THE LYTTELTON SEAT.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 243, 17 November 1914, Page 5

THE LYTTELTON SEAT.

"MB J. McCOMBS

The Oddfellows' Hall, Lyttelton, was well filled last evening when Mr J. McCombs, Social-Democratic candidate, opened his campaign. The speaker confined himself to criticism of the work of the past session. He accused the Massey Government, of exploiting the people for the benefit of monopolists by the way it had fixed the price of Hour, and he also said that our troo,ps had been exploited by private individuals. He characterised the Legislative Council Bill as a very creditable measure, though through his own efforts it had been made more democratic. He had also a word of praise for the Education Bill, but wished to see the principle of equal pay for equal work recognised. If a woman did as much work as a man she should receive an equal salary. Women should also be allowed a seat in the Legislative Assembly. After touching on the National Provident Fund, Mr McCombs spoke of the Huntly disaster, which he attributed to the maladministration of the Massey Government of the laws already placed upon the Statute Book. He was strongly in favour not only of a State-owned ferry service, but of a State-owned shipping service Home. He referred to the success of the State Fire Insurance, a Liberal measure, and he quoted its success in advocacy of State banking. With regard to the electrification of the Lyttelton tunnel, he had made out such a strong case in support of it that the Minister was seriously reconsidering the matter. In his opinion they could confidently look forward to duplication and electrification. At the conclusion of

I his speech, which was listened to with ; close attention, Mr M'Combs was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence.