THAMES BY-ELECTION.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXV, Issue 2126, 29 January 1909, Page 3

THAMES BY-ELECTION.

Ihe candidates for the Thames seat are actively conducting the election campaign. Mr T. W. Rhodes, speaking at Coromaandel, declared himself a supporter of the Liberal partv, but a freeholder. He referred to the benefits conferred upon the people of the Dominion by the measures introduced by the present Government. While admitting that mistakes had been made, ho contended that they had accomplished the greatest good for the greatest number, and had done much to ameliorate the conditions of the workers throughout the Dominion. In dealing with the land question, Mr Rhodes expressed himself as a freeholder with limitation to prevent aggregation of estates. He considered the optional system of tenure was-fair, as it enabled anyone to acquire land under conditions most suited to their circumstances. He was in favor of elective land boards, and of the settlement of native lands by individualisation, and of allowing the owners to do the same as Europeans. In regard to mining, he stated that much had been done, but more required attention. He considered it was the industry above all others that should be fostered in the interests of the Dominion, as when mining was flourishing every other industry prospered. Speaking at Thames, Mr Rhodes said he thought that the present system of assisted immigration should be abolished, as it merely glutted the labor market. He approved of the present system of free and undenominational education. The functions of the schools of mines should also be extended in the direction of technical education. He favored the extension of scholarships, and said that the lot of the teachers should be made more stable. Ho also favored an improvement on the conditions under which volunteering is now carried on.