MR VERNON REED, M.P., V' SOLID FACT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8192, 6 August 1912, Page 8

MR VERNON REED, M.P., V' SOLID FACT.

(To the Editor, "N.Z. Times.”) Sir, —I must apologise for trespassing on your kindness, but since the publication of my letter in the columns of your valuable journal Mr Eeed has issued a manifesto which is just about as straight to the point as going to Island Bay via Kaiwarawara. I am going to give him something solid and challenge him to deny it from his seat in the House—(X) That he angled for a portfolio in the late Ministry; (2) that he was ever offered a full portfolio; (3) that he proposed the Hon. Thdmas McKenzie as leader of the Liberal Party and agreed to give him a free hand in the selection of his Ministry. If his position is one that an electorate has reason to be proud of he will welcome this reminder of his public duty in a place where there are men who know the true position. The paltry and miserable excuse which he trumped up about the freehold principle is too flimsy, when all New Zealand knows that the leader whom he at first proposed and afterwards politically turned on is esteemed by the farmers of New Zealand as a more sincere "freeholder” than all the Vernon Heeds who hare yet appeared on our political horizon. Now, Mr Eeed, let us see if there is any grit in vou. —I am, etc., ONLOOKEE. "Wellington, August sth.