THINGS POLITICAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVi, 30 October 1925, Page 6

THINGS POLITICAL

(To tlie Editor.) Sir.— One cni.im.( help being struck by the large number of anonymous letters appearing in tbc press, either espousing oi’ condemning regard to (lie Nelson electorate wc have three candidates for the position of representative, and it would appear each has bis advocates. To my mind there seems to be a tendency oil the part of toe majority of correspondents to pose as elucidators of all the fine points involved in the present campaign. and indeed, to assume too many tilings for granted. There seems to be established m the. minds of most. a. sort of official ruling by which everything is to be regulated. Now let us take a dispassionate view of the position as connect id with candidates and their sentiments, always remembering that there are penalties tor any departure from the procedure favoured by the majority, and that said candidate cannot ignore with impunity the wishes ot such majority. -First, then, take Mr Atmdre. ' No doubt he has vim, ability, and Parliamentary experience, but does he think that because he had a large majority at the Inst- election he can play “hide'and seek with the electors, without suffernig. Docs lie think lie possesses a ‘‘fee simple" to the Nelson seal? His do men "our and his utterances would imply as much. To such an experienced Par hamentanan as ..Mr Atm ore. surclv his si a I einent that a vote given, for li'im is a vole lor both Coale s and Forbes, must appear upon reflect ion, a .most insecure pronouncement- ! Can i\lr Atmore or any other member of Parliament give a guarantee that fusion will take place? I think it will be found—most emphatically—that should either of the above gentlemen be returned with an undoubted working .majority, lie will at once prove himself clever enough to find some excuse for a non-desire to share ! Ins success with others. In fact thiims point to the almost certainty that Mr Coates will have a. greater number of follower* than he had when Parliament dissolved. He will prove a much strongcr and capable leader than is generalfy , expected, and I do not hesitate to sav tJiat given the chance he will prove iliinfseif one ot the most reliable and respect- ' cd I rime Ministers New Zealand lias ever seen Of course lie lias no claim j 0 Jl, hiliability-— who has? Wc know of j'!" 1 nf what his party- thinks of I .mu, and given security of teii.ure in (| K . ' Mousy I venture, to. predict he will train prestige “all along the line.” How °he I mis an undoubted supporter in Mr Vlil- 1 hert, so why not pin oun faith to this i rising leader h.v voting for his acknowledged candidate. Of course, the latter I has riot the advantage of experienre em Mr \( more s ease, but I read iiim' Jo j oe a man ot undoubted sincerity, and a most dependable representative, aml certainly we shall know where we are, so tar as intentions are concerned. Ut course it is well known that any eleetm can become nominated as a caudidate and he can also choose his own pii itual path, so that Mr Aln.ore is yyell within Ins rights in keeping his own counsel as to his intention. If there he a lalliug-ofT in support that is hi* own lookout. No committee or other' bodv yt electors has the right to demand Inmi a candidate his intentions so lar as Jus voting in the House is eoiicerned. lnlt " f vtjurso they have the right to support Ills opponents should they think , • •' ,r chooses to remain obdurate so far as open future action is concerned, and no. doubt feeling j l( . can afford to take up tin’s attitude, in- will I lie quite ready to accept full i P _ sponsihilitv, and results. ft will not .surprise me if -many confident one* lose ho letteis M I . at the coming election, and further 1 quite expect the old Liberal party and the Labour Party will go back weaker than ever, and that the Reform Government'will have astonishes < ictories. I am. etc., F. WILLI AM SEE A LE. CITY COUNCIL EMPI.OY EES To The Editor. Sir,—With reference to the controvorsy that has arisen from my remarks at the last Council meeting anent the failure ot the Council to- get adequate icturn tor its wages bill owing to various irregularities, J am prepared at the primer time and place to substantiate my statements. 1 ain. etc.. R- WATSON.