LOCAL COMMITTEES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21528, 15 December 1939, Page 4

LOCAL COMMITTEES

REV. CLYDE CARR. P.M.. ON HIS NON-INCLUSION Interviewed last evening regarding a letter appearing in the correspondence columns of “The Timaru Herald” yesterday, commenting on his noninclusion in local committees dealing with centennial and patriotic matters, the Rev. Clyde Carr, M.P., remarked, while not wishing to quarrel with his bread and butter, to foul his own nest or to cry “stinking fish,’ ’that Timaru had recently been described to him as “the unfriendliest town in New Zealand.” Mr Carr said that probably every town had its own peculiar characteristics. Timaru had its share of gentlefolk, both rich and poor. It also had its share of snobs and would-be snobs, of which he did not know which was the worst. He was quite willing and glad to leave parish-pump politics to parish-pump politicians. The reason, however, why he or his name did not appear on various occasions and in various connections locally was simply that he had not been invited, and he had no desire or intention to “butt in.” Like the old negro he contented himself with the thought “More rain, more rest, Massah.”

Possibly party prejudice entered into these relationships, said Mr Carr, a

fact which he lamented, as intolerance and bigotry were to be deprecated at all times. Once a man was elected to a responsible position he owed a duty to all. and all owed him at least some respect and consideration. “When people apoeal to me for some slight service,” Mr Carr continued. “I do not inquire whether they are political supporters of mine, and as a rule they take full advantage of my attitude. That is not to say. however, that when they have an opportunity of showing me a little courtesy, or refraining from showing me some amazing discourtesy, they will reciprocate. That is just where their small-mindedness apd lack of breeding show themselves.”

A certain amount of blame in the two cases mentioned, however. Mr Carr went on to say, was probably due to someone higher up. At a recent Caucus of the Parliamentary Labour Party it had been agreed that arrangements should be made to ensure that members of Parliament, if they so desired, would be ex-officio members of local centennial and other patriotic committees. Apparently, however, this had not always been done. The Hon. W. Lee Martin. Minister of Agriculture, had invited members of Parliament to sit on local primary production committees, and Mr Carr had gladly agreed to do so in his case. Perhaps, after all. Mr Carr concluded, there was no more important activity than this at the present time. His real job was that of a legislator, but he was always glad to assist in matters of administration.