THE MEMBER FOR THE DISTRICT.

Northland Age, Volume III, Issue 20, 27 May 1931, Page 4

THE MEMBER FOR THE DISTRICT.

(To the Editor)

Sir, —Perhaps you are able to tell roe something of the duties of the Member for this District. He was elected three years ago, and to my knowledge not once has he been on the public platform in Kaitaia to give an account of bis stewardship. I very much doubt if more than the fingers of one’s hand would be required to count even the number of times he has been in our centre in three years, although, apparently, he has plenty of time to go electioneering in other electorates, and visiting other parts of the North Island including the Bay of Plenty to speak at puplic functions. The Gentleman is, I am informed to be at the A & P Hall on Friday, at which a function has been arranged. An admission price will be charged to hear him speak, so I expect if I wish to know what he is doing for the district it will cost me two bob.

To my mind, (of course I am not versed in politics) Mr. Rushworth would be better advised, and I think it is his duty, to lemind us that he is our member by coming to this part of the electorate and getting on the public platform not at the commencement of an election trying to canvas votes, but at reasonable periods to give an account of his stewardship. I am etc., “Puzzled in Politics.”

[lt is not customary for a sitting member to appear on a public platform during his, term of office to give an account of his stewardship. His achievements are [[invariably expounded when he has completed his term of office and seeks re-election.

In a democratic country such as this where the minds of the people are misguided by a biased press, the activities of a few parliamentary representatives only are given lull publicity in the daily papers. This publicity however is usually given when it is the considered opinion of those who run our daily papers that such is worthy of note and is in entire agreement with the policy of their papers.

It may therefore be concluded that the absence of publicity is due eithei to the fact that the member’s activities are not worthy of mention or his utterances are opposed to the views held by those who control the press.

If the former be the case, then the mqmber of parliament who desires to bring himself before the notice of his constituents usually indulges in an orgy of egotistical publicity. If the latter however is the case you will discover that no cheap American self-advertising will be indulged in, but a sober and faithful account ot his activities and achievements will be forthcoming when he seeks the further confidence of his electors. A common fault among many of our past and present members of parliament is that their outlook is alarmingly parocliial.

The interest of their country is a secondary consideration to the interest they display in their own especial electorate. This perhaps may of course be due to the fact that their limited knowledge and intelligence would not permit them to speak on public plattorms outside their own constitu-

c rcy If you will glance again at the advertisement to which your letter makes reference, you will perceive that it is entirely of a social nature, organised, not by the Country Party, but by the Ladies Social Committee of the Country Party. It is not stated that Capt. Rushworth will address the gathering Captain and Mrs. Rush worth will be present as guests ot the Ladies Social Committee at their dance. It is not intended that Captain Rushworth should deliver 5 political address. Your two shillings will not be sacrificed to hear Captain Rushworth speak, it will merely be a small donation to the Plunket Society.—The Editor.]