MR. VEITCH’S POSITION.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14463, 30 November 1914, Page 4

MR. VEITCH’S POSITION.

It is only fair to state, on the other hand, that though Mr Veitch was' the sitting member, he consented to submit his name ,to a ballot; and pledged himself to support Air Hogan in the. event of that gentleman being selected. ..Mr Veitch appreciated the difficulty of two candidates, standing on one side, and saw thstfc iii such case'there was a risk of letting the “Reform” candidate slip in. Probably Mr Hogan believes there is no danger of the Liberals losing the Wangahui seat, Rut it would be folly to say there is. no risk; and, in view of the great national question at stake, it is due to Liberalism and the Liberal leader that no risks should be taken. In the great majority of the electorates throughout the Dominion the Liberal and Labour parties are uiuting, though unfortunately in one or two constituencies there are divided counsels, with the, almost certain result that neither Liberal, nor Labour ..will' succeed. It is arrant folly to 7 thus brook defeat; , and until the electoral' law is altered''Liberals and ■ Labourites': might'well sink their differences—for in meat cases they, are small—and work together. Sir Joseph/ AA r ard telegraphs ’that Mr Hbgafi’s candidature has not the endorsement‘of the Liberal Party, and he trusts that the friends -of. Liberalism will stand by Mr Veitch, as a split under the “first--past-the post” system is only helping thA Reformers. Thb Liberal leader’s, appeal will, we feel sure, be sympathetically received by the great majority of Liberals of AA’anganui.