Parliamentary Representation

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIII, Issue 12582, 1 October 1908, Page 6

Parliamentary Representation

TO THX XDITOB.

Sir, — I have just read the two letters signed "Socialist" and "NYM," and desire to reply thereto. In regard to the first. "Socialist's" statements are absolutely without foundation, and contrary to fact. He refers to some organisation which he terms the "Socialist party." There is not, nor has there ever been in Wanganui, any organisation of Socialists working under that name. In 1902 a Social Reform Club was formed, but was of a purely educational nature, having no Parliamentary platform. I was its secretary for the greater part of its existence, and know its rules and constitution off by heart. In 1905 it practically jnerged its identity into the Indeperclent Political Labour League which had a Socialistic platform. * I, with a prominent Trades' Unionist, organised this league, was its secretary for twelve months, and am intimately acquainted with its platform, and rules and conditions of membership. This League i« vst be the party referred to by "Socialist." If so, then he is guilty of great ignorance, for lie displays an absolute lack of knowledge." regarding its platform. The Labotir league had a definite platform, and its members could only be directedto vote for candidates who were members of the League, and who signed an agreement to stand independent, of the Liberal and Conservative parties. When no candidate would do this, the members jpere free to vote as they pleased. As neither Mr Hogan, Mr Mackay, nor Mr Hutchison have adopted the Labour platform, ond signed, the agreement, Labourites are free to do ias they wish as individuals. But "Socialist's" letter is pure bluff. The Labour League is practically dead, killed by the apathy and neglect of _ the workers who should have, but didnot support it. Such being the case, and I invite contradiction, "Socialist/* in trying to make people believe such a party exists, is either very ignorant or very foolish. "Socialist" charges me with unfairness. He declares "It is clearly the duty of Socialists ;o wait until all the candidates have placed their opiniou •■ eforo advising the electors how to vote. If this is so, cannot "Socialist" see that Mr. Mackay has done wrong in calling a meeting of friends and supporters next Friday with a view to forming committees, etc? According to "Socialist's" dictum, Mr Mackay should have placed his views on the questions of the hour before the people first, and formed his committees after. And on the same reasoning *no Socialist should go on Mr Mackay's committee until he has done so. Here "Socialist" and I agree, for my letter was written with no other object than to urge workers and others to carefully compare the views of Messrs Mackay and Hogan, before ■ rushing on either gentleman's committees. As 'to "Socialist" twitting me with not waiting to hear the candidates express ■tneir / views;; allow me to inform him that Mr Hogan has fceen a member for three years. His views and actions are well known to all, bar, apparently "Socialist." Mr Hutch i sou's publje record is also well known, and though a capable Oppositionist, is unthinkable as a man for Socialists or workers to vote for. Mr Mackay has been Councillor^ "and Mayor" of this- town for years, and a member of the Liberal paity for years, and vras, I believe, a. supporter of the late Mr A. D. Willis. Mr Mackay's politics are well known to all — except, of. course, "Socialist." _ Your other correspondent, "Nym," reminds me that, unless the Opposition candidate secures a majority of the votes cast, a second ballot would prevent a split vote letting him in. May I remind friend "Nym" that the Second Ballot Bill is not yet on the Statute Book, nor can any one at present say just what form it will eventually take on. 1 can hardly be blamed for declining to recognise a Bill that is not yet on the Statute 800k — Yours, etc.,

WALTER GREY.

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