PARALLELS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15973, 15 November 1919, Page 4

PARALLELS.

There ia something of a parallel between Mr Veitch and his attitude towards Sir Joseph Ward (referred to at considerable length in the Chronicle this morning) and Balaam the Prophet. Balaain was called upon to curse, and though he did his utmost to fulfil his engagement, his efforts always ended in blessing. It is true Mr Veitch in 19H thought a change in the leadership desirable, though he was careful to explain that, he was nbt opposed to Liberalism ; bat eight years’ experience of Reform administration, together with a knowledge of what the Liberals did for the workers in the past, have thoroughly convinced him that, whatever may be Said against Sir -Joseph Ward’s deficiencies, the affairs of the country would be infinitely safer in his keeping than in the hands of Mr Massey and his Reform colleagues. An even more striking parallel is that provided by Mr Pirani, also referred to by a writer in our contemporary, who says that Mr Pirani (who stood as a Reformer against Mr Veitch in 1914) has not changed his principles, though the writer docs not attempt to answer the question why Mr Pirani has thrown over the Reform Party. It is very true, as the Chronicle remarks this morning that the most unexpected things sometimes happen. Who, for instance, would have thought that in such a short time Mr Pirani would have cause to regret his support of Reform? In this connection it is interesting to recall what the “Herald” had to say of Mr Pirani when he opened his political campaign in Wanganui in 1914. This is what we wrote: — Though we differ from Mr Pirani in some of the views he expressed, in the main we are in hearty accord with them. They have a genuine progressive ring about them. . . . Hia ideas are progressive enough in all conscience, but what of his association with the Massey Party? . . But how in the world he can reconcile his views with his support of the Reform Party we are entirely at a loss to understand. Experience has proved that fee has been unable to do so, and he has made no secret of the fact, either. The lessons of the past provide reliable, guidance for the future i A QUESTION FOR THE CHRONICLE. Tat Chronicle in its perturbation over the fact that Mr "Veitch will support the Liberals if he hae to choose between, them and the Tory Party, gives an opportunity for us to ask it a plain question, though we cannot predict with any certainty that we will get a straightforward answer. .Before doing so, let us point out that Mr Veitch’s attitude is perfectly clear and perfectly logical. To use words in the Chronicle's own columns when speaking of Mr Pirani—“he has not changed his principles.” Though Mr Veitch is a Labour man (will anyone assert he has not worked consistently for Labour?), ho refuses to bind himself to extremist like Mr Holland. But he has not tied himself hand and foot to Sir Joseph Ward either. He will support the latter ‘in preference” to Mr Massey. The Chronicle itself admits this in its leader this morning. So his support of the Liberals, as any sensible man can see, is on account of it being a party from which ho hopes more than from the Tories. However, to our question ! Suppose the Chronicle were in a similar situation! Suppose it also found itself compelled to choose between Six Joseph Ward and another! Suppose that other were Mr Holland! Question: Would the Chronicle support Sir Joseph Ward “in preference” to Mr Holland? We would like a plain answer, though we are not sure that we expect it.