PUBLIC OPINION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18442, 18 April 1928, Page 8

PUBLIC OPINION.

WHAT OTHER WRITERS ARE SAYING.

Personal Strength. Though the general election is yet many months away the Reform caucus which is being held to-day is bound to have the preceding campaign under consideration. One of its aspects which may well be considered is that raised by a statement from the Hon A. D. M’Leod recently. Mr M’Leod’s statement was not as clear as it might have been, but the meaning taken from it was that all sitting members of the party who desired to stand again would have the endorsement of the party. If this meaning were intended we have no hesitation in saying that the party is adopting a course which may be disastrous for it. In effect it offers a perpetual lease of a seat to any politician who can once gain it. It is this principle which will hinder progressive and desirable candidates from entering the field. They are told in so many words: “ You may be a good man to have in Parliament, but unless you can find a seat that has not got a label on it you cannot come in—at least as a member of our party.” Last election many members were carried to the shore on the wave of enthusiasm for Mr Coates. That wave will not be so high this year, and the Government must have candidates who can strike out for themselves. Some of them have shown only too plainly that they cannot. If they are allowed to be candidates again their seats will be lost. It will not be altogether that public opinion has turned against the Government; rather, that public opinion has sobered, and that the electors are inclined to insist upon all of their rights; a good leader, a strong Government and an able member. In 1925 they acepted the good leader with his promise of a strong Government. Since, as by-elections have shown, they have been looking to the qualities of individual members. The Government would do well to take the hint, and before endorsing sitting members as candidates, make some inquiry as to whether they are the best candidates that can be discovered.—“ Evening Post,” Wellington.