MR. DONALD AT GREEN LANE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 99, 29 April 1930, Page 9

MR. DONALD AT GREEN LANE.

REFORM "GAS ATTACKS." ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS. In spite of the miserable weather, there was a large crowd the Green Lane Picture Theatre last night to hear Mr. W. A. Donald, the United party candidate. Presiding was the Rev. Jasper Calder, who explained that he was not a party man, and never before had his name been associated with party. He was presiding because, after mature consideration, lie was convinced that the right thing to do at the present critical timo in the Dominion's affairs was to allow the present Government to carry out its full term.

Mr. Donald complained, of the unfair tactics of the Reform Press. The United party did not ask any favour; all it asked "was that the facts be stated fairly and the people allowed to judge for themselves. Instead, the .Reform Press first let off a few maroons, which made a great noise but did not do much harm, and then it launched a gas attack. However, the people had masks, just as the men in the trenches had, and could see through the misleading fog. A phase of the criticism the candidate could not understand was that the Reform Press seemed actually disappointed that the Dominion's finances had been put on a sound footing. In answer to questions, Mr. Donald said he was not in favour of State grants to Roman Catholic schools, and he was not in favour of such grants being made to Presbyterian schools nor any denominational schools. The State system was undenominational, and the State schools were the ones that shouid receive State grants. He was in favour of extending the facilities of the dental clinics to scholars at Roman Catholic schools. With regard to Customs barriers, the candidate said he was not in favour of prohibitive tariffs. "I was suposed to have orderly meetings at the general election," said Mr. G. C C. Munns in the course of some remarks reeommendii'g Mr. Donald to the electorate, "but I have never attended such orderly meetings as these of Mr. Donald's, "it proves to me that the of Parnell are thinking." Mr. Donald was given a vote of thanks and confidence, and there were cheers for him and Mrs. Donald and the chairman.