THE INDEPENDENT MEMBER

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 29 October 1928, Page 8

THE INDEPENDENT MEMBER

To tlio Editor)

Sir,—Will the present political parly be.returned to power or stiller defeat! 1 To place the different parties in alphabetical order: Labour, Liberal, National or Reform. Which is it to be.' Perhaps bv some imtlioughl-of freak of fortune they may be returned in this order. There is the one and only- Liberal in the House at the present, but New Zealand has not forgotten ‘‘John Bnllauee” or "King Dick.” Why does our country in most cases ignore the mail who stands for Parliament as an Independent. Of ad. lie is surely boiler qualified to represent (lie, people than the man who js tied lo a party. Have there not been instances where members of Parliament have voted with their party against their own judgment'' Is it not ieasihle that any man .standing for (lie position of member of Parliament who has the courage to tell the public, that lie will not bind himself, but will east bis vote for or against any measure brought before Parliament, irrespective of parly, according to ids judgment and conscience, is the man that is most likely to produce just measures and forward the business of the country.

Is not our present “party system” a remnant of bygone ages? The absolute stupidity of having one party in power to govern the country and make laws,' and another party to oppose it, each member bound to bis party; the opposition or minority party on every possible occasion prepared to move a vote of “noconfidence” in the Government or majority. Were all members of Parliament “independents” there would be none of the vituperation that is displayed at present and members would be able (o express their views without stating (as quoted in “Hansard”): "On questions sueli as are now before (lie House, it seems clear that the present Government are well out of their depth. ’ “Hansard ’ again: "One would not have to go far to get a better authority than' the Minister of Lands, .etc.” Everywhere' the people of New Zealand are expressing their disgust with the present political position, “that of party voting,” which practically binds any member to Die bead of bis party, lo do what lie is told, follow like a sheep and talk like a parrot; Ids party 'first, his constituents aiul reasoning powers after. It, must bo admitted that the mini Who stands ns an “Independent” candidate tor Parliament has the courage to face odds, the intelligence lo think for himself and the honesty.to express and vote for his own principles; three great assets. The only argument that could he brought forward against the' Iliacpendent candidate is, that if all members were independents' the result would be chaos, but this could not be so, as any measure brought forward wdulil have its supporters or opposers as at present-, the only difference being that each would vole to bis “own honest opinion, the ablest men would bo elected, by their fellow members as Ministers, and there would bo no.need to make promises to the. public, - dr to advertise extensively. If ‘ there must be parties, in our. Parliament, jet- us by our vole for the Independent candidates, giv.e them a chance, at the least to be able lo control ihe pnrtv voles in the right- direction.—l am, etc., A. WICKES. Deep Creek, 26th Oct.