CHOICE “CRITICISM”

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

CHOICE “CRITICISM”

Referring in a recent speech, at Stratford to the Liberal platform campaigners, Mr Bin©. M.P., who is widely known as on© of the purest of all the pure “Reformers,” said: —“They call them the Flying Squadron j t would recommend the dropping of one letter.” This is, of course, a very generous and gratuitous piece of advice. But, as the “Eltham Argus” says, it would he more practical if Mr Hino or his friends would expose any of the falsehoods which they fancy the members of the squadron are disseminating. “If they are circulating lies from' various platforms in the Dominion,” asks our contemporary, “why did not Mr Hine, as a good Reformer desirous of educating his constituents, expose dhe falsehoods ? It was his duty to do so. To brand a section of his political opponents as , ‘liars’ —for that is what he did by innuendo—is not sutficient for a discriminating public. ... A great opportunity will shortly bo afforded to him and his friends. It is reported that a prominent member of the Flying Squadron, Mr Atmore, is again visiting Stratford, and will deliver a speech there. No doubt the untruths of which Mr Hine complains will be repeated. Let the member for Strafford and his friends attend the meeting and expose every falsehood . that the Speaker gives utterance to. This is the way to deal with the members of the Flying Squadron. It is no Use in their absence denouncing them as being untruthful. Let the Reformers attend the meetings of the Flying Squadron, meet the speakers face to face, and then in the presence of the public prove them to be untruthful. That would be a practical method of dealing with them, am ouid soon silence their platform e; jrts—that is, if Mr Hine’s suggestin', .an be proved. Here is a great opportunity for some valiant Reformer to test his own metal and that of the Flying Squadron.” Now, who .will take up the challenge?.