BY-ELECTION CAMPAIGN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 181, 2 August 1930, Page 7

BY-ELECTION CAMPAIGN.

INVERCARGILL CONTEST. MB. VINCENT WARD'S VIEWS. "A BUSINESSLIKE GOVERNMENT." (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) INVERCARGILL, Friday. The campaign for the Invercargill by-election commenced to-day. Mr. Vincent Ward (United) addressed two meetings this evening on the outskirts of the electorate; He said he did not seek a sympathy vote, but regretted the cause of his facing the electors as much as anyone else. It had been his late father's wish that he should fulfil his obligation for the rest of the present term. Traversing railway difficulties, the candidate said that the losses during the past five years had exhausted the reserves, and last year the Government had found it necessary to advance £150,000. This year it had been decided to reduce expenses by cutting services, which would save £360,000, while £90,000 would be produced by increased rates. The past Government .had committed itself to the erection of four largo railway workshops, estimated to cost £1.000,000,.but which would actually cost £2,250,000. It was considered by various authorities that the expenditure of £200,000 would have provided all that was required. As it was, there was sufficient plant and equipment for the whole of New Zealand and Australia as well.

Help for Settlers and Workers. A great deal had been done by the United Government since it came into office to assist settlers and workers. Since the present Government had come into office 750 applications for financial assistance had been dealt with, and loans of £8,930,000 had bceen granted.- The Government had met the requirements of the country with a bold land policy, providing land for settlement on terms which would enable settlers to develop properties into good homes. In 1912, said Mr. Ward, the national debt had amounted to £84,000,000. Today this had increased to £207,383,343, which meant that during 1(1 years th;> Reform Government had borrowed £100.000,000 for ordinary purposes, excluding £70,000.000 for vrar purposes. When Sir Joseph Ward left the National Government in 101S he left a surplus of £15,000,000,. with the idea that it shoulcl be applied to repaying the war debt. Instead, the Reform Government had spent £13,500,000 in the purchase of land for soldiers' settlement. New Taxation Necessary. Mr. Ward regretted that the Government had instituted new taxation, but this had been necessary in order to run the country. The United Government had been unfortunate in meeting difficult times, but it was tackling its problems in a businesslike manner. It was anxious to make the country's condition sound and prosperous. Bad times were being experienced all over the world, and New Zealand was suffering from an adverse trade balance, but with a safe and sound Government the position would be materially improved. The Government was anxious to do everything ■ possible for the people, according to the, Liberal principle to do the greatest good for the greatest number. The candidate was accorded votes of confidence at both meetings.