IN FALSE COLOURS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19435, 22 October 1925, Page 7

IN FALSE COLOURS

NATIONALIST TRICKS EXPOSED

MR COATES WANTS HIS OWN MEN

STRONG APPEAL TO ELECTORS [Per Press Association.] KOKAKO, Oct. 21. The Prime Minister issued the following statement to-night: “There are candidates in the field who are standing in the interests of the National Party, and who say they think I should lead the incoming Government. This has given rise to an impression in certain quarters that it matters little whether the Government candidate or the National candidate is elected, but such is not the case, and I wish to take this opportunity oi correcting it. ‘ 1 There is not a truer saying than that in the Old Book: ‘He Who is Not With Me is Against Me,’ and it applies particularly in this present campaign. If these candidates desire to see me lead the Government in the next Parliament why do they not stand definitely pledged to support me, or move aside so that the candidates who will give me that support will have less risk of defeat? “I say emphatically that what I want is whole-hearted support. I want behind me men I can rely on to the very fullest degree, and if I do not receive that support I cannot carry out the programme which the people have approved whenever I have explained it to them, “I was informed at Whangarei that an impression was abroad there that although the electorate was overwhelmly in favour of my continuing in it really did not matter whether the Government candidate or the National candidate was elected, or, in other words, that the same result would be attained in either case. “Do not be misled into believing than that is the position. It is not, and it is only fair, particularly to those concerned, that I should say so now as definitely as I can. “If you want me to lead the Government you should vote for the candidates who officially support the Government. ”