MR. LAMONT AT TAKAPUNA.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 246, 17 October 1925, Page 14

MR. LAMONT AT TAKAPUNA.

A FIGHTER FOR LIBERALISM

Mr. T. Lamont. Liberal candidate for "Waitemata. was given an attentive hearing by a large attendance at the Foresters' Hall, Takapuna. last evening. Mr. J. D. Morison, Mayor of Takapuna. presided, and made reference to Mr. l.amont's undoubted qualities as a fighter. Speaking of his public work during his residence in Auckland. Mr. Lamont voiced the opinion that a candidate for Parliamentary politics should have had expirience in municipal politics. il'-* reason for standing as a Liberal was that he was a lover of liberty. The candidate denied that the fusion movement had failed. He thought it had only been deferred. There must be fusion after the present elections were over, for there could not be real democratic government under the three-party system. ' Mr. Lamont dealt at length with a criticism of the Reform manifesto, which, he thought, was far too vague. The candidate stated that he had a _enuine regard for the present Trime Minister. "I consider the establishment of State banks absolutely essential." said Mr. Lamont. Regarding the secondary industries, he thought that they should be fostered. The imports last year amounted to £40 per head of the population. Tt was easy to realise the large scope there was for secondary industries.

In making reference to the Labour party. Mr. Lamont said the Labour vote in Waitemata was negligible, and its one effect was to keep Liberalism out. The Conciliation and Arbitration Acts had proved a blessing; to the country, ar.d he advised workers tn hold them until they obtained something; better. Tiiev should not be discarded in favour of a strike.

Following; his address Mr. answered a number of question" pot to h'm by ratepayers. A vote of confidence in the candidate was carried unani-n:oti.-]v.