BAY OF PLENTY.

Observer, Volume XVIII, Issue 1093, 9 December 1899, Page 5

BAY OF PLENTY.

Honest Watchdog or Fancy Poodle.

It is the very strongest testimony to Mr W. fl. Herries's ability; as.a member, and the high standing be oqcupies in the Op-' position ranks, that, the Premier had to make a special electioneering trip to the East Coast in order to assist his .protege, Mr D. Lundon. At a recent meeting at Cambridge, Mr Hicks quoted the opinion of an ardent Beddonite politician to this effect: 'Well, in Mr Herries- you have a real white man, honest and - straightforward to the backbone, one who has acquitted himself well at all times and under all circumstances.' That is the opinion of a political opponent, and no man who knows Herries wiil say the picture is in the leaßt bit overdrawn. The member for the Bay is not one of those who take their ease in Parliament. He is always at his post, ever alert, vigilant, and fall of vigour. Never before had the electorate a member who fought so determinedly for its interests More than that, he ia a man of true Liberal instincts. He zealously supports the Old Age Pensions, but wants to place the scheme on a solid basis of. assured finance rather than continue the foolhardy expedient of paying the pensions out of borrowed money. All sound and progressive legislation haa his hearty support. This is the man that Dick Bed don would fain overthrow in order to pat in a tame and submissive follower like Mr Lundon. He has been bo long accustomed to carry the vote of the Bay of Plenty in bis pocket that it galls him to Bee it exercised now by a member whose aturdy independence is proof against temptation, and whose personality and influence count) for so very much in the House. The Bay of Plenty is fortunate in having a member of the grit and mental calibre of Mr Herxiea, and it will honour itself in honouring him witb a renewal of its confidence.

Does it not tend to reduce the swelle" heads of the trades onion bosses to find that none of their nominees have even a possible buow of a Beat fox any of the big cities at the general election ? The labour game is played right oat.