MR. HASELDEN'S CANDIDATURE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIX, Issue 12658, 21 November 1905, Page 2

MR. HASELDEN'S CANDIDATURE.

To the Editor

Sir, —You head your leading article Jn4a§tJ3aturday'6 issue, "The Premier's Chivalry^ 7? a°ntt~you ~dtm»»*»* k xx«<r~fay--sa3rsi ~ ing:, "Every man who is worthy of the name likes to see a fair fight." Where ifi your chivalry to Mr. Haselden? What sort of a fair fight are you giving him? From the first time he spoke last July pou havo been trying" to damage him with faint praise and cracking up Mfi Bassett, the Prohibition candidate, because he represents your views. When Mr. Bassett addressed tho electors in the Opera House you reported every word of his speech, and every word that his chairman (Mr. Keeping) said in his favour when introducing him. Mr. Baker introduced Mr. Haselden in a very complimentary speech, saying that he had known Mr. Haselden 1 for nearly 30 years, and had known him to be an honourable, straightforward, and capable man, and that Mr. Haselden had done good work in tho House when he represented Patea, etc.; but riot one word did you report. Then, again, after Mr. Bassett'a address you assured your readers that Mr. Basaatt was head and shoulders abovo all the candidates. That may be your opinion. It is not shared by the public, who readily admit that Mr. JlasekWs speech was far and away tho best yet given by any of the candidates, containing more sound politics and general information: The "Herald," though supporting the Government, has given Mr. Haselden much fairer play than you have. The truth is, tho "Chronicle" is supporting Prohibition, and Prohibition only. Tho affairs of the State are quite a secondary consideration, and yet Mr. Baasett, the ardent Prohibitionist, is beginning to waver, and is not quite sure that the country ifi ready for it. Why is Wanganui ready for it any more than any other part of New Zealand? Is it that ho hopes to get the publicans' vote? It ia rather late in the day for him to trim. Again, at the end of Saturday's leader you say "Wanganui can best show her disapproval of the Premier's tacticn by plumping for Mr. Bassatt, and so winning the. seat for the party

whose leader's hands the Premier has sought so ungenerously to tie." Wanganui will best show her disapproval of the Premier's tactics and your tactics by plumping for Mr. Haselden, and this is what Wanganui will do, and it will bo a popular win, for Mr. Haselden ia liked and respected by all parties and all classes. They recognise that he is r. broad-minded, liberal man, and no faddist—one who will do what is right and just to everyone; and if he is returned at the head of the poll there will be no bitterness on either side.— I am, etc., ELECTOR.