A PEOPLE'S POLITICIAN:

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7434, 21 June 1902, Page 4

A PEOPLE'S POLITICIAN:

Mr H.\ O. Eli is a political " grafter." In the iatter of work he is like the amceba, aIL stomaoh. Ifc was not surprising, therefore, to find that, in addressing his constituents last night, he had plenty to talk about. Indeed, he had so much to recapitulate and explain of a personal na- , ture that he had very little room left for criticism of men or measures. For a politician, Mr Ell is peculiarly sane and peculiarly honest, a phase of atavism of which the original type has long been Jost. He as a democrat among democrats first of all, *but his democracy is of a sane and sterling •tamp With fess stability of character, and less thoroughness of purpose, he would probably have been one of those rabid political jackals, who, partyless and forlorn, huddle together in a snarling brotherhood bt apostasy as the Left Wing. As it is, he is an ideal representative of the people. Possibly he is a trifle professional in his politics, but it is doubtful if this is a reproach, inasmuch as it ensures fidelity of representation. Naturally, under the circumstances, be is also something of a purist, probably on the principle ..... who ainwth at tne sky Gboots higher fac than he tha'b means a tree. But the feature of his political life is the tireless persistency which he devotes, in session and out of session, to creating a Jive publio opinion upon questions of the hour. It is a somewhat uncommon phase of politics, inasmuch as in this case it is purely impersonal. Under the circumstances, it is not at all surprising to find that Mr Ell has such a strong and enthusiastic foHowing. His meeting was certainly the most "live" political gathering of the hour, and his 'supporters appear to take (him quite as seriously as he takes his own excellent politics.. He and they are, indeed, a most contented family ; and bis connection is one whiah should certainly be renewed at the general election. Mr Ell has had many compliments paid him during his short career as # a politician — he has even been, called a "crank" by a worried and querulous Opposition Press — but his meeting last night must bave hall-marked bis satisfaction by the enthusiastic vote of confidence which it insisted upon passing.