BETTER THAN NOTHING

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8735, 18 May 1914, Page 4

BETTER THAN NOTHING

We like, to give “Reformers” all the credit that is due to them, not only as a matter of fairness, but because they need it. Thus it is only right that we should do all that is possible to circulate the fact that the notorious James letter has brought the blush of shame to at least one -good and true adherent of the Tory Massey Government. We refer to Mr .J. B. Hino, M.P. for Stratford. Addresssing his constituents the other evening Mr Hine, referring to .the James letter,’ said ‘Tie wished to disassociate himself entirely from such tactics.' used by. any party.” We wish that Mr Massey would do the same. Some of the more reputable of the Ministerial newspapers have been good enough to condemn the attempt made by the “Beform” League secretary to fake up a bogus “public” opinion of hostility to Sir Joseph Ward; but the majority have quietly ignored the awkward affair altogether. Mr Sine's repudiation is refreshing. Coming from one belonging to a party which for years has traded in abuse and misrepresentation, tho statement has all the more significance. There seems almost to be reason to hope that tho “Beform” party may yet reform, although it would be reckless to be over sanguine. We have pleasure in approving Mr Sine's action in disassociating himself entirely from such unworthy tactics; but we suggest that he should go a step further- and publicly apologise for his own reckless charges of “Tammanyism” of a. few years back. Nobody knows better than the member for Stratford that in advancing the accusations against the Ward Government which ho did, he made the mistake of his life. A'e can hardly see why he should denounce the action of the “Reform” secretary and expect to go soot free himself. Fair play is htmny play. Still, what we are able to annotince is better than nothing. . •