Unconscious Compliment

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 April 1950, Page 4

Unconscious Compliment

Sir, —Apparently Mr. S. J. Sullivan would have us believe that the school of political thought to which he belongs is the one and only school equipped to turn out 'wise, economic councellors’ and so forth but how did it come about that when this self same school were in power precisely that “mansions grew on one side of the railroad tracks and hovels on the other’”. Mr. Sullivan also promises a bettei- time for us all—yes, if we are fortunate enough to live on the correct side of the railroad tracks. —I am, etc.

M. O’BRIEN, Utiku.

Compliments Plus

Sir, —Your correspondent rejoicing in the name of “Reader” enters the wordy fray, and from the safe anchorage of anonymity fires a rather feeble shot. This correspondent tells us that he (or she) is not personally acquainted with either Mr. S. J. Sullivan or myself, but at the same time "Reader” takes care that there is no possibility of my being acquainted, personally anyhow, with him (or her). The pseudnym, like the ambush, is convenient at times.

To return to S. J. Sullivan, it is now perfectly obvious that your contributor has become so embittered, that it does’ not appear- to be possible for him to distinguish between a political broadside and a vitriolic personal attack upon the Labour Administration. To declare in the Press that the late Labour Government was largely composed of “labourers,” ex-clergy-men," and “Trade Union Secretaries,” smacks of self righteousness, more especially as'S. J. Sullivan is a prominent member of the National Party. For my part anyhow, although not agreeing with the legislative enactments of the late Government (and your correspondent and mjtself are on common ground in that respect) I hold strongly to the view that a democratically elected legislature, administering the affairs of this country for many years, is at least entitled to be referred to in terms of common courtesy and respect. So far as I can see, that is the only real point of difference between S. J. Sullivan and myself, hence a continuance of this discussion would be futile. —I am, etc., SYDNEY G. PEARCE.