AN AGED POLITICIAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23162, 7 October 1938, Page 14

AN AGED POLITICIAN

A PICTURESQUE FIGURE ELECTIONEERING ON FOOT [from our own correspondent] MELBOURNE. Sept 28 State Parliamentary life lost its most picturesque figure this week in the death of Mr. James Weir McLachlan, aged 75 years, who had represented the Gippsland North seat in the Legislative Assembly for 30 years. Because of his unorthodox method of electioneering Mr. McLachlan was known as "the hiking member." He conducted his campaigns mostly on foot, in spite of the fact that his electorate was a rural one and covered a substantial area. It was his boast that ho knew by name almost every one of the 11,000 electors in Gippsland North. It was said that he preferred a threerail fenco as a rostrum to any town hall platform. l\lr. McLachlan's preference for "man to man" electioneering methods had much to do with his popularity, and he rarely allowed his campaign committees to organise public meetings. His side-whiskers and old bowler hat marked him out as a politician of the old school. It was as a Labour member that Mr. McLachlan was first elected for Gippsland North in 1908. He continued to hold tho seat for Labour when he left tho ijarty on the conscription issue. However, he retained his seat and continued in its representation until his death.