MR. M. J. SAVAGE AGAIN.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 281, 26 November 1919, Page 9

MR. M. J. SAVAGE AGAIN.

The official Labour candidate for the Auckland West seat, Mr. M. J. Savage, addressed a large audience in the commodious Franklin Road Methodist Schoolroom last evening. The space at the back and on the stairs served to hold many -who could not find seating accommodation. Mr. J. Jeffries presided. The candidate outlined Labour's aims in a vigorous policy epeech, holding the attention of his audience throughout, and at the conclusion was accorded a heartj- vote of thanks and confidence. Frequently he was interrupted with outbursts of applause. Mr. Savage believed in the people —from the captain of the ship to the crew to emphasise his point— being shareholders in the Bank of New Zealand. Labour had a claim on the country. It placed humanity first and dividends afterwards. Consequently they were going to make it possible for children to be born under humane conditions, and, as the greatness of a nation depended on the education of its people, to see that they had an opportunity "of using the faculties they were endowed with in education. For that and other reasons he deprecated the principle of taking a child away from the primary school to assist to -supply the breakfast table by working in a factory. Its real place was on the road to the University. The present electoral system he classed as being ridiculous. As an illustration he pointed out that the resujt of the forthcoming election might show that the minority ruled the country. Labour claimed that no party was big enough to be entrusted with that privilege. What Labour did say was that the "people of the Dominion should have proportional representation. He advocated the referendum being applied to all questions, and etressed in particular the nationalisation of coal mines, which he asserted would be carried by three votes to one under such conditions. There was also no reason why the 'Dominion should not have a State-owned shipping line, the same as the railways. He also favoured the right of recall. The housing question came in for special consideration. H e contended that it should be a national undertaking, and handled in a big way. The energy of a nation depended on its housing facilities, therefore they could not tolerate intelligent people living in slums. It was essential that they should be housed and fed, and, further, that the profiteer should not be allowed to exist. The health of citizens was another important matter, and in this connection he laid stress on the necessity of nationalising the medical and nursing professions. Both medical and maternity nursing, lie contended, should be free.

A VIGOROUS ADDRESS.

MB. BENNETT'S CANDIDATURE.

THE PARNELL SEAT.

BAT OF ISLANDS.

\ The Government candidate for the Auckland West seat, Mr. C. F. Bennett, addressed the electors of the Heme Bay district last evening in the Anglican Hall, Heme Bay Road. Mr. H. X. Bagnall presided. The candidate was accorded a very favourable reception, and at the conclusion of the address, which was handled in excellent style, he was accorded a vote of thanks. He said that bis vote would be cast for Mr. Massey on a no-confidc-nee motion. Progressive legislation to deal effectively with tbe social and industrial problems of the hour was very necessary. He was also a supporter of greater provision for vocational training for returned men, a comprehensive housing scheme, increased immigration, arid the endowment of motherhood. The settlement of soldiers on the land was also dealt with. In reply to a question as to whether he was in support of the attitude taken up by the Mayor of Te Kuiti towards Labour, the candidate replied: "Absolutely. It is a pity a few more public men do not adopt the same attitude." If continuance were carried at the forthcoming poll he would etrongly oppose any extension of the present hotel hours.

-UR. BLOODWOKTH AT GKEEXLAXE. Between 300 and 400 electore of Parnell assembled in the Alexandra Hall, Greenlane, last night, to hear Mr. T. Bloodworth, official Labour candidate, expound his political principles and platform. Mr. E. Phelan, president of the Timber Workers' Union, occupied the chair. The candidate, who was cordially received upon rising, and was accorded an attentive hearing, submitted that although the Reform and Liberal parties were fighting one another, they were practically one party divided into two factions, following separate leaders. The Labour party, however, stood apart as the champions of the principles of democracy. There were, therefore, only in reality two parties—the Labour party and its opponents. He refuted -15he charge that the 3>abour party was composed of extremists, or stood for what constituted extremist principles. It was the opponents of the Labour party who were the real extremists. He contended that the most dangerous extremist in the community was the man who opposed everything in the shape of organised labour. (Applause.) The candidate went on to contend that two serious problems confronted the country in the near future —tlie problem of reconstruction in industry and the problem of reconstruction in parliamentary representation and government. Constitutional government, as it was recognised, hzid shown greater and greater tendency to become government by Cabinet, the remainder of tlie House being- mere puppets. (Anplau-e.) As to Mr. Massey's expressed refusal to receive support from the Labour party he need have no fear. Tlie Labour party knew Mr. Masaev as a man who stood for vetted interest, and privilege, and -he was not likely to bring down any measure of a truly democratic character. The Labour party would support no man or measure except of democratic principles and character. (Hearty apDlause.) At flip conclusion of the meeting a vote of thanks and confidence was carried unanimously.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) KAITAIA, this day. Mr. Vernon Reed, M.P., addressed the electors here on Monday night. The Kaitaia Brass Band played outside the hall. Mr. Reed was well received, and applause greeted variou|s portions of the candidate's address, which pointed the way to further progress and development in the Northland. At the conclusion of the address, a, vote of thanks and confidence was accorded Mr, Reed without dissent.