THE CLUTHA SEAT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13318, 24 June 1905, Page 10

THE CLUTHA SEAT

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —With rcfercnco to the Olulha election, it lias boon stated that Mr J. W. Thomson, *tho present member, has a desire to withdraw from political life. He has long been " Clutha Thomson," and has been most attentive in furthering the interests of his constituents with much credit to himself. Mr Thomson is neither so old nor frail that ho need retire from political life, and his many friends should; request him to reconsider tho matter, and, by showing their appreciation of his past services, give him a cordial invitation to take another lease of their representation. Mr Thomson,is not one of those obtrusive persons who want to foist themselves on electors as some do who are quito unfitted for the position, but, being of a rather retiring disposition, it is the more necessary for the Clutha electors to bestir themselves to secure his return as their representative. The local paper proposed Mr T. Mackenzie, who is a good man, but who is much wanted at Waikouaiti. He would secure the representation of almost any constituency; but I question if he would opposo Mij'Thomson, as good feeling has always prevailed between them. Mr Mackenzie will always take an interest in the Olutlia district although lie represents another electorate, and by securing Mr Thomson they will have two good men to look after their interests. As an elector in the Clutha constituency, I, with others, urgently desire Mr Thomson's return, and the electors will show their gratitude for his past valuable services. I, with many others of your readers, agree with Mr T. Mackenzie's policy in keeping aloof from party cliques in Parliament. Mr Mackenzie has tho freedom to rote for what is right and to oppose what is wrong. Ho gives the Government credit for what it docs rightly, and does not indulge in that ewceping denunciation of it that Mr Massey and his party Jin whose policy many have no faith) proclaim. Mr Scddon is a little too headstrong, although one at tho head of a Government requires to be firm, but if he had ablo colleagues a modification would take place. As has been frequently stated, a new, construction 'of the Cabinet is wanted, and much displeasure has been expressed at the inclusion in it. of Mr T. Y. Duncan, who is hardly a proper person to bo a Cabinet Minister. Ho appeals to -tiro working men in his constituency for their sympathy, and he has promised that he would do great things for them if they would elect him as their representative j but the great things promised have nover been realised. What is wanted are qualified representatives, with good principles, not obsequious self-seekers, and the colony can only prosper by such men being placed iu .power.—l am, etc., Clutha Elector.