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Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 221, 22 October 1914, Page 6

The exchange of courtesies between the two candidates who liave already addressed the ejectors in the Avon constituency presents a pleasant contrast to the epithets and personalities which were Hying about in the same district three years ago, particularly between the first and second ballots. Mr Sullivan is a likable man, and a. living-illustra-tion of his own dictum that a candidate

may be a good deal better than his political creed... His address last night was an earnest and sincere exposition of Social Democratic ideas, and it was delivered to a very sympathetic audience. Although he has been branded as a Red Fed, there is nothing of the revolutionary about Mr Sullivan. He is a simple and transparently honest advocate of a number of more or Jess impracticable schemes for the betterment of the -workers.. They mainly consist (1) in the extension of the functions of the State, in the direction of competitive services to neutralise the effect of industrial and commercial combines, and (2) in the transfer, by taxation or otherwise, of the property of wealthy individuals to the State; for the benefit of those who are less off. Such ideas will always be exceedingly popular amongst those who think they have nothing to lose by the transaction, and Mr Sullivan's persuasive, eloquence •makes it look like a virtuous act of restitution of stolen property. It is not surprising, therefore, that the Merchants' Association, the shipping .combine, and the large landowner had a bad time last night at Mr Sullivan's -hands. In his eyes, they are the enemies of the people, and he would employ the resources of the State; to, bring .them.,, to book. Needless to say, the biggest monopoly of all, the Labour monopoly, which the Federation of Labour sought to use at the expense of the community just about a year ago, is not placed by Mr Sullivan on the list of those requiring drastic treatment at, the hands of the legislature. We do not; doubt that Mr Sullivan will poll fairly well. The class he speaks for, although not sufficiently numerous to exercise by itself anything like a controlling interest in political affairs, is always ready to work hard and loyally for those who re--present it, and the significance of this fact will not be lost on the present member for the district. _..