THE ELECTIONS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 251, 26 November 1914, Page 2

THE ELECTIONS.

CHRISTCHURCH EAST.

MR DAVEY RETIRES. •'IN THE BEST INTERESTS OE THE CONSTITUENCY." -Mr T. H. Davey, who has'represented Christchurch East in Parliament for 12 has decided to retire from the present contest,. and will not be a candidate for re-election. The position which has arisen to remove from Parliament one.of -its most popular members is in some aspects a peculiar one. During practically the whole of his career in Parliament, Mr Davey has been closely connected with the Liberal Party, and at one time he was freely mentioned as the probable recipient of an appointment to an important post in the Party. 'Of 1 late, however, Mr iJavey has taken up an independent attitude, whilst still generally supporting the liiberals, and in the middle of last session announced his intention of standing as aire Independent. Many of his old supporters were still doubtful that he really intended to statu! except as a. supporter of Sir Joseph Ward, and a direct question was put to him by " the Liberal and Labour Association of Canterbury, tp firjiich he replied definitely that he would wsek election as the definite supporter of no particular party. The outcome of that fCply was that the Liberal and Labour Association nominated " I)r H. T. J. Thacber to c&iry the banner of Liberalisju at the election. _ \ .When Mr Davey held his first meeting in St. Saviour 's Hall last, week, he was Risked what attitude he' would take up if ijr motion of no-confidenee in the Government were moved in the House. ■ He replied that, he would vote according to the merits of the particular question. This answer did not seem to plpa.se the audience, which at .-'the end of "the meeting Adopteda resolution |ti; thev effect that it «oul<l not longer reppse confidence in Mr : lj>avey as Member .to?- .the.,district;.. It is In conseqiieuce Of this adverse vote that -.Mr Davey has now decided to retire froin flie contest. He explains his position in the following announcement " At my,TO<?et.ing at St. Saviour's, Sydenham, the question was-put to me as to what I would do if, on my return to Parliament, a motion of no-confidence was Moved in tl«3 Reform Government. I replied that I-would vote on .the merits of the motion. I was very 'anxious to- have the privilege in Parliament of discussing every measure, no matter by ,it was introduced, on its merits, 'ana of voting conscientiously on; it., But when-1 made that reply 1 knew the merits and demerits of the question; : &nd knew exactly how I /would vote, and 1 confess that I ought to s' have taken the public into my confidence. ' 'J have never promised. to support the Beform Party on a. no-coijfidence motion. If, after having been ill..Parliament fdr 12 years, I had: doss notifying my constituents,; I %tyild have comirtitted a graVe political i I claim tliatthe • statement} the 3?efpnn candidate: for Cliiistchurch declined to:'support-Mr Massey Absolves me fjlom .the suggestion thrit; JK.WA-g.un?. faithlul to Hhe Liberal-Party.; 1- hfcte consulted my/friends, many of whom honestly wish me: to.. continue the campaign,' but I-have reluctantly arrived.at the conclusion that tather than have the slightest ■ misunderstanding With the .electors, I ebimli retire. I sure, that, in doing this, I shall be consulting the* best interests of,the constituency. 'ln"taking, this step I sincerely wish to my friends for the great trust thtiy Aave'plitcerfsn'.mj for years-—it is a I trost I have tried to honour in every I hope that my successor will pircyeto be a Reliable and worthy representative." . |

DR THACKER'S campaign.

SOME NEW POINTS.

fAND A NEW SCANDAL.

,«.n overflowing attdience greeted Dr H. T. J. Th&cker at St. SaviouHs Schoolroom, Sydenham, last evening. Mr CL E.^Gopd'made an excellent chairman. v ' thait' it wits %. Joseph Ward who inaugurated our defence system. No one knew anything about it at all~ußtil> 1909, and until he brought it to the -House. "His finance is sound, as ' the special duties imposed will pay for the system and the Dreadnought as well." "We are in the finest position in the

world," continued Dr Thaeker. "We are farthest away from the -fighting."— (Roars of laughter.) Sir Joseph Ward had been blamed* for his- gift of the Dreadnought, but "he gives best who giv& quickly." "As I told Sir Joseph Ward yester- » flay afternoon, 'I am going to WellingrJhon —(applause)—and I hope to be a eredit to my constituency, that you will teach me how to le>ad.* He said, * That J s right, doctor.' '—- (Hearty laughter.) The candidate humorously referred to thfe class known ias ••'pests," people who never knew how much they were worth, because it was only ptat in the papers after they were, dead. Sir Joseph Ward was going to v bring in a " smasher." He would - let them hold land up to £20,000, £>ut they, would have • to pay for it if - they held any more. He was going to take the:.land at Government value, or arbitration value. Dr Thaeker said that if he had his " way he would) hold special land ballots, for people who had been thrice disappointed. He did not think that immigrants; who were fero'ught in by the , BcoreL : should be allowed to go into competition with' New Zealanders born and bred, Let them go and learn something first, and let New Zealanders have preference. . •

said tlje 4dctoi, coining to this subject. "The uiiivxiisal argument all over the- worlds Some of us labour 'with our hands, some of us with our brains, and a many of us with delusions 1' Great laughter.) He had thought over ai definition of labour for the. past ten' yea Vis,, £nd l Ht was only the other Bight thatr he' had come to a

bedrock conclusion.- , It was the human link between the fiejejs of production tools of production-—that which joined up the tools and' tfto field; it was also the human link which did the repairing. He had been through the whole gamut of labours-boy at school, •n the farm, university student, and last and best, a doctor. :' " My scope has got too small. I to iget l Avider, and to aid more people.: want--to become a political surgeon, , a political doctor, and if you return me! ypu will do me the honour of" iny J lite.''—(Applause.) The candidate cdmm'enited on the inadequacy of salaries, and said that Sir Joseph Ward had stated that the salaries should not bo dependent on the weather or on an epidemic of

measles. The teacher should get the same if he taught three or a hundred. "Why didn't lie pay it, then?" shouted an elector.

"He-is going to!" replied the candidate. "Never mind why he didn't; he is going to! " The public health had not been up to date since the Massey Government came in. They saw how it handled the smallpox outbreak, and in that connection he was going to reveal a scandal, which had never previously got into the newspapers.

"The first ship that was held up at Wellington," said the candidate," was the Maunganui, and the New Zealand football team and myself were passengers. The medical officer came on board, and we were told that we would have to be vaccinated, and would probably have to stay on board for three days, agd probably be taken to Soames Island. The medical officer sa-id that he was sorry." ' • The candidate proceeded to give his story with great detail. He demanded that the medical officer should send forthwith for vaccine and the vaccinator. "I don't want to threaten you, ? * he told the officer;, "but if you donft I will give'. you the 'biggest showing up you ever had in your life. If you don't do thi& I will scandalise you. For instance, you hold us here, but you let go, ashorej the whole of the mails, which have not been disinfected or fumigated. The letters may be infected, and they wijl be distributed all over New Zealand. ' ~

"The medical officer said, 'I will get that vaccine, and do "vyhat you want.'

"This was at 1 o'clock in the afternoon, and at a quarter to five we were alongside the wharf;-everyone was vaccinated, and we transferred to the Maori. The health officer had wanted to make a fuss over the steamer, and that would have been done if I had not been there/ That is she way the Government carry out the public health. You go home and think about it." . _ Iu reply to questions the candidate said he favoured the optional system of tenure. He would support all kinds k of insurance, being made a State monopoly. ' ' - Is' -if true \ that- Sir' & oseph Ward has not endorsed youK>>eandida-tiu-e, and that it is-against, his wisheisf" was one question. ;

*' I -had an .interview with: Sir Joseph yesterday, and he said, ' Publicly, not yet; but you have strong reasons to believe that it will be so before the election. ' " v . -

He was, and would, always, be, a threer fifths man. If he had his way he would have State control. It was stealing and robbing to take the liquor people's property without compensation. . Cries of "Rot" ''Rubbish!" and applause. i ' Why are you standing as a Liberal now, when you stood as an Independent last time?"

"I stood first as a Liberal;" replied the candidate. '' Then I stood last time as, an Independent', as I'must"' have some brand on me. I said 'as an Independent that I would vote for Sir Joseph Ward eV"ery 'time.' v I h&vie not improved! (Applause and * ;-ihe Liberal "-•.Oovernah elector. ; ; 7 .'?• "Ybu - Wotildn't overwork a good ' Lodk what th^ } " have done.'' ' Why not give Massey a chance?'' the elector continued.

. The candidate considered that Massey lyjrd.-had his change. < on preference to New Zealariders-; against immigrants were;Aotl|s./"^bil^li>J@iy ( -.pev€ral in the hall,. comparatively new arrivals contending that as Britishers they Were equally as good as New Zealanders, entitled -to equal consideration!" " r The candidate replied l that he was glad to see them, but ho would still give the'•preference he advocated. -It was not fair of them- to compete .straight away with: New Zealandersborn.

A, vote of thanks and. confidence was: carried, only a few voting against the motion. Cheers, were given for the candidate And Sir Joseph Ward. - MB G. D MAOFARLANE.

Mr G. D. Macfarlane, Reform candidate for €hiistchurch'®asty addressed a meeting in the Foresters ' liall last evening. ;/1 Councillor .Cooper presided. Referring to the retirement of Mr Davey, Mr Macfarlane said-Mr Davey had discharged a difficult task in a graceful manner. "If my candidature," ho said, '' has. in any way brought his retirement about, I am sorry, though I cannot retract. The present time, 'when the" Hun is at the gate,' is not a time for independents. Had Mr Davey only seen fit to support Mr Massey on a no-confidenee motion, he could have been in my place, and I would have retired, I trust with equal grace, from the scene, because it is not for any personal advantage or ambition that I am standing for this electorate. Mr Davey admits his political mistake; it ends a most useful political career. He has paid the penalty, and we, as worthy opponents, regret the whole incident." Mr Macfarlane said he favoured the 55 per cent, majority on the liquor question, and the referendum on the Bible-in-Schools question.

A Tote of thanks and confidence was accorded the candidate.

MR RUSSELL CHALLENGED.

AUTHORSHIP OF A LETTER.

GAGE THROWN DOWN BY MR SULLIVAN.

A challenge to Mr G. W. Russell, late member for Avon, was issued by Mr I). G. Sullivan, Social-Democratic candidate for that seat, in the course of an election address at the corner of Bealey and Fitzgerald Avenues last evening. . .

Mr Sullivan said that wjien he commenced his campaign, four or five weeks ago, he did bo witjia; deterjmination that he would flghr it absolutely free from :per^onaU^es;p#/'^ny-.-M^viP e resolved that .lie would not) Tf "h© %»uld avoid it, mention even the names pf his opponents." He regretted that, owing to the attacks which had been made upon him by Mr Russell, lie had to "depart'from that determination. However,. it was not he who was giving the personalities, as those who knew him were aware. At the last election he put up for the Ricearton seat, and after the j>oll lie was able to shake hands with his and number them among, his personal friends. That was evidence that it was 110 part of his policy to indulge in at' tacks upon those ; who were contesting the election with him. For four or five weeks the Government candidate and the speaker had fought {the- election witllout' even the least 'bitterness or friction. But Mr Russell had no sooner mounted the platform than he made a grossly unfair attack upon lvim (Mr Sullivan) with regard tohis posi-

tion concerning'the Defence Act. That attack had been repeated by Mr Rus:sell, who had been putting a question to the people as to whether, in view 7 of the fact that his (Mr Sullivan's) candidature had been endorsed by the Canterbury branch of , the No-License League, they felt that they should support a gentleman who was opposed to the Defence Act, and so put Prohibition before the defence of the Empire at the present time. Mr Russell was thus trying to sway the temperance vote away from the speaker by the plea that at this great crisis in the history of the nation and of the world he (Mr Sullivan) wished to repeal the Defence Act. Continuing, Mr Sullivan said he was sure that all fair-minded people would recognise the fact that the men and women associated with his party were just as loyal to their country, were just as much prepared to lay down their lives or to make other sacrifices in the defence of their country, as any other section of the community. He was in a position to say that a considerable number of his party's own people had already left for the front, and in a few weeks would be fighting alongside their fellow soldiers in the Empire's defence. In view of all the circumstances, Mr Russell ought to be heartily ashamed of his attempt to exploit national patriotism for political purposes and to arouse an unfair prejudice against the speaker. Although the party associated with him-(Mr Sullivan) did not favour the compulsory element in the defence scheme, that party had no intention whatsoever of trying .to tamper with the Defence Act while the nation was at war. He pointed out that throughout the country there were only ten or a dozen representing his party, and even if they were foolish enough to endeavour to repeal the Defence Act at such a time they simply could not do it. But what was Mr Russell's*' own position regarding the Defence Act? Today, Mr Russell was posing before the people of the constituency and of the country as a, great upholder of patriotism and the. Defence Act. Mr Russell was calling the world to witness his great patriotism, and was full of indignation 'against all and sundry who did not dare to agree with liim upon all details. Everyone admired and respected a man who had. the courage of liis convictions and who, without regard to wqjght of opinion against him, still fought for his convictions. Especially did they admire that man if he were a representative of the people in the House, and was not afraid to vote for his convictions simply because a majority of the House was against him. He (Mr Sullivan) had in his possession a letter—which he produced —written by Mr Russell, from the Parliamentary Library, and dated October 6, 1911, in which Mr Russell stated emphatically that lie was never in favour of the compulsory military training 'scheme, and said that he considered it both unnecessary and impracticable. '' When Mr Russell was speaking at Richmond about a week-.ago,V proceeded Mr Sullivan, 4 'he threw some doubts on the authorship of that letter, and said lie would like to see the writing and who it,was addressed to. I offer, if that letter was not written by Mr Russell and sent to one of his constituents, to retire from the contest—— >

A Voice: Why don't you challenge him?

Mr Sullivan: I am. doing so. I see reporters here, and therefore I have no doubt' the challenge will be published. I' challenge : Mr Russell to have that letter examined by an impartial arbitrator. If it is not in his handwritings I will retire from the contest—if Mr* Russell is also willing to accept'that impartial examiner's ruling and to retire himself if the letter was written by him. A Yoiee: That 's fair enough. Mr Sullivan: Anyway, that's the position of Mr Russell. He considered that the scheme was unnecessary and impracticable, and yet he registered his vote in favour of it. A man who is prepared to do that sort of thing will >vote for anything that he believes to be against the best interests of the people and the .country, and is not a man who should be entrusted with the representation of this or any other constituency. (Hear, hear.) Mr Sullivan pointed out that he had not dealt, with Mr Russell until the latter made his attempt to raise a grossly unfair prejudice, against the.; speaker. He had had this letter in his possession for some considerable time before the campaign opened, and lie would not have used it at all but for Mr Russell's attack upon him." It was not, he continued, an isolated instance of Mr Russell's vagaries of political principles. Three years ago Mr Russell stood as a leaseholder, and characterised any giving of the freehold to Crown tenants as a great political steal. Yet they found Mr Russell voting for the freehold and supporting the Massey -party in that. To-day he stood as a supporter of the freehold. Again, in March of this year, at the Phillipstown School, Mr Russell, referring to proportional representation, declared that it was unnecessary and undesirable to adopt that system in New Zealand. Since theu, Sir' Joseph Ward- had. included that principle in his platform, and now Mil Russell supported it. . Mr Russell Btarted his career as a threefifths man on the Prohibition majority question. Later, in a letter to the Prohibition Party, he declared for the bare majority. Now he was back at . the three-fifths principle. He (Mr Sullivan) was sure that the constituency could not have any confidence in a man whose opinions were of such a constantly changing, such a flexible, nature ias that. (Applause.)

AVON.

MR H. D. ACLAND. Mr 11. D. Acland, Reform candidate for Avon, addressed a large meeting at the corner of Rolleston Street and Gloucester Street last evening, Mr Eagg presided. A "vote of thanks to the candidate was carried unanimously. Later in the evening Mr Acland addressed a meeting at the corner of Perth and London Streets. A vote of thanks was carried. RICCARTON. MR G. WITTY. Mr George Witty, Opposition candidate for Riccarton, addressed a crowded meeting at Darfield, on Tuesday evening. Mr Robert Reid. presided. A vote of thanks, coupled with an expression of confidence in the Literal Party, was carried unanimously, on the motion of Mr Welsh, seconded by Mr Fryer.

Under the existing Pure Foods Bill, Thomson and Co. are the only firm allowed by the Government to use the words '' pure," " natural," " fruity 'or ' i genuine" on their cordial labels. Read your labels. All grocers. Ford and Mirams, Bole Canterbury agents. > \ .323

THE KAIAPOi SEAT.

MR JONES AT BURWOOD

Mr David Jones, Reform candidate for Kaiapoi, last evening addressed a me.eting of electors of tlie Burwood district in the Parish Hall. Mr Edwards presided. In prefacing his remarks, Mr Jones said his task of contesting the Kaiapoi seat was made more difficult, by the fact that the electorate was being invaded by a shoal of politicians of various political tendencies, all anxious to secure the return of the Liberal candidate. One of these invaders was Mr lsitt.

"It is peculiar that Mr Isit.t should have gone iuto the Kaiapoi electorate for the purpose of trying to defeat me," said Mr Joues; "He has been a bare majority man all his life, and the prohibition question has been his one aim. He has absolutely thrown up his principles, and he is no longer a prohibitionist first, but a Wardist first. (Hear; hear.) While he now professes his very best love for the Liberal Party, some of' the bitterest and, strdnges't words ever put in print in New Zealand have been written by the same gentleman of the Liberal Party. 'Still'l don't take Mr lsitt seriously. Seemingly every Parliament has to have its buffoon. Mr lsitt has been making some very funny statements, but personally I treat him with ridicule rather, than take him seriously."

The speaker went on to defend the Government, and he instanced how the pledges of the Reform Party had been carried out. The financial system, had been reformed; the Civil Service had been removed from political control, and savings effected without dispensing with the servicesL of one Civil Servant, and he contrasted this with the action of the Ward Government in 1908 when the financial situation rendered retrenchment necessary- Hundreds of Civil Servants were then turned on to the road.

The pensions generally had been liberalised by reducing the age when women became . elegible from 65 to 60. The Public Service Commissioners had? made sufficient savings by introducing more up-to-date methods of working to pay for the humanitarian action of the Government towards the old women of the Dominion.: (Applause.) ~The Reform Party had very much liberalised the widows pension by making all the children under 14 to count in the amount of pension drawn. Women whose husbands were inmates of mental hospitals had also been brought under the scope of the measure. The policy of the Government upon the land legislation of the Dominion was bearing, excellent fruit, as instanced by the number of new holdings. The Local Government Bill which imd been introduced last session aimed at the abolition of the iniquitous systejn of doles to local bodies by way of grants. This wouldno doubt be placed on the Statute Book next session, and would tend, very largely to remove from ,oyr„ public, life, its most degrading feature. Mr Jones referred to the "toy navy 7 / criticism of the Liberal.politiciansan<,l Pjcess, and ridiculed Sir Joseph Ward's placing his opinion against, that of Winston Churchill, First Lord of the .Admiralty, and the naval experts. In view of the work of the Australian Navy in: clearing the Pacific, the Liberal policy in this connection would need-recasting.^ "No party reckons to carry out its programme in the life of a single Parliament,' ' said Mr Jones in conclusion, "but these are a few of the reformsthe Massey Parliament lias been able to effect which; demonstrate clearly that the Reform Partyismotout tofor the wealthy classes,'.as the Liberals would have the public believe, but they are prepared to legislate for the welfare of the people as.a whole." ■; . . An Elector: Are you in favour of importing boys of 20 years of age into the country to work for 7/6 i>er week as your Government has done?

Mr Jones: Your Government liad a minimum of 5/-, -which the present Government increased by 50 per cent. None of the lads are working for 7/6 a week, but are getting their 20/- 'or 25/- a week. Mr Jones believed that the greatest care would have" to be taken in the selection of emigrants for the Dominion.

Mr Jones expressed himself as being in favour of tire referendum on the Bible-in-sch6ols question; said he was a bare majority man, • and that he was in favour of the 7 retention of ; the M tote," though he was of the' opinion that permits should not be concentrated in the cities, but should be fairly distributed.

Asked to give his opinion as to the responsibility of the Government in respect of the Huntly disaster, Mr n Jones quoted the finding of the Commission, which did iiot place any blame upoA the Government. It would have been just as reasonable to attach the blame for the wreck of the Penguin on the shoulders of the Liberal Government for their failure to erect a lighthouse on Terawhiti, or for every ac'cident occurring to tram conductors before the regulation abolishing footboards on ears was introducetb- No responsible person would attempt to attach the blame for this to the "Ward Government, nor would any reasonable person attach blame t for tlie Huntly disaster to the present Government. The Hon. R. ex-Minister of Mines, who was more capable of expressing an opinion on the subject than any other man on the Opposition benches, completely exonerated the Massey Go.vernment from any blame whatever.

After Mr Jones had answered the queries of several dairymen in the audience to their satisfaction, an. elector moved a vote of thanks in th'e following unconventional mannei*:'; "I have tnucli pleasure in moving a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Jones, and we are very glad to see him. I don't like .the < confidence' and all that. If we think he's a fit and proper person for our district, I think lie has got a good chance. I haven't seen Mr Buddo this year, and I don't think he wants to see me. If Mr Jones treats us fairly as (feirymen, I think he has got a good chance."

Another elector, in seconding the motion, referred to the occasional whimpers heard from the Opposition - concerning the repeal of the second ballot, which, he said, were answered by the speech of Mr G. W. Russell when he returned thanks on the night of the second ballot last election, declaring the measure to be the most obnoxious ever placed on the Statute Book of the country. A Red Fed. Voice: It served him right. He's no good anyway. There are a lot of Masseyites ,want chucking "out, and there are a lot of Wardites want chucking out, and a lot of new fellows putting in. They shouldn't get such big screws. It riiakes them go, for the screw and not for the work.

The motion of thanks was carried unanimously.

ELLESMERE.

HON R. HEATON RHODES

A large and enthusiastic meeting greeted the Hon. R. Heaton Rhodes, Postmaster-General, at Greenpark on Tuesday evening. Mr F. Hubbard, chairman of the School Committee,, who presided, in introducing Mr Rhodes, said that the district was to be congratulated on having a Cabinet Minister as* its representative. He felt, sure that they fully appreciated the honour that had been done the district. Mr Rhodes was, he thought, the first Cabinet Minister that had ever addressed a Greenpark audience.

At the close of the address the chairman mentioned that the yard accommodation for stock at' the Greenpark railway station was inadequate, and hoped that Mr Rhodes would ask the Minister of Railways to see to this, and to expedite the installation of the promised light at the railway station. Mr Rhodes replied that he would communicate with the Minister regarding both matters. • Mr G. Whitelaw said that much inconvenience was experienced in .getting connected with. Cliristchurcli by telephone, owing to the connection having to be made through Lincoln. Another speaker suggested that Greenpark be placed on the Tai Tapu line. Mr Rhpdes promised to inquire into the matter. A further question was whether the Minister did not think it hard on the farmers that a limit had been placed on the price of wheat. Mr Rhodes replied that while he thought farmers were getting a fair price for wheat, it had to be remembered that the Government had another duty to perform, and" that was to see that the working classes of. the Dominion were not charged exorbitant prices for bread and flour. Mr Kimber asked whether Mr Rhodes did not think the valuation of the land of the district too high. The reply was that he did not know the prices that had been placed on the land in that district, but that the Government had made no alteration in the system of valuing land, nor had it increased the, taxation of land. Moreover, the practical test of the valuation placed upon any particular land was whether the owner was willing to sell it at the valuation. - In propofiiig? very hearty;'vote \ thanks to Mr Rhodes for his interesting address, Mr W. J. McMillan said that hd would like to add an expression of continued confidence in their member, but he felt sure that Mr Rhodes would rather have that expression left over until election day. The motion was seconded by Mr E. Yarr and carried by acclamation.

DUNEDIN SOUTH.

. > Press. Association. - K , < :I)UNfiisiN; November 26,

Mr G. F. Bewly has retired from the Dunedin South contest/ arid the • issue will be fought ... out by Messrs T. K. Sidey (Opposition) and Dalton (Government) i ''

IN OTHER PARTS.

This is how election prospects in Avon are summed up by the Christchurch correspondent of the Dunedin "Star" (an Opposition journal):—"Between the onslaught of the Social-Democrats and the steady resistance of the Reformers, Mr G. W. Russell is losing ground. The workers do not trust him. They want one of their own kind in Parliament, and in Mr Sullivan would certainly have a good representative. The limelight so far has chiefly been centred upon these two gentlemen, but Mr Acland (Reform), though in the background, has been doing sound spade work.' Mr Russell was baited last evening by the Social-Democrats, and, becoming defiant, declared: 'I beat you before, and I'll beat you again.' But it is very doubtful if he can make good his boast, weakened as lie is on the one side by the antagonism of Labour, and he is being, sapped on the other by his half-and-half views on the Defence question. Previous expressions of opinion against the Defence Act are being brought up against him, and the outcome in all probability will be that he will 'lose the seat. Whicir*of the other two —Mr Sullivan (Social-Democrat) or Mi- Acland (Reform) —will gain the verdict it is as yet hard to say, but Mr Acland certainly has a very good chance."

Party ties were mentioned by Mr A. H. Hiudmarsh, the selected Labour candidate for Wellington South, in his address at Brooklyn last night. So strong were these ties, he said, that a. man practically could not break away from them. In the first place, a man owed his seat to the party purse and to the party Press, and if lie broke away he was looked upon as an imposter. This applied more to the Conservative than to the Liberal politician, and so it was found that in the last Parliament quite a number of Liberal politicians went over to the Conservative.

At Mr Luke's meeting on Tuesday the candidate was asked, "Would you vote for 45 hours' work per week, for women if it endangered the party in power?" Mr Luke said that he would, and regretted that the Bill had not been paSsed. Mat session. He was not going t$ 'cut'&way his maiihood for any "party. Mr Luke is standing for Wellington South in the Government interests.

A quotation from "Hansard" was read by Mr Massey at Invercargill the other night to show that in 1906 he moved a motion which was the beginning of the advances to workers movement,' and there was nothing 'comical in his claim, as was suggested by Sir Joseph ■■"Ward, at Winton. His motion iir 1906 was to enable the. Government Department to lend up to £4OO. His motion was knocked out, but only after the Prime Minister had promised his followers that he. would bring down a Bill containing a similar provision that session. The Bill was brought down, arid was passed, and even included a little; error that had occurred in the speaker's: original ■ motion'.

Sir Josepli Ward had ridiculed the defence scheme entirely in 1908, and the Bill would not have gone through as it did but for otherinfluences.—Hon. J. Allen, Minister of Defence.

"I have the respect of the working

men," said Mr J. P. Lube, Government candidate for Wellington South, to a. noisy section at Berhampore. '' Further, I have the confidence of the workingmen." Cries of "No" came from the storm area, but one individual chivalry shouted, "Personally, not politically, John." '' Thank .you/ said Mr Luke,'' that is the best compliment I have had."

I "Are you in favour of the right of rercall?" Mr Payne was asked by a Grey Lynn elector at Mount Eden. 1 ' No,'' was ''the reply, which surprised those who remembered the scheme 45 policy, embodying the 'right of recall, which Mr Payne propounded three years ago. " You were last time,'' remarked the questioner. "Yes," said Mr Payne, "but I have changed my mind since then." (Laughter.) "Supposing that the power of recall had been in operation three years ago, when I voted against Mr Massey in favour of Sir Joseph Ward, I would have been recalled, and I would have gone put of' Parliament a disgraced man." Proceeding, he said that he had a character and reputation of many years to his credit, and he was not prepared to sacrifice that at the behest of any boily Of people. Tim: workers who decried hie action at that, time wou}d not do so ; now.

"I notice that Sir Joseph Ward proposes to give us proportional representation and to retail the country quota at. the same time," observed Mr Holland (Labour), speaking at Wellington.''Now, the country quota is the very negation of ; proportional representation, and you can't possibly have both at the same time."

• In the course of a recent speech MrJ Veitch (Labour, Wanganui) declared that' a working agreement had been made by; the Labour Party and the Wardites in order to nedeavour to put the Government out. He repeated that he wanted the meeting clearly to understand that such.an agreement had been made.

Iu qiiotingan Mr.'B»r Gallichan, the Liberal organiser, woiulclg address the electors, and Mr J. D. MathewgJ; . the Liberal candidate, .would also be pres'the points out; that the announcement explains the meth*; od of the Liberal Party in contesting the>f Pahiatiia seat. • Galliehan, . the paid* party 1 mouthpiece, s t(he Mgmaroleji for which he receives his salary, and en j deavours to- organise the electors into a; , j compact- voting mass for Sir Joseph; 'Ward. M* Mathews, the candidate, is merely present. Our contemporary un? kindly asks whether Mr Mathews is- content to be shown around the eleHmate a* a political automaton. :•

Speaking at Ngahauranga, Mr A, Aislabie, an Opposition candidate for the Suburbs seat, advocated the establishment of a"prison farm' iji each of tW provinces, where, the prisoner would, learn, practical farming, and his products from the. land vcould not' oiily' supply'most of the prison requirements,, but could eupplyi tutions and so rediiide the ciost of "their upkeep to, a very large extent. At the conclusion of the meeting the/candidate was accorded a hearty vote of '

After accusing the of trying to stir upi sectarian, bitterness in connection with tfce, au&, Mr ffindmarsh (Lai)(iur) ? at Brook- ; lyn, went on to give hjson the religious question. ' "i was'

brought up in a school where the teachers all belonged to the Church of England, '' Baid the .speaker, '' but the only religion that ever stuck in my mind was the religion I learned at my mother's knee. The home is the place to teach religiou.'' (Applause.)

The subject of the Prime Minister's Liberalism the source of some disagreement between Mr Murdoch McLean and a section of his audience at Auckland. "I-stand for Mr Massey," declared the candidate, "because I believe he is a true Liberal. (Loud laughter .from dissenters.) I bdlieve that Mr Massev is working in .the true interests of -"

A Loud Voice: Himself. (Roars of merriment.). y Mr .McLean!: No, hot of himself, but. of" the country. (Loud applause from the bulk Qf the audience.) He is not a jerry Liberal, but a .genuine Liberal. (Renewed sceptical laughter.) '• is a ■'special! Liberal. (General merriment.).

TO-NIGHT'S MEETINGS, Mr 11, F. Toogood (Christchurch North), at corner Bealey and Fitzgerald Street 7.30 p.m., aiul at corner Bealey Street and Edgeware Road 8.30 p.m. Mr G. 1). Macfarlane (Christchurch East), at St. Saviour's Schoolroom. Dr Thacker (Christchurch East), at Addington Workshops noon, and at corner Andrew Street and Waltham Road 8 p.m.) or, if wet—in Waltham Ilall. ' : '

Mr Hiraiu. Hunter ((Christchurch East), at O'Brien's Factory noon, and at Hibernian Hall 8 p.m. Mr F. B. Hughes (Christchurch South), at Methodist Schoolroom, corner South Crescent road and Selwvn Street.

Mr H. G. Ell (Christchurch South), ;ut Methodist 'Schoolroom, corner Hariniaii and - «' Mr il. I). Acland (Avon), corner Tuam Street, and Fitzgerald Avenue >. '■ • . iMr Bertram " Bunn (Ru'carton ), at "Lftwiiy's Hall, ;Xirwee. 'Mp Geo. ' tVitty• (Riccai'ton'), at Belfast Hall, i»i. fiuppoi't of Mr D. Buddo, Kaiapoi. Mr M. J. Miller (Lyttelton), at 'Okain's Bay Hall. <

Mr David Jones (Kaiapoi), at Sumjmerhill 7 p.m., and at Ashley Gorge Schoolroom 8.15 p.m. Hon. R. Hea'ton Rhodes (Ellesmere), at Ataahua School 2 p'.m., and at Ladbrooks 'Hall 8 p.m. Mr W. A. Banks (Hurunui), Domett. Mr Joseph Hamlet (Selwyti), at Winchirtore. Mr G. Slieat (Selwyn), at Highbn nk. Mr G. R. Whiting (Christchurch South), at. corner Durham and Elgin Streets 7 p.m., and at corner King and Montrose Streets 8 p.m. Mr 1). G. Sullivan (Avon) at New Brighton Pier Hall.

FUTURE MEETINGS

The Hon. R. Heaton Rhodes speaks at Akaroa School on Thursday at 2 p.m., and Ladbrooks Public Hall at 8 p.m., Rolleston School ou Friday at 6 p.m., and Ha Is well Public Hall on Friday at 8 p.m. Mr 11. G. Ell speaks at. the Y.M.C.A. Concert Hall on Friday at 8 p.m.

Mr W. A. Banks speaks at Mackenzie on Friday, Amberley on Saturday, Rotlierham on Monday, Hurunui on Tuesday, North Loburn on Wednesday, Glentui (Rudd's Woolshed) on Thursday, ,and Stonyhurst on Friday, Mr B. Bunn speaks at Burnham on Friday, Charing Cross on Saturflay, Courtenay School at 7 p.m. on Monday, and Halkett School at 8.15 p.ui. Mr I). Jones speaks at East Eyreton on Friday, and at. Clianey's Corner on Saturday. Mr J. Hamlet speaks at Lismore, on Friday, and Highbank ou Saturday. Mr J. C... Free speaks at Ellesmere on Friday, Lincoln ou Saturday, Mill 3£oad (Spreydon) on Monday next,"and Prebbleton on Tuesday. Mr H. I). Acland speaks to-morrow evening at the corner of Travers and Armagh Streets at 7 p.m., and at Jonos's Store,' Mile Road, at 8.15 p.m. Dr Thacker speaks to-morrow at noon at the railway, Moorhouse Avenue, and at 8 p.m. at the corner of Charles Street and Barbour Street.

Mr G. D. Macfarlane speaks at the Band Rotunda, Victoria Square, on Saturday.

Mr M. J. Miller speaks at Little Akaloa 'Hall to-morrow evening.

SPLITTING THE VOTE.

CANDIDATES BET IRE. -- Press Association.

AUCKLAND, November 25

After a conference, between the parties concerned, Mr W. H. Murray, Reform candidate for Grey Lynn, has decided to retire from the contest in favour of Mr Murdoch McLean, the official Government candidate. Mr Murray is urging his friends to give all possible support to Mr McLean. A similar decision was also arrived at to-day by Mr E. T. Field, the Reform candidate for Kaipara, who has retired from the contest in favour of Mr*J. Gordon Coates.