MR GREENSLADE AND THE FREEHOLD.

Waipa Post, Volume II, Issue 64, 24 November 1911, Page 3

MR GREENSLADE AND THE FREEHOLD.

TO THE EDITOR. SIR, —Thus Mr Greenslacle at Hamilton on October 27th, 1905 : “And I now say that I am an optional freeholder still, and I will stick to my opinions no. matter whom I offend or whom I please. I was asked in the back blocks lately what I would do in Parliament if the optional freehold was made a question of noconfidence, and I replied that I would stand by my own opinions and vote according to tflre principles I hold.” Later on, same time and place: “I would put the farmers first and party afterwards. Surely most of you know me well enough to know that when I rhake a promise I am not going to break it.” The same evening, in reply to the question, “ Would you stand by optional freehold for the small landholders, even to the death of the Government?” Mr Greenslade replied, “Yes,” he would absolutely stick to his principles. Mr Greenslade voted against these principles by opposing Mr Massev’s no-confidence motion on July 26th, 1911. (See Hansard, No. 10, page 8.) The Government members who did stick to their election pledges were Messrs Jennings, Dillon, Duncan, Field, and Ross. At Kihikihi Mr Green- £ slade endeavoured to explain his ' conduct by saying it was a trap to 'catch unwary Government . supporters. So these five gentlemen must now be branded as such. Surely it would have been a kindly act on Mr Greenslade’s part to have warned his brother Liberals of this trap set for them. The Waikato is indeed 'fortunate in possessing an M.P. of Mr Greenslade’s discernment. He stands alone. —I am, etc., SCRUTINEER.