"THE BATSMAN"

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXIV, Issue 17732, 4 December 1919, Page 4

"THE BATSMAN"

"I admit my opponents have a better right to attack me, as I am the batsman defending the wicket."—Mr. W. A. Veitch at Gonville.

This simile expressed by Wanganui's member is suggestive that his polii tical opponents are the bowlers endeavouring to dislodge him, and it is possible that on the night of December 17 the political scoring board will read: "Veitch, b Cuttle —8." But what of the political innings! The batsman, has been slow and laborious in his manner and his compilation has been of the stonewall order. It is true that the . stodgy performer has his' uses alike in politics and cricket, but when the batsman plays for himself alone, his efforts are of negligible value. Political and cricket history are alike interesting, and have some points in common^ Back in 1906 there was the vaunted Liberal team, a combination at the zenith of its power. It was then Sir Joseph Ward was chosen as its, captain. By 1912 the Liberal team was a disintegrated force, a remnant on the political | scrap-heap, with the sole solace for its misled supporters that the .captain had achieved a baronetcy. It would be unkind to suggest to elevation to the peerage should be a reward for a leader's incapacity, but it is kind to point out that the leader who could not hold a team to- ! gether is scarcely the person to se- : lect to retrieve its shattered fortunes. And yet it is in that hopeless direction Wanganui's lonely batsman looks if he is called upon ,to give allegiance in an hour of trial. On the other hand ,ihere is a strong and tried political team in New Zealand, led by a trusty and proved captain. It is to this combination the people of New Zealand confidently look to lead them along the path of progress. It is this excellent combination that Mr. W. J. Cuttle is prepared to join and loyally help. His form is so good and record for consistency—an excellent trait for a batsman—so satisfactory, that when the local electors assist' in picking the Dominion political team on December 17 they will have no hesitation in including him.