The N.Z. Times (PUBLISHED DAILY). THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1905. CITY NORTH CAMPAIGN.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5735, 2 November 1905, Page 4

The N.Z. Times

(PUBLISHED DAILY). THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1905. CITY NORTH CAMPAIGN.

triTS WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE “ WELLINGTON INDEPENDENT.” ESTABLISHED 1845.

Tho electoral contest in Wellington North war, opened by a speech delivered yesterday evening by Mr 0. H. Izard, a Liberal of the “independent,” but certainly not of tho “ new,” type. Of that gentleman’s fitness to represent the people in Parliament wo expressed a favourable opinion when some six months ago he contested the by-election for tho city scat, and his political views at tho same time received our approval; it would, therefore, be supererogatory to refer now at any length to either his personality or bis politics. Ho conies before the electors as a young New Zealander, ambitious to share in tho councils of his native land; as one' equipped by education, knowledge, and experience of local affaire to further tho interests of the city; and as ones who warmly approves of tho mass of Liberal legislation and pledges himself to vote for the retention of the 'present Administration. At his meeting last night, ho laid especial emphasis on the fact that he is not the nominee of tho Government, or of any' particular, party. One or two persons in the audience were disposed to be sceptical on this point; but it is well known that he declared his candidature without consulting the Liberal and Labour Federation, and that there was nearly a serious division in tho ranks of the Thorndon branch of that organisation over the question of its attitude -towards him. While, therefore, he will probably receive the full support of tho Liberals of Wellington North, we believe ho is absolutely correct in declaring his complete freedom from any pledge save that given to tho electors as a whole. Should Mr Izard enter the House of Representatives, ho will do so pledged only to support the Government as against a hostile party motion of noconfidence, hut with full liberty to criticise or assist to defeat any of its measures of which he may disapprove. His independent attitude was well illustrated in hie speech of last night, in wlrch. ho vigorously condemned that portion of the Public Works Act referring to streets being sixty-six feet wide, and also tho new clause inserted by the Government in the Wellington Streets Bill forbidding the erection of buildings on sites fronting private ways of less than forty feet in width. It would he well if candidates in all the electorates were prepared to take a similar stand in relation to party politics. If Parliament is to be efficient, its members ought to bo as free as possible, and ought to vote according to their declared principles. A member who is a mere delegate of an outside organisation cannot bo expected to assist in deliberation or to exert any influence except that of his vote in the House, and for all practical purposes that work could be as well done by machinery. An Administration that received the support of an assembly of free representatives would carry *far more weight in the country than one whoso measures were blindly supported by a lot of nominee members. With a really free Parliament, both legislation and administration would bo greatly improved, and important questions would no longer bo decided by tho votes of tho “ lobby brigades ” on both sides of the House. Of course, party ties and party discipline cannot be altogether abolished; but a general suppox-t of, or opposition to, certain broad principles of government is all to which candidates should bo asked to pledge* the*»selv®».

In his statement of the reasons that decide him to support the present Government. Mr Izard last night took the same ground that ho did at the by-elcc-tion, and he was able to fortify his position by quoting a recent remark publicly made by Mr John Duthie, to the effect that the character of our Parliament is clean, and that the Government retains office because it endeavours to find out what the people want and then gives it to them. Mr Izard was also in the happy position of being able to remind his audience that when he last sought election he had advocated an increase in the amount of old ago pension and the passage of measures dealing with Civil Service classification and superannuation—reforms which have to a large extent been since carried into effect. In his statements of opinion on matters now agitating the public mind—each as the

liquor question and Bible-reading in public schools—the candidate was very clear and concise; bis attitude generally was that of a man who holds strong opinions, and is not disposed to “trim” for the purpose of catching votes. The electors of City North will not, of course, finally make up their minds until they have heard the other candidates. The vote of confidence that was carried at last night's meeting hinds no one, and means no more than that the majority of those present were Liberals in favour of Mr Izard's candidature and desirous of seeing him - elected. “Much water will flow under the bridges” between now and polling day, and probably quite a number of people will change their attitude towards candidates; it would, therefore, bo preferable if those present at political mootings went no further than tender the speaker tho courtesy of thanks for his address, leaving the ballot to record their confidence or tho reverse.