ELLESMERE.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15139, 1 December 1914, Page 8

ELLESMERE.

HON. It. HEATOX RHODES'S CANDIDATURE. The Hon. Mr Rhodes ' addressed a large and enthusiastic meeting in the Prebbleton Hall on Saturday evening. Mr H. Paterson, chairman of the Paparua County Council, presided. The chairman said that it was hardly necessary to introduce Mr Rhodes to a Prebbleton audience, as they all knew him and what he had done Tor the district.. They should feel proud to havo tho Postmaster-General with them—-ho believed that it was tho first occasion on which a Cabinet Minister had spoken in Prebbleton. It was particularly pleasing to them that the first political address delivered in their now hall should be delivered by Mr Rhodes. As they all knew, Mr Rhodes went through the South African war, and he believed that had his Ministerial duties permitted, he would now have been on his way to the front. (Loud applause). Mr * Rhodes cordially -thanked the chairman for his kind references. All loyal subjects were at present, each in his own sphere, doing their utmost to help in the present crisis. A splendid response had already been made by their Territorials to tho Empire's call, and more were ready to go to the front when necessary. Unfortunately many were unable to go. and he regretted that he was one of the number. At tho conclusion of his address Mr Rhodes answered questions, several of which were similar to those answered at former meetings. In reply to one regarding the Huntly disaster, Mr Rhodes said that tho Huntly mine was looked upon as one of the safest in New Zealand so safe, it was thought to be, that it had novel been suggestod that safety lamps should bo used there. The Coal Mines Act which was passed this year, would havo been passed last year but for tho delay in the business of the House caused by the strike,. - In the opinion of a former Minister of Mines, the Hon. Roderick McKenzie, who had perhaps a greater knowledge of mining than had any other member of tho House, tho disaster would have taken place even if that Act had been passed last year. It was just as unreasonable to blame tho present Government for the Huntly disaster as it would have been to blame the late Government for the Penguin disaster, because they had not erected a light in the vicinity. With the limitations imposed by the Land for Settlements Act, a person could Mr Rhodes said in reply to a further question, hold Crown lands under freehold and leasehold tenure, and a person could sometimes hold two blocks of Crown land at the same time, for it was at times necessary to amalgamate sections that were found to t>o too small to be worked profitably singly. His icplv regarding tho proposed referendum on iho Bible-in-Sehools question was similar to the one given at Sotithbridge, which has already been published. . If it wero desired to make appointment to the Prebbleton Domain Board elective, "he would enquire as to what eteps were necessary to give effect to this desire. Asked whether ho woirtd havo. a telegraph office established at tho Prebbleton railway rtation, Mr Rhodes said that if the"present telephone line were congested, he would see whether he could provide another line-' Ho knew that the matter of giving improved telephone facilities was receiving consideration, and would endeavour to expedite it. In proposing a vote of thanks to Mr Rhodes for his interesting address, Mr H. W. Coleman said that he would not include a vote of confidence, as he knew that Mr Rhodes would rather that be deferred until election day. The motion was seconded by Mr F. Campion, and carried amidst loud ap-

plauee, followed by cheers for Mr Rhodes. Mr J. G. Free, Opposition candidate for Ellesmero, addressed a meeting at Lincoln on Saturday evening. Ho received a good hearing, and was accorded a rote of thanks. Tho Hon. R. Heaton Rhodes, Government candidate for Elksnnere, will address the electors at the Ellesmerc School, this afternoon, at 2 p.m,. airl at Doyleston Hall to-night at 8 p.m., Dunsandel Town Hall to-morrow night; Brooksido School, Thursday, at 8 p.m. ; Templeton, Oddfellows' Hall, Friday, at 2.30 p.m.: Spreydon Coronation Hall, Mill road, Friday, at 8 p.m.; Puaba School, Saturday, at 2 p.m ; and Little River, Town Hall, Saturday, at S p.m. "Mr J C. Free, Opposition candidate for Ellesmere, will speak at Prenbleton to-night: Broadfields School, Wednesday, and Templeton Hall, Thursday. CHRISTCHURCH NORTH. Mr H. F. Toogccd, tlie Government candidate for Chri.stcimreh North, addressed two largely-attended open-air meetings last night—the first at the corner of Canon street and Caledonian road and tho second at the corner of Madras and Aberdeen streets. The conclusion of the candidate's first meeting was marked by cheering. At the second meeting, Mr Toogood encountered opposition, and was subjected to much interruption. There wa* little, doubt that the noisy section was composed of the Red Fed. element. Speaking on the question of defence, Mr Toogood said that all the wobblers on tho defence system were to be found in the ranks of' the Opposition. He did not. however, mean that all the members of tho Opposition were wobblers on the subject, but those who had weak knees over the defence system were certainly to bo found under Sir Joseph "Ward's banner. The candidate made .a strong point of the Go.'vornment's naval defence policy, and said that if tho British Navy as at present constituted was not able to adequately defend the Pacific, then New Zealand should have, under its control in ,peace time a British cruiser which, in war time, would become part of the British Navy. H.M.A.S. Sydney, when .she drove the Emden to her doom, also drove .the cry about "a tin-pot navy" to the bottom. At both meetings Mr answered a number of questions. At the Madras and Aberdeen streets meeting the candidate was apt and prompt in his replies and scored off his opponents all along the line. Mr J. E. Petherick will explain •om tho Band Rotunda, Victoria ]uaro. to-morrow night, how ho missd being nominated as the Opposition indidate for Christ-church North. Mr H. F. Toogood. the Government liulidato for Christchurch North, will peak at the corner of Hewitt's road ml Andover street at 7.30 to-night, nd at the corner of Bristol street and Lire road, at 8.30 p.m. To morrow he •ill speak at tho corner of Cranford treefc and Beswick street, at 7.15 p.m., Drner of Warrington street and Francis venue at 8 p.m., and at Gresford treet at 8.30 p.m. Mr L. M. Isitt, Opposition candidate nr Christchurch North, will speak toipht at the corner of Brown's road nd Inne.s road at 7.30; Cranford street ml Shirley street at 8.15 p.m; and Hoekton and Warrington streets at 9 i.m. AVON. "Nbn-Ricketty" writes:—"A para;raph appearing in the local Opposition iaper regarding one of Mr Kussell's meetings on Saturday night (possibly it ;as supplied by the candidate himself), one considerably regarding he 'huge triumphant' meetings that iiembers of the Opposition are alleged o have had. It was stated in the retort referred to that Mr Russell delivred an address to an audience of about !00 at Hey wood terrace, that a vote of hanks to, and confidence in, the candilate, was carried unanimously, and that cheers -were given for Mr liussell and Sir Joseph Ward. The writer happened to be present at the meeting, md not by tho widest stretch of imagnation could it be said that there i'ero more than forty persons present, rossibly there were nearer twenty, and here was a liberal sprinkling of email wys. The vote of confidence was not inanimous, there being stentorian Noes,' which led tho candidate to exjress his regret at the vote not being inanimous, and lastly, no cheers were ;iven for Sir Joseph Ward, and but two >r three for 31r Russell. After, thereore, failing to fit in the above facts vith the report of tho meeting appearng in your morning contemporary, it jecomes quite easy for mc to understand those extravagant reports in the ;ame paper from; time to time of other Opposition meetings, which have been •laimed to record the swinging-back of ;he pendulum in public opinion." Mr H. D. Acland, the Government 3andidato, addressed a meeting at Mr Robson's wool works during the jinnpr hour yesterday. Mr Bartlett presided. A vote of thanks was moved by Mr R. Kerr, seconded by Mr Laurence, and carried, and cheers were given for the candidate. Mr Acland addressed a good meeting of electors at Dallington bridge last night, Mr Fitch presiding. After answering a number of questions the candidate was accorded a vote of thanks on the motion of Mr Andrews, jun., and seconded by Mr Dewa. Later on Mr Acland addressed a large meeting at Ferry Road Post Offico, Mr Stinnear presiding. The candidate was accorded a voto of thanks. Mr D. G. Sullivan, Labour candidate for Avon, addressed a largo gathering of electors at the corner of Tuam and Phillip vstreets. Liriwood, last evening. Referring to Mr G. W. Russell's attitude towards Labour, Mr Sullivan remarked that on Mr A.' H. Hindmarsh moving.. Ip the House of Representatives last year an amendment to the Shops and Offices Act, providing for a six-day week for hotel and restaurant employees, Mi Russell was one of those who voted a-gainst the proposal. The candidate, who was well received, was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence, the gathering also giving three cheers for him before dispersing. Mr H? l>. Acland. Government candidate for Avon, will address the electors to-night at corner of Buccleuch street and Ollivier's road, at 7 Linwood Post Office at 8.30 p.m. CHRISTCHURCH EAST. Mr Hiram Hunter, Labour candidate for Christchurch East, addressed a meeting .of electors at the corner of Kilmoro and Manchester streets lasi evening, Mr J. C. Ralph presiding. Mt Hunter, who was accorded a good reception, spoko on the policy of th{ Social Democratic Party, and received a vote of thanks and confidence on the motion of Messrs E. T. Coyno and F. Stewart. Three cheers were also given for him. A meeting of Mr Hunter's Election Committee iva s held in the Trades Hal last night, H. Butterfield in the chair. .*" Very favourable reports wen received from all parts of the electorate, and arrangements made for further canvassing till tho end of the week. Mr G. l>. Macfarlane, Government candidate for Christchurch East, will speak to-night at East Christchurch Schoolroom. Dr. Thacker. Opposition candidate for Christchurch East, will spoak today at 12 noon at Messrs P. and D Duncan's Foundry, Tuam street; thi: evening at St. Luke's Schoolroom at 8 and to-morrow night at Hastings streel Hall. . . ' Dr. Thacker. Opposition candidate fo Christchm'ch East, addressed a crowd od meeting in the Hibernian Hall, Bar bado?s street, last evening, and wa accorded a vote of thanks and eonfid ence, on the motion of Mr D. O'Con uell. The chair was taken by Mr A S. Neil. CHRISTCHURCH SOUTH. Mr H. G. Ell addressed two open-ai meetings last night, and at each, re

ceived unanimous votes of thanks and confidence. The first at t^* ol ? 0 ««« Fisher street and Norwood street, «as attended by about «0 people while -«t the second' held at the corner ot .uo.itrose and King streets, there was an attendance of about 200. -" r " • McLean presided at both- meetinps. Mr 0. U. Whiting. Labour candidate for Christchurch. South, also spoke twice last night. The nrst meeting was at the corner of Harper and linxie\ streets, and Mr Whiting spoke on the. price of wheat and flour. -Mr •>• \>agstaff presided. The second meeting was in the Church of Christ Hall, where there was a large attendance, presided , over by Mr F. C. Evans. Votes ot j thanks and confidence were accorded Mr Whiting at each meeting. Mr F. B. Hushes. Government can- j didate for Christchuroh South, will address the electors to-night at the Methodist, Schoolroom (corner of Colombo anl Brougham streets). Sydenham ; tomorrow at Oddfellows - Hall. Dickens street. Addinirton: and Thursday, at Ciiristchurch West Schoolroom, Lincoln road. . . Mr IT. G. Ell. Onjvisition candidate for Christchnrch South, will speak tonight at the corner of Montreal and Hanover streets at 7.1-3. and at West Christchurch School at S p.m. RICCARTON. Mr Bertram Buiin, Government candidate for Riccarton. will speak at the Courtenay Schoolroom at 7; -talkett Schoolroom at 8.1>3: corner of Torrens and Sutherland roads, Hillmortcn. '■* p.m. to-morrow; Coronation Hall, Mill road. Spreydon. 8.1-3 p.m. to-morrow: Rollestou 'Schoolroom. Thursday, at (i.-lo p.m.: Sockburn, Middle PnikHall. Thursday, 8.1-3 p.m. : corner Selwyn road and Garden road. Wrox ton. Friday, at " p.m: and Fendalton Parish Schoolroom, Friday, at 8.1.3 p.m. Mr George Witty. Opposition candidate, will speak to-night at Hare wood road Hall: Wednesday. Lower Uiccartou Town Hall: Thursday, RiecaHon Racecourse, 9.30 a.m.: St. Paul's Schoolroom, Papanui, S p.m.; Friday, Halkett Schoolroom. LYTTELTON. The Government candidate, Mr M. J. Miller, last week addressed successful meetings at the various bays in Banks Peninsula. The average attendance a. each meeting was about -15, and in each instance the candidate was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence. On -Saturday evening Mr Miller addressed a successful meeting in the Club Hall at Hcathcotc, Mr W. Dowell presiding. Mr M. J. Miller, Government candidate for Lyttelton. will address the electors this evening at the Woolston Oddfellows' Hall: and to morrow at the Lyttelton Oddfellows' Hall. HURUNUI. Mr W. A. Banks, Government candidate for Hurunui will address __ the electors at Hurunui to-night; North Loburn, Wednesday; Glentui (Rudci's Woolshed), Thursday, and Stonyhurst, Friday. Mr G. W. Forbes, Opposition candidate for Hurunui, will speak at Leithfield Hall on Thursday, Amberley Hall Friday, and Mackenzie Hall Saturday. KAIAPOI. Mr David Jones. Government candidate for Kaiapoi. addressed a well-at-tended meetinc in the Town Hall. Cust. last evening, Mr H. Tallott presiding. After dealing -with the criticism levelled at him by the Opposition, Mr Jones answered many questions, and was accorded a vote of thanks oai the motion of Messrs R. Gardiner and F. E. Fairweather. Earlier in tho evening Mr Jones addressed the electors of Springbank, there beisg a good attendance. The candidate w<lß accorded a vote of thanks on tho motion of Mr R. Anderson, seconded by Mr R. Frizelle. Mr David Jones, Government candidate for Kaiapoi, -will speak to-night at Woodend, 8 p.m.; Wednesday, Avon Road Board Office, open-air meeting, 7 p.m., and at Marshland Hall, 8.15 p.m.: Thursday, Ohapuku, open-air meeting, outeido creamery, 7 y>.m., and at Ohoka Hall, 8 p.m.; and Friday, at tho East Oxford Town Hall. SELWYN. Tho secretary of tho Methven branch of the Reform League has received a; telegram from the Prime Minister confirming the selection of Mr George Sheat as the official Government candidate for the Selwyn seat, and asking for tho League's support in returning Mr Sheat at th'e coming election. Mr Sheat, the official Government candidate for the Selwyn seat, had * good meeting at Elgin on Saturday night, Mr Protheroe presiding. On tho motion of Mr James Begg the candidate received a unanimous vote of thanks. Mr G. Sheat. Government .candidate for Selwyn, •will address the electors at Annat to-night, Gleutunnel Wednesday, and Kowai Thursday. Mr Joseph Hamlet, Government candidate for Selwyn, will addrose the electors to-night at Rakaia; Wednesday, at Winslow (G. 30), and Westerfield (8 p.m.), Thursday, at Elgin f0.30) and Dromoro (8 p.m.): Friday, at Man Hill and "Meade Settlement (S p.m.), and Saturday, at Greendale. Mr W. J. Dickie, Opposition candidate for Selwyn, will speak to-night ai Chertsey; Wednesday, AVakanui: Thursday, Runpuni, at 7 p.m.. ■ ant Mayfie.ld, at 8.30 p.m : Friday, Westerfield; and Saturday, Hororata Hall.