THE WELFARE LEAGUE

Wairarapa Age, 20 December 1919, Page 3

THE WELFARE LEAGUE

Mr. C. P. Skcrrett, K.C., President ~)f the Welfare League, was interviewed by a Post representative as l;o his views on the results oi' the election. He stated that the League 's general aim was to work in the direction of securing a strong, stable Government, which would bo able to control tho House and carry out the necessary reconstructive legislation against all opposition. "Tho danger which threatened tho country," said Mr. Skcrrett, ''was that a small group of revolutionary Socialists might hold tho * of power in the new Parliauid- the League has consistently to prevent this. It has been lat difficult, owing to the strong feelings which have been roamongst politicians, but tho . .... A3 reprcpcnting tho big ntiddlo;vas aware that 'the average was net a strong party man, s determined to put his weight side of law and order regardold party linos. This has boon i- ....iguc's consistent policy, and it •Iped candidates outside the '.onary Socialists by the pvot of propaganda, which has sod by all, whether Reform, Independent, or Independent » .ink," said Mr. Skorrctt, "that s no quostion that "those in of sane, stable, and progressive uent arc in a big majority, but, .norganiscd, they run the risk dilation by well arranged 7 of revolutionary Socialists, •.is fear was not groundless is by a comparison of tho returns. Instance,' said t Mr. Skcrrett., tho case of the Dunedin City .3 against those in Auckland 1 and West, Grey Lynn, and )n. In the lattor four seats ere three or more candidates in jc, end tho division of Moderate learly gave the revolutionary tes a minority victory. -This ■ • •■•■•'. ally shown in each case, and ision of Moderate votos clearly le revolutionary candidates a ally shown in tho caso of Lytwhoro Mr. McCombs waS 1 on a vote of 293!), against tho jtcs which were necessary to lira at the last poll, ing the campaign, tho League ;o rouse tho electors to a sense duty in tho matter of going poll, and ♦undoubtedly largely id. It is notablo that in the *ll tho City seats and the llutt, )tes were cast on Wednesday tho election of 1914. with t.lio

the votes cast were CIO fewer than in 1914. "There can lie little doubt that the result of this election is a sot-back to the revolutionary forces. The party standing under the Red Banner had organised very completely for the campaign. It. had some fifty candidates in the field, and had formed branches in nearly all electorates, and.has Bccurcd only eight, or possibly nine, seats. In Wellington Central, south, and Eastit; shows a lower numerical vote than constitutional Labour secured in 1014." Taking the result of the elections an a whole, Mr. Skcrrett says tho League is well pleased with the success its efforts have had in niftriy electorates, and generally the executive feels that a strong Government and 'able Opposition, both composed of patriotic and loyal members, will mow bo able to settle down to solve the many problems ahead in the bent interests of tho wholo community. The election also shows that the heart of the country is sound, and supports overwhelming majority of votes, constitutional reconstruction by an whether cast for Roform, Liberal, or Independent Labour. "During the campaign the League was subjected to much misrepresentation, which it could afford to smile at, as its policy has been steadily growing in favour. It is not disposed to say farewell to the public, but will crmUnue to carry out the objects for which it was established." Mr. Skcrrett said, in conclusion, that ho could not help regretting that tho services of some notably able men on both sides of the House had been lost to the country for tho time being, but this was ono of the inherent weaknesses of party government.