THE AFTERMATH

NZ Truth, Issue 910, 5 May 1923, Page 5

THE AFTERMATH

Pertinences And Politics ' Past and Future. - Mr. Massey's apologies for his nonattendance at two prominent social functions this week were based upon the fact that he had so much work to do that he was unable to spare the time to welcome important visitors to our shores. We can only attribute this accumulation of work to the fact that he could spare time for his unnecessarily lengthened sojourn in Oaniaru, in a desperate attempt to pull an ex- colleague off a Lee shore. Apparently the business of the country .did not matter so long as there was a chance of adding to his miserable majority- minority. However, let that go. No doubt the Prime Minister ■will account for his tactics when Parliament meets, either accurately or inaccurately. We know which would be favorite if a totalisator were opened on the result. < The Prime Minister's ignominious flight from the White Stone City on the. eve of the election is the one subject of comment at the moment in political and other circles, and there is no shadow of dpubt that his action in flying to the hills to escape dif aster has put a blot oh his 'scutcheon that makes the multitude of others look like fly spots. Possibly he realised the truth of the adage that "He who fights and runs away, may live to fight another day." We doubt if he will live much longer to fight politically. .

The" Reform Party had everything in Its favor In the Oamaru contest. ,- Mr. Macpherson stood "pat" and the result showed that it was no bluff he was putting up. His opponent had the assistance of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Downie Stewart and his secre:tary, Mr. Massey's secretary, Sir Francis Dillon Bell's secretary, a Hansard' reporter, and Mr. Lyall, the Reform organiser, in addition to the .efforts' of the candidate himself. "Truth" wants.* to know who is paying for all this expert service? We intend to know before we are through with thi3 matter.

Bill's flight was a peculiarly impressive one. When it was bruited about pamavu .that he ( was going to "do a get" before the figures went up, the rumor was greeted 'With derision as being one of those stories that always attach to any Important public event. But "it weren't so," for the Ministerial carriage was coupled up to the express ■luietly and Willum got on board unwept, unhonored and unsung, save by he stationmaster and a small dog. On ho way up the blinds of the carriage were all carefully drawn, to. give the Impression, presumably, that the carriage was travelling , empty i and on irrival, the Prime Minister beat a uasty retreat to his cabin and was seen of none, save tho messengers who visited him with wireless reports of tlto progress of the election. On arrival at Wellington he remained in his cabin until all the other passengers were ashore and then slipped unostentatiously off to look for the work awaiting him. But, Why rub it,- in? it was the essence of ignominy.

The Reform Party had its forces well in hand for the contest in Oamaru. The Hon. Downie Stewart was in the district for a fortnight beforehand, so as to be within easy call in the event of an anticipated descent of Sennacherib Wilford or some of his party in support of the Liberal candidate. As it happened Downie was not the downy bird his party expected him to be. It had been arranged that he should speak after the candidates on the eve Of the election, but as their meetings did not close until 11 o'clock the public decided to go home and vote next day. with the result that Mr. Stewart spoke for ten minutes to about . as miny people and was Judiciously crowded out of the morning papers, despite the fact that he had replied to Mr. Macpherspn from notes supplied by a Government 'official. "Truth" is anxious to know who is Administering the Railway Department? Who is administering the Lands Department? Who Is administering the Returned Soldiers' Depart r ment, and who has administered them in the absence of Mr. Massey?

Will Mr. Massey go to the Imperial Conference? That will be for Parliament to decide. Certainly the Liberal Party, realising the gravity of the mission, will, put no obstacle in his way. But who can he leave in charge? Echo answers: "Who?" Probably /the Prime Minister's health will not permit of his going or somebody may be "afraid to go home in the dark." That rests in (he .lap of the gods.

Should Mr, Massey elect to recuperate after his prolonged holiday in Oamaru by taking a trip to England wouldn't it be up to him to take with him one of the prominent members of the King's Opposition? He has announced publicly that the difference in the platforms of the Liberal. Party and the Reform Party is only the difference between Tweedle-dum and Tweedledeo, and under those circumstances it would be a graceful act if he should secure an invitation for one of his fellow political partners on the other side of the House.

"Truth" can state definitely that Mr. Liee contested the Oamaru sent against his inclination and against his wish. It had been his intention to accept his defeat in December gracefully and in a proppr sportlne spirit, but the pressure of the hends forced him Into a successful upsetting of the election of December and the fighting of a byelection this week. Not improbably he is relieved at the result, but daren't say so. Anyway, it may be taken for Rrfttttod that he will not re-enter politice.