LEAGUE OF LOCAL BODIES’ MEETING

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 4 August 1945, Page 2

LEAGUE OF LOCAL BODIES’ MEETING

ITo the Editor! Sir,—Mr Atmore has adopted his usual attitude when criticised. Though a severe critic himself, only surpassed by a few. others dare not raise a word about or against his way of life politically. The League of Local Bodies’ annual meeting, considered very important by all who take an interest in the welfare of our various districts, which is shown by the good attendance on each occasion, deals with matters which are vital to every individual in the whole of its area. Our lack of some developmental works is due partly to lgck of effort on the part of those who lepresent us in Parliament. No doubt this will be denied in words, but conditions —in particular our isolation from the rest of the South—prove it. Mr Atmore, however, places it as a secondary consideration against leaving Parliament for one day. To judge by the tone of his letter he would like to leave the impression that he is never absent from Parliament. Would he say he is never absent? I have passed through Wellington frequently this last few years, and, if I have time to spare when the House is in session. I spend a few hours in the gallery listening. On several of these occasions Mr Atmore has been absent, not only he. but almost half the members, which goes to show that, when not called into question, his presence there is not so important after all. Yes, Mr Atmore. I am the same Higgins who brought the matter up at our Power Board meeting, not critically, but regretfully, that he and they were absent, as our future so much 'depends on whether the league’s efforts' are fruitful or nil. I also moved the vote of thanks to Mr Aderman. There was not a party political thought when I moved as I did. and spoke at the Power Board meeting. Had he been a National Party member, and acted as Mr Atmore and the others did. he would have heard the same. I am not afraid to own my political colour and let it be known. I would hate to be. classed as a “rail sitter,” or a “political acrobat,” which is no good personally and worse for the district one represents. Sir, I know it is not possible for all of us to see alike on matters such as politics, but when a man is genuine, if he is Labour and owns it, I admire him, but those who won't own a colour and—what is worse—are not owned by others, even though appearing keen in debates, their speeches go to deaf ears. Well, Sir, as my mentality is questioned by such a man as Mr Atmore, really a ‘‘super man,” I am afraid I will have to accept it; but if he wishes to continue this correspondence which he has commenced, although a minor to him, with your permission I am willing to carry on. Much more yet can be said.—l am, etc., L. A. HIGGINS. R.M.D. Wakefield, 2nd August.