THE RAGLAN ELECTION.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17221, 3 October 1927, Page 8

THE RAGLAN ELECTION.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —The announcement of the re« suit of Thursday’s election must have occasioned the Prime Minister a few twinges. He rushed into the fray in the middle of the working session, addressed meetings in various centres, declaring that the issue was practically ordered government versus anarchy, and appealing to the electors to return his party’s nominee. The result has proved that the electors prefer anarchy to Coates. It must be unpalatable; but the fact remains that in the electorate which in 1925 gave 4470 votes the Pieform Party, in 1927 would only accord them 2223—n0t quite half. That is the outstanding fact of the* poll. It is a very straight indication* that Mr Coates’ mana has waned considerably. The party should forthwith go in for some drastic reconstruction i if it desires to save a debacle. —I am, • etc., LYNX.

(.To .the Editor.) Sir, —The fight is over and Labour has won. What of the future? Is the Reform Party going on in the same old way in the belief that whoever carries its colours will reach the goal? The result of the election must have been an eye-opener. Those who assembled at Tuakau on that fateful afternoon in September claimed that they represented 4000 votes and undertook to pledge them to the Reform v candidate. The result has proved that not air are blinkered by party interests, but have a certain amount of independence of thought, and if they do not approve of a candidate' they will not vote for him. There is. a hint in that for all political organisations. If the Reform Party desires to avert further setbacks it will have to face the position seriously, and select- acceptable candidates who are conversant with the questions they will be called upon to consider. If the party wants the confidence of the electors it will have to inspire it. The country is faced with, difficult problems which require states- j manship to solve. The whimsical man. and the humourist may have their* roles in the community, but we require! staid and stolid men in our National! Council hall. —I am, etc., SYNTAX.