POITICAL NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16041, 6 April 1914, Page 6

POITICAL NEWS

HON. ME FISHER'S MEETING.

THE PRIME MINISTER INTER

VIEWED.

CFsom Obb Owm CoasTOTOHDnre.)

WELLINGTON, April 5. The disgraceful disorder which lias been so markeda feature at a number of political meetings lately was mentioned to the Prime Minister by a Dominion reporter on Saturday, and Mr Massey expressed himself upon the subject in plain and vigorous terms. "It is quite evident from what has taken place during the last few weeke, and especially at Mr Fisher's meetinge," he said, "that all the hoodlums and rowdies in the community—fortunately not a very numerous section: —are associated with the self-styled Liberal party in opposition to the Government. I have no hesitation in saying that the conduct of a number of individuals at Mr Fisher's Wellington meetings was a disgrace to the dominion of New Zealand. One result is quite certain—that in consequence of what has taken place the line ot cleavage between the Government and the parties in opposition has' been drawn more distinctly than ever before. No decent man or decent woman can countenance or approve of the blackguardly behaviour of those who did their best to pevent the speaker being heard at Fridays night's meeting. Still lees can they approve of the smug hypocrisy of those others who, by hint and suggestion by newspaper articles and other more objectionable methods, encouraged an exhibition of which all right-thinking New Zeaknders are heartily.aehamed. That such stupid and cowardly tactics on the part of their opponente help the Government and re-act-.on those who use them is a certainty which will have practical demonstration before, the year comes to an end. I trust there will be no attempt a,t retaliation on. the part of the friends of the Government. Every man is entitled to a fair hearing, and those; who disapprove of his opinions can stay away or express their disapproval by voting against him. We pride ourselves on being British, and let us accord British fairplay to our opponents, however despicable the tactics may be which they, use towards us." .

THE WEST COAST SEATS. ■ (Pn United Pbibs Association.) ' WESTPORT, April 4. Arrangements have been completed lor a visit to the West Coast of leading Liberal speakers. The party will comprise the Hon. A. T. Ngata, Messrs Atmore, M'Callum, Poland, Hanan, Vigor Brown, and Seddon. They will deliver addresses throughout the three West .Coast , electorates in reply to the Hon. Mr Massey.