POLITICAL PARTIES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5667, 11 September 1896, Page 6 (Supplement)

POLITICAL PARTIES.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — Fermit me to thank you sincerely for the timely warning conveyed in your I sub-leader of Sept. 5. You say: "The subtle attempt made last night by the delegates of the National Conservative Association to capture the . confiding electors of Sunnier ended in a ludicrous failure." I have no S3 r mpathy with much of the legislation of the present Government, most notably their Bank of NewZealand Guarantee Act, and their recent Loan Bill; but that is no reason why we should rush into the arms of the Conservatives under the leadership of Captain Russell, and still less be drawn into the deadly snares set to entrap us by the above Association. The question put by Mr F. Pratt was fenced, just as a similar question put by myself was fenced by the then chairman, Mr W. Jacques, at a meeting some few weeks since, to which I inadvertently intruded, thinking it was open to the public. The National Association claim to favour the return to Parliament of candidates pledged to carry out measures in the interests of the country, irrespective of class or party. Their organ has (justly I think) denounced the Government banking and loan legislation. The two members, Messrs J. Joyce and G. J. Smith, have been equally pronounced in their attitude against the former, and Mr G. J. Smith against both measures. I venture to assert that their conduct is highly appreciated by every well-wisher: of this country. If this is so, why the intriguing of this wily body in the absence of the present member, Mr J. Joyce ? If they wish to appoint a satellite of Captain Ilusseil can they not wait till Mr Joyce's return, when he will meet his opponent fairly aiid squarely in the fight? The electors may then have a better chance of. judging who is the best man. j am neither a Prohibitionist nor a member of any Political Association in the colony, but rather than see this young and promising colony crushed by the degrading legislation of Captain Russell's party, or even of Mr E. J. Seddon, I should welcome the advent to power of even the extreme Prohibitionists, and I am sure the country would be 'infinitely safer in their hands. — I am, &c, - Papanui. H^NRY LAING. *