SEDDON'S LIBERALISM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22574, 12 November 1936, Page 17

SEDDON'S LIBERALISM

Sir,—Mr. Cecil Clinkard's latest letter accuses me of avoiding first issues; also tags me with much zeal and little knowledge. Seddon and Labour allied are first issues to rite. Since his glorious day no statesman had the ability to hitch the political waggon to the star of Labour. With the long fight on its own. Labour, for the present, is on top. So we come to Mr. Clinkard's final remark in his last letter. He quotes, "I fear you inav yet find that your god before whom you sacrifice has feet of clay." In Seddon's day Labour learned to get rid of the feet of clay. Our Labour laws are full of the giant moving with elastic steps for a commencement, developing into huge strides as our political history evolved. Nowadays the giant has his "running shoes on." No use being shod therewith if the feet are of clay. With regard to the formation of the Coalition some years hack. Your correspondent quotes from Hansard the late Messrs. H. K. Holland ml .las. McC'onibs assigning the same reason: "that they would not assist in economies, etc." Well, I ask what of the parleys held by the representatives of the parties in New Zealand? Those proceedings were not reported in Hansard. Being in the confidence of both the above-mentioned men at the time and knowing well what happened, 1 can only state at this date that Mr. Savage's denial in the Auckland Town Hall just prior to the last election, "that Labour refused to join the Coalition was absurd." has my choice against Mr. Clinkard and Hansard combined. The Prime Minister has made a fresh statement during the week with regard to savings and thrift. Mr. Clinkard was somewhat premature in criticising the Prime Minister there, but we are all wise after an event, so that part of Mr. Clinkard's letter must rest. Pktkh Hknry McCoi,l.