REPLY TO " STRAIGHT FOR BASSETT."

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIX, Issue 12668, 2 December 1905, Page 8

REPLY TO " STRAIGHT FOR BASSETT."

To the Editor

Sir, —Will© iare tilie one or two farmers who are 'trying.to force a country candidate on Wanganui?' I am now living in Waoiganui, land intend to (reside here for tihe a*est of my life. That I know more of country life, back blocks, and even town life, than most of the candidates is tme. My nommiaters are among the leading men of Wanganui. Let me itell the writer that the eleotorsof Wanganud will select a man wiho lias seen eonietliing of. the world, whose experience is not confined to Wanganui and its suburbs, •w'ho has fought tlhree elections and won (two, and r\vho claims to be not (merely ia. Prcthi'bitionist, who would sink into obscurity in the House, but a practical politician. Now a. word to " Block Vote." Let me <fcell -" Block Vote" he as >a coward not to put 'bis name" to su'oh a letter. I came to Wanganui to settle. Is-thait a ©rime? After forty years (of hacrd work in various parts of New Zealand I chose Wanganui for a home. " Block Vote " says I shook the dust of (New Zealand off my feet wlien I went to South Africa. What does 'he mean iby that? I went, ia Souttti Africa for my daughter's baaMi and to see my sons, and stated when I left that I 'would be 'back in time for tlhe geri'eral election, land 'he knows AM<s was repeated in the " Chronicle" when I left. What does *' Block Vote " mean by professional politicians? Does 'he have the •impudence and _ audacity to call me a professionail politicd an—a man who flras spent more time and money over politics than I can ever get back, who only came forward to contest tlhe Patea electoriaJte at the request of tihe electors, when no one else dare tackle it. They feared to lose tfheir *ime and money, believing that no one could,beat the Government candidate. I like politics and I Irike the work of the House, and I am willing to devote the whole of my time and energies to the people if I iara elected. If I a.ma professional politician it is a pity there axe not more Kke me. I ask " Block Vote" tto conne into the open and face one at the Drill Hall next Monday night.—l am. etc..

F. H. HASELDEN