POLITE BLACKMAIL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23413, 1 August 1939, Page 6

POLITE BLACKMAIL

POLITICIAN'S COMPLAINT CONSTITUENTS' DEMANDS [from oub own correspondent] MELBOURNE, July 'JO A frank speech was delivered by Dr. Clive Shiefds, United Australia Party aiember for Castlemain-Kyneton, in the Legisaltive Assembly yesterday, When he stated that members ware the .victims of d continual form of poiite blackmail. "All the average elector thinks about the member for his district is: How much can I get out of him?" said Dr. Shields. "I do not think the average elector cares twopence worth of gin who his member is." Dr. Shields, who was speaking in the course of the debate ou an electoral Amehdment Bill, said it should be. made an offence for members to bo asked at anv time for subscriptions. "I find it difficult to remember the names of all the- football and cricket clubs of which i am patron," lie added. "I am not asked to accept oflice because I am a great lover of those Bports. I am expected and asked to give trophies. "Why should a member have to do this to hold his seat: What this country wants is a bit of dictatorship," If other members agreed with the views of Dr. Shields they were discreetly silent He, however, has no fear of the wrath to come. He docs not propose to contest his seat again ftt the ujencral election next voar.