THE LABOUR MEMBERS

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15970, 12 November 1919, Page 3

THE LABOUR MEMBERS

WHERE THEY STAND. (Special Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 11. Though a great gulf separates Mr W. A. Veitch and Mr S. G. Smith from, Mr Holland, Mr R. Semple and Mr P. Fraser, and Mr J. McCombs and Mr A. Walker stand somewhepe between the progressive pair and the turbulent trio,, the . expiring House of Representatives is commonly credited with containing six Labour members. Mr H. Poland and Mr J. Craigie are almost as well qualified as Mr Veitch and Mr Smith are to be included in the designation, both of them carrying their independence to the length of renouncing all party obligations, but they are Liberals at heart, and it is to the Liberals they will look for support at the approaching election. Mr Payne, one of the most capable and vigorous critics in the House, who has been sitting in the neighbourhood of the Labour members, has persistently disclaimed any connection with their organisation and is temperamentally incapable of subservient attachment to any leader. THE PROGRESSIVES.

Mr Veitch, the member for Wanganui, who was first elected in 1911, was not long in making a favourable impression upon the House. He came to Wellington with a better knowledge of politics than many of the older members possessed, and he did not make the mistake t of displaying it on every possible occasion to an audience which is peculiarly ready to resent any assumption of superiority. Of course his frank acceptance of the necessity for the National Cabinet and his whole-hearted support to its war measures have permanently estranged him from the extreme Labourites. Mr Smith, the worthy son of a worthy father, one of the stalwarts of Liberalism in its most strenuous days has been even quicker than Mr Veitch was in winning the goodwill and respect of the House. Infinitely better equipped for the role than most young men are in these times, he is likely to go far in politics and a portfolio, perhaps in the first Labour Government, is not beyond his reach. “THE RED FEDS.”

Mr Holland, coming po the House with a certain reputation as a student, an orator and a firebrand, has been a disappointment, even in the last of these roles. His set speeches which had moved his friends and sympathisers to enthusiasm at “de“rallies,” proved stale and unprofitable when repeated before a more critical audience, and by the end of the session he had become a bore rather than a force. Mr R. Semple adapted himself to his new environment more readily. Possessing a keener sense of humour and a broader vision, he did not persist in lecturing the House, and the House duly grateful, listened to him patiently and with some measure of interest. Mr Fraser presented yat another type. Studious,_ widely read, if not altogether wisely, and intensely in earnest, he compels respect and commands attention. Unencumbered by his party’s pledge and adhering to its platform he might become a very effective apostle of progress. “THE BETWEENS.”

Mr J. McCombs, who was closely associated with the late Mr T. E. Taylor in his Canterbury election campaign, has aspired to follow in the footsteps of that valiant fighter, but he has not the personal magnetism of his predecessor, nor his rare_ gift of appealing speech. Coming into the House to play the part of a fire-eater he has fallen somewhat short of the requirements of the role. Still he is one of the best informed men in the House upon any matters that ought to be interesting its members ancl if he conld shed a habit of sceptical thought and speech he would be listened to with interest and profit. Altogether the Labour Party, though by no means a united family,contains many elements that might be turned to good account under capable leadership. Unhappily this is the saving grace it lacks.