GREY LYNN CONTEST.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 258, 31 October 1928, Page 11

GREY LYNN CONTEST.

MR. FLETCHER AT WESTERN

SPRINGS

In continuation of his campaign for Grey Lynn, Mr. J. S. Fletcher (United), addressed a meeting in the Congregational Hall, Western Springs, last evening. There was a good attendance.

The candidate outlined the policy of the United party, dealing with each plank in detail. He especially emphasised the value of the party's land settlement scheme as far as it affected unemployment. A remedy for the out-of-work which could be immediately applied was the employment of a large number of men by the Main Highways Board. Although the board had about a million of money in hand it was given out that the amount was only half that, but even taking it at £500,000, this would mean employment for a year of 2000 men at an average wage of £4 per week. He did not mean by this that the standard wage should be reduced, but, making allowance for wet weather, which meant a number of days in the year unworked, he had set the average at £4. This would be better than relief work, the money expended coming directly from taxation. He eulogised Sir Joseph Ward's borrowing policy, stating that the State Advances Department, which was to have the handling of £60,000,000, which had been outlined, was the best State Bank it was possible for the country to possess. If the United party gained the Treasury benches, it would be found that the exorbitant bank rate now existing would immediately drop. £fter answering a number of questions Mr. Fletcher was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence.