AN EDEN INCIDENT.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 260, 3 November 1925, Page 9

AN EDEN INCIDENT.

"UNOFFICIAL " DOCUMENT. MR. HART'S EXPLANATION The recent reference by Sir Jame Parr of an alleged breach of confidenc on the part of the chairman of th< Henderson Town Board, was referred ti at Mr. Mason's meeting at Avondal last night. The document in question was i letter from Sir James addressed to "Mr B. Hart, Chairman, Henderson Towi Board," dealing with an applicatioi from the board for an advance foi workers' dwellings, and in which tin writer expressed the opinion that then was a tendency on the part of the De partment to discourage these loans. Thf letter, which was marked "unofficial, , was quoted by Mr. Hart at a meeting held by Mr. Savage, M.P., and this was the '-breach of confidence" and "distortion." Mr. Hart, producing the much-dis-cussed document, said an "unofficial' letter was generally understood to be one which, though containing an opinion or statement of the writer, placed no connecting responsibility upon his party. In no sense could it be considered "private and confidential." At Sir James , meeting he produced the letter when under discussion, holding it up to the view of the meeting, and saying "I have it here, sir; I will read it "to you." Sir James demanded possession" and in the babel which ensued it was handed up to the chairman and then to Sir James PaTr. Mr. Hart asserted that the report in the "Herald," which stated that he failed to make a reply when charged with the alleged "distortion" was incorrect. He was never given the opportunity to reply. " Mr. Hart's statement was received ivith a demonstration of applause and peering, and cries of "Charge it to Moscow!" EDEN ELECTORATE. MR. PARR AT NEW LYNX. Sir James Parr, Minister of Education, again addressed the electors at New Lynn at St. Thomas' Hall last night. There was a large attendance, over which Mr. C. F. Gardner presided. The candidate, in opening, referred to the district's progress, and claimed that he had materially assisted. Forty-six workers in New Lynn had been provided with homes on the 95 per cent basis, and to the total value of £3(3,140. A sum of no less than £3715 had been advanced for school buildings, and together with subsidies totalled near £.3000. The Government was definitely committed to the Morningside railway deviation scheme, which would be of considerable benefit to New Lynn, the cost of this work being £421,000. It had been decided to duplicate the line from Morningside to New Lynn at a further co3t of £127,000. The electors were advised to stick to their freehold, as it. would double its value on the completion of the new railway. "If you want to sell I'll buy—" A Voice: I'll sell. Sir James: At present Government valuation? Voices: Oh! The candidate continued with a reference to the concrete road which was being constructed at a cost of £71,000, of which the Government found £35,000 —a work from which the electorate would derive much benefit. He claimed to have obtained £211,000 for the schools of his electorate. Many districts would have been glad to have received half that amount. "If you can get a better mau, kick mc out." (Applause from the back of the hall.) Dental clinics were next dealt with, and the recent reference made to same by Mr. Mason. Sir James stated thar children from 2i years were now being taken and looked after right through their school life. They did not pretend at the outset to deal with every child. The scope was enlarged as the nurses became available. A Voice: Who buys his books? Sir James: Who buys his lunch and his clothes? (Laughter.) Sir James then attacked Labour"g land policy on the lines of his previous visit. He claimed that under that policy land had not to be sold or transferred only to the State. "What did that mean?" A Voice: Good-bye land agent. (Laughter.) The candidate, continuing, stated that there was no getting away from the fact that that policy definitely covered everyone who owned land. This statement was challenged by someone at the back of the hall. A Voice: That's Mr. A further interjection from this quarter brought a remark from the candidate that he was talking "to the Eden electorate, and not to the men who visit to make a row." The candidate characterised the statement made by the Labour party, that the Government proposed to reduce the wages of the workers by 7/6 per week as a "deliberate lie." He pledged his word that the present Government, if returned to office, would bring down legislation to help the family man, and that it would be a charge ou the Consolidated Fund. After a number of questions had been answered, a vote of thanks and confidence was put and declared carried by the chairman, amidst cheers for Mr. Mason from a section at the rear of the hall. MR. MASON'S CANDIDATURE. Mr. H. G. R. Mason, Labour candidate for Eden, spoke at Glen Eden and Avondale last night, getting appreciative hearings in both places. At the latter place Mr. 0. Mcßrine delivered an interesting address while the audience waited for the arrival of the candidate from Glen Eden. Mr. Mason reiterated the statement that he was responsible for his own interpretation of and statements about Labour's land policy, and not Sir James Parr. He received a vote of thanks and confidence, with only three dissentients, on a show of hands.