THE HUTT

New Zealand Times, Volume XLV, Issue 10450, 1 December 1919, Page 6

THE HUTT

Mr Rishworth found great fault with his opponent, Mr Wilford, for going to places outside his district to uphold the policy of tho Liberal party. Therein he was rather like the interjector at Mr Wilford's meeting in tho Hutt Town Hall on Saturday, whom Mr Wilford cleverly convicted of being a stranger to the district, who know nothing about its member, of twenty years, or its wants. Tho Hutt, however, knows that its member is "some member," and, therefore, will understand why that member was asked to give a Helping hand elsewhere. For example, he was asked to reply to the Prime Minister at Eltham, and very well he did what was expected, rendering considerable service to the cause of Liberalism. Mr Wilford treated this criticism of his opponent as porsonal, and declined to take up personalities. But that does not prevent the public from asking questions. For example, is Mr Rishworth likely to be asked to go anywhere to' give his valuable help ? Tho Leader of tho Opposition spoke at Christchurch, a place nearer to the Hutt than is Eltham. But we have not heard that Mr Rishworth was invited to Christchurch to reply to tho Leader of the Opposition. Neither have wo heard that he is capable of making any sort of reply which would impress the people who heard the Opposition Leader. This comparison appears cruel, but Mr Rishworth has brought the cruelty on himself by his criticism of his opponent. Had ho reflected before making his personal attack he would probably have avoided the subject. Why? Because ho would have realised that his opponent is not only "some member," but that he has also .been "some Minister," also, as well as "some Mayor." Mr Wilford. has filled many positions with much credit and at least as much success. It is, for instance, common talk on tho waterfront that Mr Wilford was tho best Minister for Marine who ever held tho portfolio. As Minister foi Justice ho made a good record, and Wellington city will not readily forget tho administrative talent he displayed in tho Mayoral chair. As a debater of considerable force, moreover, ho hag long been recognised by the House of Representatives. These are the roasons why Mr Wilford ha 6 been called away to other districts to help in tho election contest. It was not wise of Mr Rishworth to challengo comparison by drawing attention to the fact.

Neither was it necessary to call Mr Wilford to order, as it were, in this nay. That point was very fully proved by the great reception his constituents gave to Mr "Wilford at the Hutt Town Hall. An enthusiastic reception, followed by a vote of confidence, is not exactly the sort of endorsement that would appeal to an opponent who ventured to severely criticise the election tactics of the adversary. Moreover, the success of Mr Wilford's meeting was not due solely to his record of service. The speech he delivered was a very powerful support to his record. It was the speech of a. Liberal with a sound conception of democratic and Liberal principles, thoroughly recognising the constructive power in the Liberal programme, amply realising the difference between the- fullness of that programme and the emptiness of the opposite policy now hoforo the constituencies, and quite aware of the futility of asking for tho coalition of men who, as Di Newman put it very well at one of his meetings, have always been saying all Borts of things about each other. Mr Wilford was not afraid to approve of some planks of the Labour platform, Of course, because those were planka of tho Liberal platform, well-trodden beforo the Labour party now appealing to the constituencies was horn. Neither was he afraid to criticise things he did not approve on the La» bour side. For- instance, he put ft searching question about the Defence programme put forth by certain prominent men of the Labour party at their annual conference. He made no charge. Ho merely asked for an explanation of the voluntary <jitizen army these men advocated, saying that they were not really conscientious objectors, but quite ready when they got into power to raise their army, and, if necessary fight in its ranks, and die with their sons under the Red Flag. "What, indeed, do they mean? The public at large is herein with Mr Wilford. It would like an explanation.