MR HOGG'S RETIREMENT.

West Coast Times, 23 June 1909, Page 3

MR HOGG'S RETIREMENT.

■ — xooo^ AN EXPLANATION. Mr Hogg is not disturbed at the turr events have taken. "I would not subordinate my opinions on any consideration," said Mr Hogg. "I hold that they are principles, and principles are immutable. No man who values his reputation as a public man will sacrifice his principles on any consideration whatever. If he does, he is unworthy of public life. Sooner than abandon my principles, I have always been prepared to make any sacrifice. "Had I thought for a moment that my inclusion in the Ministry would have necessitated the suppression of my strong convictions respecting the effect of land monopoly in the/ labour market, and on the circumstances of the people I should never have entered the Ministry. I have always claimed the right on the platform, or in the Senate, to express my opinions, and it would be utterly incompatible with the privileges I have enjoyed if that right was abandoned. This has been the sole cause of the split between us. Personally I have always been on the very best terms with the other members of the Ministry, but unfortunately, their views on the important questions of finance 'and land settlement have never been in harmony with mine. "I have always considered the land o! a country to be the great employer and provider for the people, and I attribute now the position of the industrial classes of the Dominion to be largely due to the way in which land that ought to be occupied by small communities is held id many instances in an enormous unproductive state, and in a few hands." Mr Hogg declared that if Ive had remained at the' head of the Roads Department he would tave been able to carry out important requirements. His constituency knew his views, and he was prepared to represent Masterton as he had done m the past. He had never solicited Cabinet rank; it was offered to him.