WAIKATO ELECTION.

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

WAIKATO ELECTION.

J. A. YOUNG, M.P., AT HAMILTON. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) HAMILTON, this day. Mr. J. A. Young, M.P., had a very rousing reception in the Theatre Royal, Hamilton, last evening. Mr. J. R. Fow took the chair, and said he considered it a great honour to introduce their member. i After a brief review of the political history from 1914 to the present, Mr. Young eaid thy great work ahead of the nation was reconstruction. The first consideration of a Government should be the carrying out of such a policy that would make for the contentment of the returned soldier, and secondly the development of all the resources of the State for production of wealth to enable the country to fulfil all ite obligations to the soldiers and their dependents, liabilities bequeathed to us by the late war. The gospel of work and production need be preached and practised to enable the country to pay its way and make good. A vigorous policy of public works, lands settlement and railway construction was much needed. In the "centre of the North Island, not far from the Waikato, there are many thousands of acres of virgin country known as the pumice lands. These lands had of recent years been brought into profitable occupation by men who had in the face of many discouragements proved the land's value The Government should take "these lands in suitable sized blocks and, under competent management, employ returned soldiers, paying them the current wage 3 and bring the pumice land into use. Mr. Young said it would only take about two and a half years to bring these lands from their native state into a condition of pasture suitable for dairying. Afterwards, when the land was to return a profit, it should be cut into fair sized blocks and soldiers given first preference of selection. And the same applied to the hinterland of the Bay of Plenty.

TAXATION. On the subject of taxation, the candidate advocated that the dividends of small shareholders in public companies should not be taxed on the highest rate of graduated income tax as at present, but small investors, with small incomes, should be entitled to a refund of the difference between the ordinary taxable amount of their incomes and the higher graduated rate of tax paid by the -companies. The first transfer of land and house property to discharged soldiers should be exempt from stamp duty. Mr. Young said he would support an alteration in the Land Tax Act to provide that the amounts paid in land tax should in the assessment for income tax be allowed for and not charged with income tax. Tho Land Valuation Assessment Courts came in for some consideration at the speaker's hands. He thought the constitution of the courts should be so amended as to provide for objectors to valuations having equal representation with the Valuation Department

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT. Mr. Young outlined a programme in connection with the great possibilities in developing our natural resources including:—(l) Best possible physical conditions to work under for all wa«eearners; (2) adequate and sufficient pay for workers for honest service given(3) application of science to industry especially agriculture and milk products; (4) a friendly attiude on the part of the State to financing of all sound industrial enterprises, to extend the Act that renders aid to dairyin" fruitcanning, etc.; (5) application of hydro-electric power to the industrial and social life of the people; (C) the preservation of the coal deposits as far as possible for chemical industries; (7) extension of woollen manufacture in Jiew Zealand: (8) ereryone should be afforded the fullest of opportunities to rise to the best place possible in the community.

HOUSING. The Housing Act was explained in detail, and Mr. Young claimed that it was a measure which marked Mr. Massey a man whose sympathy was broad and genuine in the people's interests. EDUCATION. Mr. Young said that all school books should be supplied free by the State, also every opportunity should be open for bright children to continue their studies on to the University, if they so desire without cost to their parents. The candidate was strongly in favour of that new increments to teachers'salaries should be definitely anfl permanently adjusted by statute in place of regulation. When tackling defence Mr. Young was entirely opposed to the proposed four months' camp as suggested in some quarters: . This would' disorganise the industrial and domestic arrangements of the people without an equivalent advantage. Hydro-electricitj' development was touched on, and other matters including the matter of dental treatment of school children and extension to the country districts of the maternity benefits.

Mr. Young was loudly applauded at the close of his address, several questions were answered, the liquor question being prominent. The usual votes v of thanks were passed.

TO-NIGHT'S MEETINGS.^ Mr. W. E. Parry (Labour, Auckland Central) speaks at the Masonic Hall, Eden Terrace. Mr. M. J. Savage (Labour, Auckland West) speaks at Richmond Road school: Miss E. Melville (Reform, Grey Lynn) speaks at St. George's Hall, Kingsland. Mr. L. J. Garmson (Labour, GrejLynn) speaks at 'St. Barnabas' Hall, Bellvue Road. Mr. V. H. Potter (Reform, Roskill) speaks at Maungawhau school Mount Eden. Mr. R. E. Hornblow (Liberal, Eden) speaks at Hirst's Hall, Morningside. Sir Frederick Lang (Government, Manukau) speaks at Foresters' Hall, Onehunga. Mr. C. E. Major. (Liberal, Manukau) 6peaks at Mangere Public Hall. Mr. G. R. Mason (Labour, Manukau) speaks at Town Hall, Papatoetoe. Mr. J. Rea (Liberal, Franklin) speaks at Manurewa.

Hon. J. G. Coates (Government, Kaipara) speaks at Tauhoa. Committee of Miss E. Melville at Methodist schoolroom, Grey Lynn. Committee of Mr. J. H. Gunson (Independent, Roskill) at Dominion Road rooms. Committee of Mr. J. S. Dickson (Government, Parnell) at 162, Remuera Road. Mr. J. J. Thomas (Reform, Auckland Central) speaks at Methodist School HalL Eden..Terrace,