MR W. H. SMITH AND MR ATMORE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 13 November 1928, Page 3

MR W. H. SMITH AND MR ATMORE

(To the Editor) Sir, —I notice with pleasure that Mr Atmorc is amused. Wo appear to be a mutual amusement association. J venture to assert that the Spring (hove electors who were present at this meeting will be astonished to learn that Mr Atmorc was amused, as he most certainly did not show it. that night. Rathor did he appear more amusing than amused. The thing that strikes me as most amusing is that at the Richmond meeting my question was evaded An attempt at evasion was made at .Spring Grove. Evidently Mr Atmorc had not then thought of springing "compound interest" on us. This was his master stroke to he carefully reserved. Or was it a happy inspiration calculated to tickle the ears of the electors? This will not. I think, quite go down with the intelligent voters of Nelson. It also seems strange that neither Messrs Hudson, Downio Stew art. nor Coates has thought of this bright idea. Mr Atmorc gains nothing by his, quotation from the Government Year Book. We all know the figures. Wo all also know, and Mr Atmore knows, that 33J millions of that increase of 101 millions was borrowed to meet war liabilities; but Mr Atmore is not honest enough to say so. Rather does he deliberately try to mislead the people into believing that "hot one penny of this was for war purposes." It is cheering to find that he has now, through the paper, admitted that "possibly some small portion of ' this amount was expended on' the nftei A effects of the war."

Mr Atmorc- complained bitterly at Spring Grove that people were trying to "put words into his mouth that lie never said."' He is now doing exactly the same thing. He credits mo with saying that "we all take off our hats to Sir Joseph as a financier." What I did say was "in the past we have taken off our hats to Sir Joseph," which is quite a different thing. I am credited with saying "undoubtedly Sir Joseph Ward if returned will offer a portfolio to Mr Atmorc." What I did say was: "In the event of Sir Joseph being returned and ho should offer you a portfolio, which is possible, would you accept." I now question whether Sir Joseph would make such an offer unless Mr Atmore can think up something more brilliant than his "compound interest" brain wave. In. conclusion, Sir, it is somewhat startling to find Mr Atmore frankly admitting that his report of the meeting was erroneous. One might be pardoned for asking if this is the only meeting so reported? I am, etc., WILLIAM H. SMITH. Brightwater, 12th November.