THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20114, 27 November 1928, Page 12

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

Sir, —"Honesty is the Best Policy" in to-day's Herald said we arc "to ho saddled with a Premier that none of us want." Was it not due to the prestige of Sir Joseph Ward that the United Party owes its present position? Further, Messrs. At more, Wilkinson and llogan have given to the Ignited Party an assurance of their support, which makes the United Party the strongest party in the House. "Honesty, etc.," in the face of this wrote "none of us want" Sir Joseph Ward. The country plainly said it did not want Reform, and yet your correspondent suggests for Premier either of two ardent Reformers, Sir James Allen or Sir Francis Bell, the latter of whom is credited with being the actual Premier in the defeated Government. In this instance, "Honesty is the Best Policy," is a misnomer. Wayfarer. November 26. 1928. Sir, — 1 think your correspondent "Honesty" has put the telescope to his blind eye. Since it is by the electors that M.P.'s are chosen, and since the Premier must command a majority in the House, how can this free country be saddled with a Premier that "none of us" wants. As to Sir Joseph's qualifications as a statesman, it is scarcely fair to condemn him in advance. Did anvone suggest that Mr. M assev was too old? Were those right who scoffed at Mr. Pitt in the lines: A siclit to make surrounding nations stare, -\ kingdom trusted to a schoolboy's care. There are old fogies, fossilised and blase at 21, and thousands of men and women of 70 and over are in their prime so far as their mental powfTs are concerned. Politics arc not a football scrum. H. Mason.