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Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 244, 18 November 1914, Page 6

Though the leading lights of the Opposition Party are united on the local naval defence question, there does not, so far, appeaY to be such a commendable unanimity with regard to the new Liberal policy lately produced by Sir Joseph Ward, judging by the hesitancy on the part of the more important Progressives to discuss it. The country waited very patiently for this policy, and for over two years it had to be content with the reiterated .pledge that a statement' would be made in due course, i.e., at Sir Joseph Ward's proverbial "proper time. " Now that the chicken has been hatched, it does not greatly promise; it bears all the essential characteristics of an apport produced in an atmosphere of muffled lights and spiritualistic thrills. It is a plain bird, with a I striking resemblance to a feathered yWngster New, Zealand knew years ago. It has the true Liberal bearing and carriage, but, strange to say, some of its part-owners are not yet disposed to advertise it. Mr Russell has (or had) a policy of his own, which he communicated earlier in the year, but there is no reason why - Mr Witty, say, should Wt publish from the housetops of the" Riccarton electorate the virtues of the new platform.' The member for Ric- ! carton" continues to be a destructive rather than a constructive critic. At Kiywee last evening he persisted in dwelling on what the Government had not done, but said little or nothing as to what the Liberals were determined to do when they were returned to power. As.- with other candidates of the same colour as himself,, he dr.ew largely on tlie Year Book for his ammunition, but for all that most of. his audience knew to the Contrary he was expending many rounds of blank cartridge. Mr Witty is v one of thel really; hard-working Liberals who stop at no ; sacrifice to help • party. 'ln this ; he is an example to many of his colleagues, but he would cut' a more impressive figure in the political - world- of. the -Dominion if he jettisoned much Of his party • rancour and substituted for it a more enlightening and helpful criticism.

Thacker, who has been selected by the Liberal-Labour Association, but not by Sir Joseph Ward, to contest the Christehurch East seat in the Liberal interest, must, after last, night's perr for hi a nee, be added to the list of political'entertainers. The audience, ! which gathered to hear Dr. Thacker's . opening address (lid not go short of amusement. The candidate's unorthodox methods appeal to those electors who like their politics well garnished with flip'paricy and frivolity. No doubt, Dr Thacker's reputation as a "sport" was responsible for the major portion of last night's attendance at the Choral Hall. The •Liberal candidate has interested himself keenly in local athletic activities,, and his after-dinner speeches would be recalled by many with whom he has found favour more, as a man than political aspirant. But breezy after-dinner speeches and the admirable qualities that usually go to make a citizen a "good sport" are together but a small part of the equipment necessary for a Parliamentary candidate. The New Zealand Parliament already has its fair quota of "good fellows," qualifications end at that, and. there is scarcely room for Dr Thacker in the House'unless he gets down to work more" seriously.: For instance, a little thing like the following, is not calculated to induce. the thoughtful elector —there are thoughtful electors in every constituency —to entrust Dr Thacker' with his confidence:—A member of his audience last evening: "Please explain the Nelson system.'' : The . candidate: 'Go -and get your head read.'' This might be considered a brilliant" repartee at a smoke but at a politicai meeting it was neither ; graceful nor amusing. . However, Dr Thacker has his own 'ideas of running an election, and he may be left' to. cherish them,, but: he will have to do much better than* he did last evening before he deserves to be considered as a serious factor in the Christehurch East contest.