OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 September 1943, Page 3

OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

ALFREDTON EPISODE (To the Editor) Sir, —Mr J. Robertson cannot be held to that Alfredton “pledge.” Not all those signatories knew what had been arranged before the meeting. Surely a man of Mr Heckler’s perception must realise that one does not submit the same letter to two papers? “Accountant” did the same without signing his name. Actually it is unprofessional to accept news matter submitted in letter form and referring to happenings at any earlier meeting open to the Press. Under the pretext of public interest the privilege has been deliberately abused for sectional interests. Mr Robertson's first duty is to submit himself to the electors. When duelling went out of fashion many a gentleman must have been judged dishonourable for failing-to break the law and fight according to impulse. The bag stealing incident happened in Pahiatua and the pledge in Alfredton and the Makara and Eltham incidents of “packed” meetings still further away. A candidate’s car was tampered with in Wairarapa. Some of those men who signed their more recent efforts may now attack with loud cries of “prove it.” Others will not know what it is all about. In that event we must proceed further along the same unenlightened lines so favoured by a minority among the reactionaries. Allow me, Sir, to congratulate the “Times-Age” leader writer on the topical article deploring the low standard of political debate produced on all sidqs during this campaign . Let us discuss, not abuse and ensnare victims. —I am, etc., R.J.C. Masterton, September 16.