in the best interests of their country. Mr At more has referred to Mr Massey’s visit at pretty well every meeting he has held this week, but he has hardly done the situation justice. He has referred to S.O.S. calls to the Prime Minister, and that speakers had come to the district “to fight against him,” whereas “he (Mr Atmoro) preferred to fight his own battles.” Coming at election time, Mr Massey’s visit is certainly a political move, but it is a perfectly justifiable and sound one, for the greater the light that can bo thrown on the subject the more likely is a correct, conclusion to he arrived at. Apparently, if Mr Atmore had his way, he would cut the district off from the rest of New Zealand, at any rate at the only

lime in three years that the (’lectors have a definite opportunity of taking a direct part in the control of public alfairs. This is hardly fair to the people who are entitled to hear what the leaders have to say. Of course, the manifestoes and speeches of leaders are given in the press, and it. surely stands to reason that if the people can hear the speakers first hand, so much the better. No one will be forced to change his political views by the Prime Minister or any other leader. Every one will be just as free as be or she is now to weigh up the whole position. The only difference will be that more light will be thrown upon the issues, and if Nelson can secure a visit from Mr Wilford also, so imie.li the better.