THE GENERAL ELECTION.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17629, 5 December 1922, Page 10

THE GENERAL ELECTION.

VOTE-SPLITTING.

MR MASSEY'S WARNING. (press association teuegbam.) WELLINGTON, December 4. "With the amount of vote-splitting threatened," said Mr Massey in a statement to-day, "it is almost a certainty that Bfrnts will bo lost to the Government. While any elector has a perfect right to offer his services as a candidate, there are such things as loyalty to party and country. I take tlio liberty of suggesting, therefore, that those electors, by whatevei political names they call themselves, should not allow their votes to be jeopardised Tiy candidates with little chanoe of election, but who, by taking votea from 6fcronger candidates, jeopardise the chances of the latter and weaken the Government's position. Risks should not be taken by those who admit that the Government has done wonderfully well."

REFORM PROSPECTS BRIGHT. COMFORTABLE MAJORITY EXPECTED. fc. (SPECIAL TO "TEE PBES3.") WELLINGTON, December 4. Within the last day or two interest in the general election has greatly increased, and to-day the issue is the subject of very general conversation. While the importanoe of polling every vote against a possible combination of Liberals and extreme Labourites is urged; the Beform organisation has no quaking about the result and confidently predicts that Mr Massey will have a comfortable majority over both the other parties in the next Parliament.

In a recent North Island forecast, I mentioned the fact that in euch a constituency as New Plymouth, where a few weeks ago the public thought it was five to one in favour of the LiberalLabour candidate, now the odds have altered to evens. Exactly the eame change of opinion has developed m , Wairau and Nelson, in which some few weeks back the Reform candidates were not thought to have a chance at all. There are good judges now who predict that both in Wairau and Nelson the Reform candidates, if they do not win, will como very near winning. Even in Patea, where, there are two Reformers fighting each otfier, the other 'evening some fifty Liberals met and formed themselves into a committee to work for the official Reform candidate (Mr Dixon). This does not seem to bear out Mr Wilford's statement that there is a rising tide of Liberalism' ; eweeping over New Zealand, and that - "Masseyism ie dying every hour." The same feeling obtains on the West Coast of the South Island, where there has arisen a generation fthat knew not ■■ Seddon. Indeed, in tnis instance such is the change of feeling that there are many predictions that the son of the ■ famous Prime Minister cannot again win the seat. Mr Wilford has certainly had some food meetings, but generally speaking « has gone where he might be expected to look for triumphs, and he is a past master in the art of stage man- ' ogement, whereas, Mr Massey, on the other hand, has gone largely into places \ where he might have expected to find trouble, and has found triumphs instead. | Even in Mr Wilford's own constituency | there has apparently been a considerable change m feeling. To such an ex- /" tent is this the-case that the Labour : people now state tliey realise it is'the Reform candidate and not Mr Wilford, '" that they have to beat. Personally, I think that Mr Wilford will win, but it \b significant that the "Evening Post," wAich has generally been noted "for-its independence in politics, and at ■ last election supported Mr Wilford for • the Hvjtt Beat, has now changed its ' opinion. Iri tne course, of a leading article on Saturday on the 'political choice, it stated, "All things considered, wo i believe that the non-partisan < elector who turned the scale in-favour " ..of the Government at the last general 3 election, will be well advised to do the same thine again. Both our gratitude for what has been _ done well, and our tolerance of : the inevitable mistakes, should be increased by a recognition of the arduous task which Mr Massey and his colleagues have had to face.

. Tho risk of a change of Government or : . of a period of unstable Government, seems to us one that it would be very !; ■ rash to take under, the conditions of depression, unrest; and uncertainty ! • which still afflict the world." ' Advices from Hurunui indicate that Mr Forbes will not have so large a majority as he had s at. l««t election. The Reform candidal is putting up a' J Tery good fight particularly. at the j "..northern end of the constituency. ' - Mr Bitchener is, regarded as quite ""'safe for his former seat ? and so is 'MA, Burnett, although it is recognised in this case the voting will be i C close. < 1 - . . . In Riccarton it is said to be very) difficult to predict the result with any certainty, though it is widely thought . „;that Mr Witty will be at the bottom , .'of the poll. I Reports also indicate that the lie-j candidate will win Lyttelton, in Bpite of the strong Labour support that * Mr McCombs will get from Lyttelton, j "Woolston, and Heathcote. The Chat- i liam Island vote, it is supposed, should ;ielp the Reform candidate., | Mr Field now regards liimselr as safe ;for Otaki, but the other Reform candi- , "date is certainly injuring his chance. 1 On "Wednesday night it will nrob>ably be found that Mr Massey's Party "will already have secured four seats in i-fche new Parliament—Mr K. S- Wili. and three Mnori members, to one Maori member of the. Opposition. ,

' ' Mfc WTLFORD'S CAMPAIGN. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAH.) WELLINGTON, December 4. i Mr T. M. Wilford, Leader of the " Liberal-Labour Party, returned to Wellington after a very active campaign in the Dominion. He left Ohakune at 4.30 on Saturday morning, having driven through trom Hastings by car, leaving at one o'clock in the morning ana driving -all night. He spoke at : Epuni on oatufday evening. ■ jlr Wilford 'saya he had a wonderful; trip/ with splendid receptions. Me addressed big meetings in Dunedin, > Christchurch, and Auckland, and was well received everywhere. "I am not.' ; going to boast what the result will be," j said -Mr Wilford. "No one can. predict ; that with certainty. But 1 never be- i ' lieved that there was Guch strength' and j for our side throughout the 1 Many _ resolutions were ' ».\te j ; PßSsed. that the time is ripe for a / in Government." 'J

Mr isrrr and mr Andrews.

THE P.P.A. INFLUENCE,

A LIVELY MEETING. Lively politics and interjections, swelling in magnitude to an uproar, were the feature of Mr L. M. Isitt's meeting at St. Luke's Hall, Manchester street, last night. In the introductory portion of his speech the candidate referred to the difference whi"h had occurred between himself and the candidate standing in the Beform interests, Mr E. H. Andrews. Mr Isitt stated that had he been a nervous man he should have been afraid to address them that night, because his opponent, Mr E. H. Andrews, had sent him a lawyer's letter demanding that he (Mr Isitt) must publicly apologise for the statements he had mado against Mr Andrews, and keep such apology advertised in the until the day of the elections. "Now," said the candidate, "were I eight years of age instead of 68, the bluff might go." As it was he was surprised that Mr Andrews should make such a futile request. The only statement made in regard to Mr Andrews was in an address when it had been alleged that Mr Archer had expressed his opinion that Mr Andrews was hi 3 most formidable opponent. The speaker stated that he had never consciously made a wrong statement about any man, and he would bo the first to apologise should he do so. "If Mr Andrews said he was not receiving help from the P.P.A. as an organisation, or from individual members, why should the papers state definitely that the P.P.A. was endorsing his candidature f" Then there was the question of monetary help from that body. The speaker stated that he should be only too pleased if that night a committee of those present was set up and agreed to pay the expenses of his candidature —advertise it or not as they pleased. _ Mr Andrews's allegations were simply childish, he continued. "My next great offence," said the speaker, "is Dy saying that Mr Andrews is not in any sense the Reform candidate. I did not say this, I said: 'Mr Andrews is not in any sense the Reform candidate.' " Mr Andrews,in a definite sense was not merely a candidate adopted by the P.P.A. He had been induced to a large extent to accept the candidature through the persuasion of the P.P.A. This body liad told Mr Andrews that it did not want a Socialist and a "Red-Fed." to stand in their interests.

A voice: Not a rail-sitter like you._ This was followed' by an uproar which, almost drowned the speaker's voice. Mr Isitt, however, later gained a hearing. Continuing, he said: These are the champions of free speech. Tey roths most contemptible cowards in the city. The same set follows mo round tho town wherever I go, and try to disturb my meetings by drowning my voice.

"When Mr Andrews was turned down by the Reform executive," said Mr Isitt, "then the P.P.A. representatives got to work and tried to net him to come forward. Some of their representatives had even gone to the Reform executive and had' delivered an ultimatum to the effect that if they did not endorse Sir Andrews's candidature the P.P.A. would send him forward Itself Thus it could be seen, continued Mr Isitt, that it wag idle to say Mr Andrews was not a P.P.A. representative. "If he thinks he can. terrorise me, he is mistaken. I am not a baby at the breast. In fact, I think I had better issue a writ against Mr Andrews." Mr Andrews had said that Mr Massey had taken up a. certnin stand against ham, said Mr Isitt." Mr Mi ssey had denied this statement,, and Mr Massey was a man of his word. He did not stoop to "slinp mud." Besides that, Mi 1 Frankly n, the speaker's chairman, was a. man of his word, and he had borne' out his (Mr Isitt's) statements. Mr Andrews had alleged that ho had discovered' leakages in the speaker's committee, and Mr Isitt was alleged to have eaid that he was afraid of Mr Andrews. He •was not afraid of Mr Andrews, whose statement was an absolute fabrication. Mr Andrews seemed to be an artist at whining, and he stated that he had been badly. treated by the Reform executive. Judging from his statements regarding th« manifesto and Mr Massey's declarations affecting it, Mr Andrew's assertions .seemed to be an absolute fabrication. Mr Massey did not descend to fling mud. Mr Andrews 1 was misunderstood, and was a. constantly aggrieved party. Tho speaker stated that he was waiting joyfully for the receipt of the writ threatened by Mr Andrews. A voice: You're a rail-sitter.

At the conclusion of the meeting the chairman (Mr W. E. Simes) read a question asking the candidate if he was relying on the P.P.A. vote. The candidate said ho would answer that question on the following night. However, he was urged to do so by a portion of the audience and he consented. .

"I am not relying on the' P.P.A. vote and it is most unlikely that 1 shall get it," he eaid. "I am a Protestant, but I stand for equal justioo for nil men. Whatever Mr Howard Elliott may say, I stand for equal justice to all men of all re'i ions, Mv quarrel with Mr Howard Elliott is noli that I- hold that every Protestant lias a riglit to lecture ou tho errors of Romo and every priest a ri"ht to n'-iti-cise Protestantism, but that a Protest? ant minister should fall to such an oxtent that he seizes on a moral lapse to vilify .an opponent. There have been moral lapses in every body and I consider that a man who stoops to take advantage of them is outside the pale. This is my quarrel with Howard Elliott."

At the conclusion of the meeting a member of the Chnstchurch Reform Executive moved a liearty vote of thanks to the speaker and confidence in him. The chairman called for a show of hands and the motion was declared carried by a large majority.

AVhen approached by a "Press" representative regarding the lnwyer's letter from Mr Andrews's solicitors. Mr Isitt produced the document, wliich stated that Mr Andrews l:ad consulted the writers in connexion with the allegedly untrue statements which Mr Isitt had been mnkine with reference to Mr Andrew's candidature, and the statement from Mr Isitt'6 circular asking why Mr Andrews was so jubilant when at last induced bv the promise? of the P.P A. to pay bis expenses he had determined to stand. It charged Mr Isitt with stating that Mr Andrews was in no sense the retires"ntative of the Reform party and again he had alleged that Mr Andrews was in the field because of P.Jf.A. influence.

ABSENT VOTERS' PERMITS.

MANY APPLICATIONS. An indication of the extent to which advantage is being taken of the provision for issuing absent voters' permits is given by the following figures giving the number of permits issued to dato to electors in the electorates mentioned: I Christchurch North ... 277 Christchurch South ... 187 ; Christchurch East ... 230 Avon 210 As applications are still being received in fairly large numbers these totals will be considerably augmented when polling daj arrives.

P.P.A. AND POLITICS.

| MR ELLIOTT AT KNOX CHURCH | SCHOOLROOM. Mr Howard Elliott, organiser of the t Protestant Political Association, addressed a crowded meeting in the Knox Church Hall last evening;. Long before the start of the meeting tho polioe were regulating the crowd's entrance to ensure that there would be no over-taxing of the accommodation. There was a large section of tho audience hostile to the speaker, and the meeting was stormy throughout. The Rev. J. Dickson occupied the chair. Before replying to Mr Isitt, the speaker said that he wanted to refer to the Press of Christchurch. By the Press, he meant ail tue newspapers in Christchurch. The attitude of the Press in Christchurch was diametrically opposed to the attitude of the paperb in other cities and towns. In Christchurch the papera absolutely ignored the meetings of the P.P.A., but "like true British sportsmen," they wrote leaders without giving the Association a chance to bo heard. One of the papers he characterised n» a "biu ter little rag, run by a bitter little man." No other paper h&d employed such tactics as that paper had. The P.P.A. movement had been started ji» the teeth of the opposition of all tho newspapers in New Zealand except one. Oiie of the Cluistchurch looming papers had stated in its leauer tnat the Association did not have the power it seemed to have. The editor was not sure and some of the other papers in New Zealand were not sure either, and they were du& for a surprise after next Thursday. The Association was going to have a considerable say in the Christchurqh North electorate. (Applause.) He would say no more on that subject, except to refer to Mr Macartney's letter in that evening's papers. (Loud cheers. A voice: He's a gentleman!) Mr ElLott: lie writes like a coward. Voices: He went to the war! Continuing, the speaker said that Mr Macartney had probably misunderstood the position. The P.P.A. never consulted the candidates. (A voico: "It insults them.") It was the job of the P.P.A. to select the candidates who would best serve the interests of tho P.P.A. party. The party had considered Mr Macartney a better candidate than Mr McCombs (dissent). Mr Mac* artney was quite at liberty to refuse tho help of th(» P.P.A. m tho Lyttelton electorate, but he knew that there were 6onie electors in Lyttelton constituency who. would be quite happy to strike out the names of both candi- ! dates. That was tho way to treat them. Chrlstchnrcli North. Referring to Mr L.,31. Isitt's candidature for the Chr/stchurch North 'electorate, the speaker said that he understood that the Rev. J. Diek3on and himself ware said to be the real .-nominators and champions of Mr Andrews. In that morning's papers Mr Isitt had stated that he (Mr Elliott) was Mr Andrews's real nominator. Mr Andrews was asked in 1919 to contest the seat, but he was approached by Mr Franklin, chairman of Mr Isitt's committee, and asked to stand down, Mr Franklin promising that Mr Isitt would not stand at the following election. Mr Isitt had determined to stand again. The Reform Committee had decided to contest every seat in Christchurch, and Mr Andrews was amongst the candidates selected for nomination. It was all right until the whisper of intrigue got about, and then, through the influence of Mr Acland with Mr Massey, tho speaker contended, it had been agreed to give the Reform backing to Mr Isitt. The P.P.A. did not stand for that kind of thing, and would fight it every time. No group had any right, to say that a man should be excluded. When that whisper about Mr Andrews was heard there was a meeting of a little coterie of the Reform Committee, ■frhich formally decided to withdraw the Reform endorsement of Mr Andrews. Only a little group had been operating in the matter, and that group was led by Mr Acland. The speaker said that a little group of newspaper men was trying to run things in this city and keep everything else off the earth. As a result of a conference the speaker had had with the P.P.A. officials in this city, it had been decided that if Mr Andrews did not stand they "would get another man to stand and pay his expenses. Mr Andrews had not received any financial support from the P.P.A., and it was an absolute lie to say that the P.P.A'. was paying his expenses. The speaker was the champion of Mr Andrews because the latter stood four square, and the speaker would in preference to any man who was a twister. After referring, to the petition signed in the electorate asking Mr Andrews to stand, tho speaker said that the electors, by voting for Mr Isitt, would open tho way for the Labour candidate.

A New Allegation. "I had a message over the 'phone to-night," continued Mr Elliott. "It was this: Mr Isitt placed himself in the hands of the Beform Committee last Friday, and offered to retire from the contest." (Incredulous "Ohs!") "There was a meeting of tho Reform Committee this afternoon, and it was decided that the committee could not go back on its compact." (Interruption.) Mr C. P. Agar (from the audience): That is not so. Mr Elliott: It is. Mr Agar: No. I was there, and I say it's a damned lie! (Loud cheers, and continued uproar.) Mr W. Machin (who came before the platform from the auditorium): I was there also, and I should like to say also that it is a lie. Mr Elliott: Will you say that there is no truth in tho statement that Mr Isitt placed himself in the hands of the Reform Committee? Mr Agar: I am not here to answer questions, but give me a quarter of an hour on the platform. (Loud cheers.) Mr Elliott: These gentlemen here won't deny it. Another voice: Give him (Mr Agar) a chance to explain. It won't take a minute. Mr Elliott: I don't know this gentleman Mr Agar (and many others): Excouncillor Agar! Mr Elliott: That is the gentleman who wanted to be nominated for the seat. Mr Agar (distinctly): I was offered nomination and refused!

There was further interruption, and cries could be heard of "Tasmania." Mr Elliott said that nobody in the world could Bay anything against his character. A'voice: Did you go to the war? A Challenge Another voice: Will yon accept a written statement from Mr Isitt? Mr Elliott: How can you get itt The voice: That's all right. I can see him, and get it in ten minutes. (Wild applause.) Amidst the babel of many voices, Mr Elliott was heard to say that Mr Isitt would have a meeting the following night. "Let them explain if they can what transpired at the Reform Committee meeting to-day from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m." Referring to recent utterances made fry Mr Isitt, the speaker said that Mr Isitt had been .given an opportunity of a'pologising in the papers daily till Thursday, otherwise he would be faced with an action which would make him liable for a fine of £SO or three months' imprison-

ment. Mr Elliott went on to say that Mr Isitt received the backing of tlio Roman Catholics, and thenceforward he launched into a speech directed against the Church of Bome. Interruptions were frequent, and at times the audience howled the speaker down.

The statement that Mr Isitt voted for the measure exempting the Harist Brothers from military service was greeted with applause. Mr Isitt wanted to hold the vote of the Catholics, continued the speaker. A voice: He represents all classes, not only one class.

After Mr Elliott had again been drawn into an argument by interjectors, resulting in the ejection of one of their number, the Eev. W. Beady rose in the audience and said that, in fairness to some of those who were interjecting, they were just as much Protestants as Mr Elliott was. (Loud applause.) "They are looking upon this as a political meeting," said Mr Ready. "When Mr Massey made his speech the other night, he replied to the interjections, and treated the interjectors courteously, and had no ono put out." (Applause.)

Mr Agax Ejected. At this stage Mr Agar rose in his seat, holding a paper in his hand. There was an immediate uproar, some cheering, and others crying "Sit down." Half the audience rose to its feet, and pandemonium reigned. A constable came down tho aislo and bustled Mr Agar out of the hall. The gentleman who had offered to obtain a statement from Mr Isitt then rose in his seat, also holding a paper aloft, and said: "May I speak?" The rest of his remarks were lost in uproar, and Mr Elliott, as soon as quiet was restored, continued with, his speech, criticising Mr Isitt for voting in favour of tho Matrimonial Causes Amendment Act. While professing to stand for the Protestant Mr Isitt had stood for special concessions to the Eoman Catholic Church. Mr Isitt had a right to exercise his vote any way he chose, but the electors had a perfect right to disagree with Mr Isitt on these matters.

More questions were fired at the speaker regarding th'e P.P.A. policy, and the word Christianity was frequently heard. A voice: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself—how's that for Christianity? Voico from outside a window: You're a lovely Christian. Continuing, Mr Elliott said that Mr Isitt would realise that ho had made a mistake, and if ever he came back to public life he would know that he had to give the Protestants a square deal. In his peroration, Mr Elliott said that when the new Parliament was elected the P.P.A would have the satisfaction of knowing that it had done something for the Empire, and for the principles handed down to the present generation. "When you do that you will realise that you have dona your duty to your flag and religion." Mr Elliott resumed his seat amidst applause and hoots.

Mr Elliott WitMtaws. When question time came, the interjector who had offered to obtain a statement from Mr Isitt (regarding the assertion that he had placed himself in the hands of the Reform Committee) rose and asked would Mr Elliott repeat what he had said .earlier in tho evening regarding Mr Isitt. Mr Elliott: Repeat it? Why?

The interjector: Because, sir, you are a shuffler. (Cheers and shouts of disapproval.) Mr Elliott attempted to deal with the questioner by referring to him as "This boy " but he was unablo to proceed on account of the ironical laughter. Tho interjector then said: "I have Mr Isitt's written statement here. He gives Mr Elliott's assertion an unqualified denial, and wants to know who made Mr Elliott his catechist." The reading of this statement was greeted with prolonged cheering, and during the tumult the Rev. W. Ready approached tho platform and spoke to Mr Elliott.

Mr Elliott said that he and the Kev. Mr Eeady had known each other for a long time. Mr Beady had told him that he had seen Mr Isitt'a signature on the paper on which the statement just read, was written. "I accept Mr Isitt's signature," said Mr Elliott. "I have been misinformed. My informer was a gentleman whoso word I had every reason to believe. If I havo been mistaken —(interruption)—I have done Mr Isitt an injustice, and I withdraw." (Applause.) Replying to a written question, the speaker said that the P.P.A. was in no way connected with the Massey party. The P.P.A. was not held by ono string by any party. After the closure had been applied, three rousing cheers were given for Mr Isitt by a large section of the audience. On tho call for cheers for Mr Elliott there was a good response, intermingled with booing. The whole audience stood while a verse of the National Anthem was played, . and the meeting then terminated.

THE DUNEDIN SEATS. (SFXCIAI TO " THE DUNEDIN, December 4. Tho election campaign, in Dunedin continues to proceed quietly. The candidates all through havo had very orderly meetings. The electors, generally speaking, seem to have their minds made up and when the results are declared it will be surprising if the four sitting members —Mr J. W. iVliinro (Dunedin North), the.Hon. W. Downie Stewart (Dunedin West), Mr C. E. Statham (Dunedin Central), and Mr T. K. Sidey (Dunedin South)—are not returned. The only contests that are creating any interest worth speaking of are Dunedin West and Dunedin Central. CHBISTCHURCH SOUTH. Mr H. C. Lane, Reform candidate, addressed a large meeting oi electors in tlie Jellicoo iiall last evening. Mr U. iNairn presided. Numerous questions were answered and a hearty votJ of thanks was accorded to the candidate who received a very attentive hearing during tho whoie ot Ms addr ss. Mr H. G. Ell addressed large attendances and received gooa Insuring., at each ot his four meetings last evening. The meetings were held at P. and D. Duncan's, Ltd., the, corner ci Leach street and Strickland 6treet, the corner of Coronation st.e t . n .-> wyn street, and at the Addington band rotunda.

Mr E. J. Howard addressed two meetings last evening, the first at the coiner of Dudley street and the second at tho corner of Strickland street and Crescent road. Hotli meetings "were well attended and at each a vote of confidence was carried unanimously. CHRISTCHURCH NORTH. Mrs W. H. Clark gave a drawingroom meeting in her homo r.t 100 B alev avenuo to a very large gathering of ladies yesterday'. Mrs <Jmrk took .ho chair and Mr L. M. Is.tt spoke on questions affecting. Mrs Hay proposed and Miss Tab art seconded, a vote oi taunts to the speaker, both expr=ssing their earnest hope that Mr Isifct would be the member for Christc-hir -!i' -North for many years to come. The vote was carried unanimously. r n-' V'i Ar, r Lflhour candidate for Cimstehurch .North, addressed a crowded mt*tm ? last evening j n the Rugby street schoolroom. Mr Hiram Hunter occupied the chair. The candia Yimous vote of thanks and confidence.

RICCARTON.

MB E. S. S. KYLE'S CANDIDATURE. 5Tr H. S. S. Kyle, the Reform candidate for the Riccarton seat, addressed a meeting of the electors last night in the Papanui Church Schoolroom. Sir R. W. Hawke, chairman of the Waimairi County Council, presided over a good attendance. The candidate, who was received with applause, said that the electors had to face the question of whether they were going to return a strong Government to power or whether they wouid put the Liberals there —a disgruntled, disintegrated party, who hoped to achieve their purposo of ousting the Massey Government with the heip of the extreme Labour Party. Mr Kyle asked the electors to remember what had occurred in Australia. The Labour Party in New South Wales had attained power, but had made a dismal failure of things. There was ths case, too, of Mr Theodore, the Labour Premier of Queensland, who was unable to do any good when ho went, to London for a loan, his failure standing out the more prominently when compared with the success attained in a similar connexion by the Victorian Prime Minister. Tho Labour Party would not be a whit more successful if it attained power in the Dominion.

Mr Kyle praised the Government's educational policy, and advocated an extension of the physical culture system, which would, he maintained, go a long way towards building up .greater strength among the young people. During its term of office the Reform Party had increased old age pensions from 10s _to 15s weekly, widows' pensions had been increased from £l9" 10s per annum to £39. A widow in the days of the Liberal Party's occupancy of the Treasury benches received only £l9 10s per annum for the support of four children; to-day tho figure was £l9 10s for each child. The Reformers had also done splendid work with regard to war, police and miners' pensio s.

Mr Kyle defended the Government's treatment of returned soldiers'. Its repatriation policy had been so successful that on July 20th last no fewer than 28.033 ex-soHiers had been benefited. At that time a list of unemployed ex-soldiers for the four centres contained only 278 names. This was a small proportion of those who had returned and, considering the difficulties of repatriating partially incapacitated men, it was a fine record. No fewer than 7468 partially disab'cd men had been trained in suitable vocations at a cost of £55 for each man!

The Government had been subjected to adverse criticisms on the matter of its'immigration policy. During the period of 1919-21 the number of immigrants who arrived in the Dominion was 17 000. ' The number of men lost by the Dominion at Gallipoli and other battlefields was also about 17,000. The Government bad statistics compiled of the number of men emoloved in factories. It was then found that there were 12 000 ghort. OF the immigrants who bad oome into the Dominion, onethird were men and two-thirds women and children. So when they aconsed the Government of flooding the labour market of the country, the Oonositionists omitted to divido the immigrants into men, women, and children. It would be seen that so far immigration had only replaced one-third of the men killed in tW war. Immigration was now being conducted on the nominative system; that was a man was not sent out of Britain until he was nominated by someone in the Dominion, and vvas able to be given employment and housing accommodation upon his arrival. Touching on the housing question, the candidate stated that it had been left to tlio Government to carry on itio work of the Seddon Administration in this connexion, and that the work had had done well was proved by the fact that in three years 110 fewer than 10,000 houses had been erected. No other Government had ever exceeded auch a record or had even got near it. Mr Kyle went on to speak of State banks and proportional representation, both of which, he said, had been tried in Australia. However, he did not think that anyone could say that despite this there was better legislation there than here.

Tho Government's action in setting up boards to look into the position of soldier settlers showed that it was determined to treat those men fairly and squareb, nna giva mem assistance should such, bfc necessary Mr Kyle defended the action of tho Government in importing coal to keep the railways and freezing companies working. Had there been a shortage, he said, thousands of carcases of moat would have rotted and been dumped into the sea.

Mi Kylo said that he had been referred to by the "Lyttelton Times'' as a "horse doctor," while Mr Witty had been described as a practical farmefr, and therefore the right man to represent such a constituency as lliccarton. Tho Gpeaker would like to make it clear that he had had a farm in New Zealand fni- sixteen years, and prior to that had been farming in Australia. Durnig those sixteen years the speaker had also been a Government servant, and because he was in such a position had received several raps over the knuckles for owning a farm. He claimed, however, that it was better for him to have spent his earnings in such a manner than to have spent them in drinking and gambling. He was proud to Be a farmer and a qualified veterin arian. Veterinary surgery was one of the greatest of sciences, and was of thei utmost value to agriculture. To was because the Government thought his services would be of value to the agricultural community that he was imported into the Dominion, even although the "Lyttelton Times'' preferred to call him a horse doctor instead of a veterinary surgeon. He had followed agriculture all his life, was a member of the General Committee) of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and was acknowledged as a judge of stock, both in sSbiith and tho North Tslancjs. With regard to Mr Witty, he understood that <rentleman had not been on a farm for about twelve years. So far, tho sneaker had. refrained from. hickprin7 but the "7,vft"Hon Times 1 ' had started the ball rolling. Twenty years ago the Hon. W. Rolleston had been defeated T>v Tvr r f! "*V ■Russell by one vote. Mr Kyle hoped that the electors would remember this and not adopt an arathetio attitude on polling day. Let them register their vote, and win the s °at ban] c f 0 the partv which was the successor to that to wlnVh Mr Pollestni had Mr Wittv, continued the speaker, had voted with the Onnosition against the Government ■on 4« occasions, vet he had made one of {he nine, under the leadership of Mr Holland, on more than one occasion during the life of tho last Parliament. Yet he acclaim ed Mr Massev the stron;re-=f mnn In the House to-day. Tn Vl> * of ™ fmns, Mr Kvle .°=l.-ed where did 7\Tr Wittv stand? "I feel sure tFw, T am "oiiip to he your n'mW f„ r tt lcy three venr S . '> paid Mr Rvte i„ Pono i„. ='on. *'j>nd T enn nrornise you th«f. hoinc the CPFO T v'll rln m-p Vst f or PW-rtrm ami for the whole of the D->TvmniTi." (Apnlause.) ■ Mr Kvl* snheAnnently answered i nnmher of oueslions. at the ennnfosion of he was accorded, a vote of thanks.

Treat a cough or cold by the modern penetrating method of "NAZOL." Not a mixture or syrup. Eeady for in- ' at an t use. J -

P.P.A. SUPPORT.

CANDIDATES' STATEMENTS. When asked if Eg had anything to say regarding the endorsement of his candidature by the P.P.A., Mr Andrews said: —I prefer to say nothing beyond the fact that any body or body of persons has the right to endorse a candidate without reference to the candidate. Other societies and clubs have endorsed me as the candidate whom they prefer to support. I can only repeat that I am not in any sonse of tho word a sectarian candidate. 1 am btaiKuag straight out as a iietornier, and auvocating lair play to all parties, mespectne or cicvu. I snail be dea&nteOj ami i expect to receive, tne votes ot aJI wlio Jionesuy aesire tne present Government to be returned to power at tnis election. ALr VV. K. Devereux, the Reform candidate for tho Cliristehurch li«st electorate,' when questioned regarding ttie endorsement of his candidature by the P.P.A., stated that he did not object to that body's action in the least, and he would be more than pleased if the Hibernian Society, too, saw lit to follow suit. Quite a number of those interested in the Labour movement had assured him of their support, and ho would bo glad if the Labour unions themselves would endorse his candidature.

Mr H. C. Lane was unwilling to make any statement. Mr R. Maea/tney's reply is contained in the letter to the Editor which appears in another column. Mr H. S. S. Kyle, the Government candidate for the Riccarton seat, was asked at his meeting at Papanui last night if he had been nominated by the P.P.A. His answer was that ho had not been nominated by that 'body. Until he had read the newspapers that morning he had no idea "that the P.P.A. was backing Reformers or body else. As for tho Rev. Howard Elliott, the speaker would not knowthat gentleman if he came before him that minute. The speaker was of the opinion that the P.P.A. by backing members of the Reform Party thought th"t it was barking winners. Mr Divid Jones stated vesterdov that he had had no whatever from the Rev. Howard Elliott, or the P.P.A., and had nothing to say on the matter.

MR MACARTNEY'S POSITION. TO THE EDITOR 07 " THE FBESB." Sir,—-In the "Lyttelton Times" of to-day, I find that the sectarian agitator Mr Howard Elliott has seen fit to placo my name along with others whom he recommends the electors to support. I would liko to let this individual know that if I had to depend upon the support he could get by his unscrupulous methods I would not be a candidate for Parliament.

I will never bo a party to this kind of political campaigning, and I believe that the electors of juyttelton who know me will not need any reassurance as to my position on the religions questions.

I regard Mr Howard Elliott as a danger to the community.—Yours, etc., ROBERT MACARTNEY. December 4th.

The positions of the candidates for Ghristcnurch North from the P.P.A. point ol : view were dealt with by the Rev. Howard Eliiott at his meeting at the Choral Hall on Saturday night. The attitude of the Itoman Catholics iu tho Te Temere decree, he said, had shown that Rome was not a friendly po>vor. Yet Christchurch had a representative in Parliament; Mr Isitt, who had pleaded with the Prime Minister not to do anything to upset the Roman Catholics. The Protestants of Christchurch were driving Mr out of political life because he had proved a traitor to them, and it would not bo left to the Reform Party executive to dicate to the electors or attempt to foist a man like Mr Isitt on them. Tf the Protestants of Christchurch North would vote solidly for Mr Andrews, Mr Isitt would be "def l " and Mr Archer would be "out." The Reform committee had decidod to go for Mr Isitt and to drop Mr Andrews as soon ns they heard that tho Roman Catholic vote would be behind Mr Isitt.

AVON". Despite tho wintry conditions, there was a large attendance of the public to hear Lieut.-Col. A. E. Loach, the Government candidate, at the Surf Olub pavilion, North Beach, on Saturday night. Tho candidate gave an address on the lines of his previous speeches, and was a n wded a vorv attentive hearing. Questions were asked and answered, after which a vote of thanks and confidence was passed with only one dissentient.

MR BUDDO'S MIS-STATEMENTS.

TO THE EDITOR OF "THE PRESS." Sir, —Please allow me .a little space to draw the attention of the Kaiapoi electors to the mis-statements made by Mr Buddo in the course of his campaign.

At West Evreton on Saturday, November 25th, he said that Mr Massoy had failed to fulfil his promise to relieve small farmers of land-tax on their mortgages. I challenged the truth of this statement, and a neigh bour quoted his own land-tax assessment figures in which was given a considerable exemption on account of his mortgages. But, in spite of this, Mr Buddo persisted he was right. At Swannanoa, on Saturday evening last, Mr Buddo again made the statement-, and a young farmer challenged his truthfulness, offering to show his own assessment papers and letters from the Commissioner of Taxes. These Mr Buddo refused to look at, declaring again that he was right. I then challenged Mr Buddo to prove his statement, but lie neither accepted the challenge nor said another word in reply. This is the sort of argument with which Mr Buddo hopes to_ displace a tried and trusted friend or small farmers, Mr Jones. Surely Kaiapoi electors will have no more of him. Yours, etc., J. E. HORRELL, Horrelville:December 4th.

THE AVON ELECTORATE. TO THE EDITOR OF "THE PRESS " Sir, —A very general reply received by canvassers for the various candidates for the Avon seat lias been, "Oil, I am going to hear all the candidates before deciding as to whom I shall support." The "Day" is rapidly approaching, and those who hare heard "all the candidates" must by this time be so bewildered by the pros, and cons, set before them concerning the virtues or crimes of the present Government as to be unable to derive much benefit from their conscientious attendance at political meetings. Two points however have been fairly demonstrated- (1) That we have been fortunate in'having a strong Government in power during the past years; (-) the necessity of keeping the same men in power in order to carry on the work of re-establishing the prosperity of the Dominion. This can only bo dona by loyal support of the lletorm can-

didate, and it is necessary for u 3 ( 0 wake up to the fact that three out of the four candidates standing for Avon are not to be relied on to support Mr Massev as against Mr Holland. It ; s true that Mr Kussell has printed \ disclaimer against an allegation that lie would support Mr Holland on a noconfidence motion, but as there were people present at his meeting, including somo of his own supporters, who affirm that he did make the statement attributed to him, it is only charitable to suppose that he said more than he intended, or remembers. Mr Sullivan of course, is an ardent supporter of Mr Holland, and his appeal or manifesto to the electors is an exaggerated denunciation of the Massey Government, whose "wicked legislation" ho so desperately fought while some Liberals actually "voted with the Government," while "others ran out of tho House" and (incidentally), from Mr Holland, whoso cause he espouses. From his own showing wo can only regard him as one of those who stand for the interests of a section of tho poople and not for the general interests of the Dominion.

Then we have Mrs Herbert, a ladv candidate who, it is understood, will support Mr Massey against Mr Holland in tho event of a no-eonfidonce motion being moved by the latter. But apparently this does not cover a similar motion if moved by Mr Wilford and supported l>y the Labour Party, and then there is that "Much as I "should dislike doing so" reported hi her speech when speaking of supporting Mr Massey. Taking the above cireumfi.-.nces into consideration it will bo necessary for all who wish to retain a stable Government to vote for the Reform candidate. —Yours, etc., "W. MILES. New Brighton, December 4th, 1922,

INVERCARGILI, SEAT. A BITTER CONTEST. (press association telegram.) INVERCARGILL, December 4. The usual placid and uninterrupted harmony of election campaigns in Invercargill has been, violently upeet by happenings in connexion with the present contest. The seat for many years has been looked on as tlio special perquisite of the Hon. J. A. Hanan, who lor 20 years or thereabouts has completely vanquished the challengers of his right to represent the burgesses of this city. The strong Liberal leanings in this iocality have somewhat wavered since tho disruption of the Liberals under Sir Joseph Ward, and tendencies in the direction of lleform have been very marked recently, leading to the selection of a 'Massey candidate to contest tho seat this election. The intrusion of Mr Armstead (Reform) has had the effect of endangering Mr Hanan's chances by alienating a number of voters who on former occasions liad no alternative but to support him in opposition to the Labour"candidate. The supporters of Mr Hanan, it is alleged, anticipating; the danger of his defeat, infused a surplus amount of keeness into tho contest that is reported to be likely to lead some of them into Court for defamation of character. ~lt is said that lady supporters on Mr Hanan's committee, not satisfied with attacking Mr Armslead's political principles, went further and made grave and serious charges against the moral character of Mr Armstead. In a statement to the newspapers, Mr Armstead says a whispering campaign against his morals is being industriously circulated. He has run couple of rumours to earth and supplies refuting evidence. He has now handed the names of the originators of the rumours to his solicitor, and says emphaticnllv that ho can trace these to niem' ers of Mr Hanan's committee. Tonight at tho malting of the Hon. W. Nosworthy, Mr Armstead delivered a speech and lend two apo'ouies from members of Mr Hanan's ladies' committee admitting unreservedly tho unfounded nature of tho reports circulated and apologising. Further it is stated that one lady hid supplied the names of those present at tho meeting at which Mr Armstead's character had been discussed and the allegations made. The announcement was received with vociferous applause.

HON. W. NOSWORTHY AT INVERCARGILL.

(press association telegram.) INVERGAIIGILL, December 4. Tho Hon. W. Nosworthy spoke before a large meeting to-night, devoting a great deal of time to a' criticism of tho Liberal Party, quoting from the 1919'' manifesto, and from statements made by the party to-day, to Bhow that, in spite of criticism on the question of reduced borrowing, their programme would result in an increase of debt greater than under the Massoy Government. He Baid that, in 1919, the Liberals had urged a decrease in taxation, and yet Messrß Wilford and Forbes in tho House a year later toll the Government to pile on the taxation, as tho country could stand 't. He said that at the time the Liberals had no vision, and were unable to boo what was before the country. _ He also said that in the Liberal manifesto for this campaign reference was made i.f> past leaders —Grey, Ballance, and Seddon—but no mention was made of Sir Joseph Ward, who had done such fine service for the country during the war and as Leader of the party. In Auckland, when it was suggested that Sir Joseph Ward would contest either Invercargill or Wellington, Mr Wilford said to an interjector, "If he contests a scat we will not shriek." It was not until Sir Joseph Ward had announced he would not stand that Mr Wilford began to eulogise his lato Leader.

The Minister dealt at length with the public debt and soldier settlement, contending that the Government record was misrepresented by the Liberal critics, and that, in spite of everything it was sticking to the soldiers and seeing them through their troubles. _He contended that the Government policy of retrenchment was boldly carried out, and expressed a hope that, with tho return of prosperity, no more retrenchment would be necessary After this financial year. He explained tho Meat Pool, and said this was an instalment of legislation for tho complete organisation of the primary producers of this country, a movement which would reflect its achievements through the whole life of the Dominion. In con ' elusion he argued that there was only room for two parties in New Zealand, and said that after this election tho line of demarcation would be drawn between Reform and the Red Flnggers. A vote of thanks and confidence in the Massey Government was carried.

CHRISTCHTJRCH EAST. Dr. Thaeker, Liberal-Labour candidate for Christchurch East, addressed a meeting of about 500 electors at the corner of Wilson's road and Shakespeare street last evening, and received a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence. Mr H. T. Armstrong addressed a meeting at the corner of Charles and Grafton streets last evening, find also at tho corner of Fisher and Norwood etieetis. jli R, Seniple also spoke. A vote of thanks and conlideiico «' aS unanimously carried at both places.

CAMp Aiorjj|jß

u? 11>eriod ih^L k *««w Zealand ''is Party's lead/ Minister for t^* r SUl «!: 151 -Ce ia \^ f^tss&tSsß kow » ""Sw^gJiß rTpos^rfx speaking at Mr f ° U °; M it ought to bo » n to tho average "J| I b y <\ raau w h 0 i 3 aa j cn ticism as he i s 0 f A W !»3 a robust honwti t. MIK [ that will surely win | m the policy and : Government the H O nW» fnv° nt ' % *• for .Dliti^i 7 jglSiM f ves to 1)0 kicked SI v ery essence of « ,♦-;; NS and it is a (virtue tW $ 'y bo discarded. Dodging a Division. H At one of his meeting, l(* f ' f Hl . ne ' Refor »oafito J ford asked what ent, Mr Masters', if it could bo prored Ist easting t, Yot» in tho Hum. ™ 21st, 1922, Mr MaskS* record a vote on a n JJSM| tion mo\>fcd bj ,Mr HolkTlß A voice: He was at &■ tordi at the time, Mr Hine: You've got » ttlß If reference was mad« tntuH few pages back from would be found that Air flyHi tion HOUS ° Md Refuge of Malcontents. K Proportional, breeding ground for 'all l«ti<fl| eal parties," said ill OtahjjH zie, Reform candidal East, in reply to a q«ili|9| minority representation. °gßj retugij tot ciittikk aiul tu!cu»fß| for every man who haa ful in respect of rank. I think that representation vre should hqjgK Voico: Wo l)ave that sot /|B "It would Ip greatly think, b) proportional replied the candidate, it eliminated indmduilialjiß and reduced ticket. Mr J. Doolej, New South Wales, htdtiiwHß al representation ftMropiffiMj not a single thiog#it/.i|gH Lawyers in the "Mr Macphersow^lipSß that there aro too tho Government," said Lee, at Waitaki South. "Ti£kM not seem to me to-6a n wisl(Ufl| for my opponent to make; It |H self supporting a lawyer to Minister of tliis ctontry. Mflß ter of fact there are mors MS the Opposition side of thtjjH seven altogether., There aH| nine of tho RefoftjHj and. in the Party there are H|M| You must have some Houso, and whether there or not, I do not know, MUSH right to claim for wy lawyer they sent to PstpJMMB not pretend to be n have qualified himself business he chose to the absenco in' England of WM 8011, I havo boen AMißg-AttfM oral and that is the liignwt the Bar of New Zealand. «.»■ to have a competent lawyer competent anything else. ;yJH Agricultural Scienw. JH Practical and scientific in agriculture with a vwMM ing land settlement wa> Clutha Mackenzie at a week. It was essential, l«)J| tako practical steps toward»sM the extremely unsound eMMfIM gestion of tho Domunoai\H« in the cities and towns. cent, of the people were try. That was a sorioui true prosperity, only by increased productlM « tifie lines. He was not pressed by tho proposa ,»« i chair of agricalture tjio necessity for tho tion of tho youth of tne J farms under proper supew« expert instructors. Itjnmm economical, be cW»4««f S Zealandcrs .abroad to tie M ed agricultural uniyemtieMM e-pci't knowledge of the ,JM methods of scientific pomM the soil; and thus serve\ PM structors of tho jouth o ■» Japanese Coal. At the close of V» Umutoi, the Hon. »• »• £M asked to explain a statemaM Mr Cobbe, Opposite the effect that the imported a large Japan at over £6 per arrival it was f®"» d A, qU «[ nite of such an "^ er f it could not be JH Department > P ur P t rii jf jfl buried so as to g Guthrie gave the s pha ti c J c uMM to the dl . fficu ,'y countrf, »JH supplies ni tfci o#l , o aJ»® necessary to imp® rai ]#»f« the possibility . evea' being affect The J dustrial 6tn k - broW7 i bg&JM nese fuel w« leged. but a higj> eit %B although n°t w jjgH was quite sui b efo the The statement )at jy/ij« to be , e o bj«K* was cd /ile in ing an advantag { , utbr){ > <?■ tica-i cont f'' i7 edw t h««SM Tk