Wairarapa Daily Times [Established Third of a Century.] MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1911. THE MASTERTON ELECTION.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 11220, 11 December 1911, Page 4

Wairarapa Daily Times [Established Third of a Century.] MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1911. THE MASTERTON ELECTION.

It is stated that an ingenious argument is being used to assise the candidature of Mr Hogg and dissociate him from the decadent and discredited Liberal party. This is to the effect that, since Mr Hogg is regarded by some as an Independent, and as the return of a very small party of Independent Labourites is practically assured, Mr Hogg will havo an opportunity of exercising his independence anil keeping aloof from Sir Joseph Ward. Wo need hardly ask any intelligent elector who has already recorded his vote for Reform not; to be misled by any such plea as this. Two facts need only be stated to make tlie position clear, and definitely fix the issues that have to be voted upon at next Thursday's ballot. In the first place, as was pointed out b}- a Daily Times correspondent on Saturda}', almost every one of the best known supporters of the Government in this electorate are working as they have never before worked to secure tho return of Mr Hogg; and, iv tlie second, Mr Hogg has repeatedly declared that he is not going to vote against the Government on a no-confidence motion when, by doing so, he would be assisting Mr Massey to get into power. Tims it is perfectly plain that, if Mr Hogg votes against Sir Joseph Ward at all, it will be to place a Labour Government in power. As there does not appear to be the least hope of tho Labour Party being very strongly represented in Parliament for six years at least, the return of Mr Hogg to Parliament must mean that Masterton is voting for Sir Joseph Ward and the present Ministry. With last Thursday's figures before us, such a possibility seems absurd. Last Thursday Masterton gave 3500 votes to the Reform Party, and only #JOO to tho Government; it is inconceivable that this vote will be reversed at the Second Ballot. We are aware that many people who, last week, voted for Reform, and who are very anxious to do the right thing, are wondering whether they should again vote to send Mr Sykes to Parliament, and Mr Hogg to private life. This is a personal matter, and has nothing whatever to do with politics. Mr Hogg lias represented this constituency in Parliament for twenty years, and, presumably, is not a wealthy man. Those who are hesitating between their desire to vote directly for clean, vigorous government, and their wish to do "the failthing" by a gentleman who has served them very well for many years, are to be commended for the kindliness of their sentiments. But they may bo reassured in regard to Mr Hogg's position. Masteiton, though it votes Reform, is not going to lose sight of tlie man who, on behalf of this electorate, has done his share of the country's work. We have good reason for stating that, in the event of the sitting member being d'efeatod, there would be an immediate and practically spontaneous move by thcKprincipal men in both parties to suitably recognise, by means of a public testimonial, the long service of Mr Hogg. This course, which was followed in Waipawa on behalf of Mr Hall and in Waitaki on behalf of Sir William Steward, would be an eminently right and proper proceeding. Thero is another point that should not be lost sight of by those people who want to vote for a change of government, and yet do not want to see Mr Hogg treated with undeserved harshness.

Whether the present system of appointing a Legislative Council continues; or the elective Upper iiouse is established, Mr .Hogg is absolutely: certain of a place there. His, knowledge of political-.affairs, and , his lengthy experience, would still bo at the country's disposal, . while his strength need uot be unnecessarily taxed by the strenuous life of the average member of the House of Representatives. We have, perhaps, dealt more fully with this matter than the circumstances may seem to warrant, but, for two reasons, this was necessary: First, that doubt to which wo have referred is present in tne minds of a very large number of electors; Second, Mr Hogg is certainly tho last man to wish to have the political issues complicated by a personal matter such as this. We have sufficient confidence in Mr Hogg's honesty of purpose to believo he will say: "If the electors of Masterton desire to support a party with which I am not allied, I expect them to vote m accordance with their convictions, and to let no personal considerations influence that vote."