THE ELECTIONS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 330, 17 October 1908, Page 6

THE ELECTIONS.

NEWS AND NOTES.

DATE OF ELECTIONS. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17. The date of the elections has been fixedfor Tuesday, November 17. CANDIDATES AND THEIR SPEECHES. "The Second Ballot Bill is the subterfuge of the politician, rather than the reform of tho statesman," -,said Mr. Byron Brown at Shannon' on Thursday night. "Tho people havo never asked for it, and no one thought of it, except Sir Joseph Ward, when lie found that Labour had had enough of him, and were goirtg'to put up candidates to win seats off their own bat. Sir Joseph at once saw that Labour could do this in our larger towns aud cities by slipping in between the Opposition and Government candidates, and so the Second Ballot came along to defeat Labour's chance of any representation whatever. So much for the l'remcir's sincerity to the Labour party." "We Want a Change." The Auckland "Observer," which has in the past given general support to the Government, is now of opinion that "we want a change." It states:—"We havo witnessed an unprecedented attack upon the constitutional privilege of freedom of speech, planned by a Government calling itself Liberal, and aided and abetted by a spineless following that had been elected on a popular franchise, and that claimed to represent the and protect its rights. We do not question' tho soundness of Sir Joseph Ward's Liberal principles. But wo do say, and that advisedly, that some of the colleagues with whom he has associated himself in the Cabinet are as thoroughly conservative and opposed to a due recognition of the rights of the people as any set' of class extremists that were ever in power in New Zealand. Let us take, for example, much of -the social legislation that has been proposed during the last two years. Its .general tendency has been to place intolerable restraints upon the as well as the press, until the expression is becoming a common one that life under such restricted conditions is not worth living." An Original Thinker. In the contest amongst the Ministerial candidates for supremacy in the matter of holding astonishing views, Mr. Shackelford, who is opposing Mr. Bollard in the Eden electorate, has made a splendid beginning. "Some people," he said the other night, "had asked him why he camo out as a Government supporter. From all he could seo there was one man they didn't know what to do with, and that was tho 'Independent.' He was a supporter of the present Government, and of its general policy, and if he were elected ho would support the Government, and, in this instance, he had the honour of being supported by tho Government. He did. not believe in a half-way house, \ for he had never met a man who really did not know on which side his feelings were.., , Some people said a • strong Opposition was wanted. It was a new thing in politics to_ learn' that any great work could be carried out by opposition. There'was such a thing as trying to amend to such an extent that they hardly knew where they were" I . , Mr. Bedford and Dunedln North. Mr. H. D. Bedford publishes two of his several reasons for not standing for Dunedin North. Firstly, he is a member of a young firm and the business needs looking after. Secondly, to give Mr. Bedford's exact words, "I was approached officially by the No-License party and asked to consider the question of whether my candidature for North Dunedin would not prejudice the No-License vote in tho city. It was urged that I was closely associated with the No-License party, that Mr. Barclay was one of the most popular Labour mon in tho Dominion at the present time, and that the Labour Party were very friendly to NoLicense. as evidenced by the attitude of a number of unions aud the recent resolutions of the Socialist party. It was represented to me that my candidature under those might be regarded as showing some hostility on the part of the NoLicense party to organised labour, whereas that party, were absolutely colourless so far as general politics were concerned. It was feared, however, that a number of the supporters of the Labour candidate would misconstrue my candidature, to tho detriment of No-License. After' weighing these matters, and considering other reasons, I have decided not to enter the arena this time." Unionism. ' He was in favour of any section of the community, banding themselves together as a union for the purpose of discussing matters of interest in their _ various callings, and having their disabilities • removed, but ho was strongly opposed to that form of unionism which led us to got at each others' throats and try and strangle each other. — Mr. Allen Bell at -Raglan. Mr. J. Allen at Milton. Mr. Jas. Allen was well received at Milton on Thursday night. Not a voice was raised against him. He made no reference to Socialism, and said very little about Labour. He did not attack the Ward Government except to deploro its lack of policy. The general opinion seems to be that Milton will support Mr. Allen at the approaching election. The Parnell Contest. There appears to bo a reasonable prospect of the fight for the Parnell seat turning out. to be' just as exciting as that for Grey Lynn, where Mr. Oliver Nicholson is opposing.the Hon. Geo. Fowlds. Mr. Moss hopes to secure tho temperanco and "NoLicense" vote. Thero arc somewhat persistent rumours that Mr. J. S. Dickson, announced as a candidato for Parnell in tho Government interest, will withdraw. In that caso the issue will virtually be between Mr! Lawry and Mr'. Moss, the Labour candidate, Mr. G. M'Knight, not having the backing of any labour organisation. A fresh element of interest may bo imparted to this particular contest, however, if Mr. Wm. Coleman, a well-known solicitor, should stand, as in some quarters it is hinted he may do. Does not a Liberal ? "In New Zealand dobs not a man who calls himself Liberal, and votes Liberal, manage to obtain preferential treatment? Governments, caucuses, and special interests play fast and loose with democratic principles, and tho demagogue often ousts tho true statesman. Our task in New Zealand is', as far as possible, to purify its democracy, aud return men to Parliament who possess high character as woll as ability." Thus the "Wairarapa Daily Times" lights its own candle to discloso, first, tho reason why it supports Mr. Hornsby, although "strongly opposed" to his views; and, second, its idea of how "to purify democracy." Auckland East. Mr. F. E. Baume will, it is thought, havo no difficulty in retaining tho Auckland East seat. His opponents are Mr. W. Richardson, tho temperanco reformer, and Mr. A. N. Harlei a Labour representative.

Tho Contest for Eden. " For Eden Mr. Bollard will probably b'o returnod again, though Mr. J. W. Shackelford (Government) is stated to bo making somo headway. Ho may give tho staunch old Opposition momber a good ran for it, but tho result should not alter tho representation. "A Cood Political Fight." Mr. It. Thompson, • who is standing against Mr. C. H. Poole for the Auckland West Seat as an Independent Liberal, is at least a man of original views. He declared during his first electoral spcech on Thursday night that tho contest afforded him a good deal of amusement. No ono appreciated a good political fight nwro tlum bo did.

Ho contended that Ponsonby was entitled to a railway iu connection with tho North Auckland lino. Auckland was going to bo ono of tho largest cities south of tho lino, and in another twenty years tho trado intended for Auckland could not possibly bo carried through tho Parnell tunnel. Another outlet must bo provided. Tho terminus of tho North Auckland lino should bo on tho foreshore of Ponsonby. Auckland Central. Mr. Kidd is believed to bo safo to retain tho Auckland Central seat. His work in connection with tho Auckland Drainago Bill is recent enough to count. At tho same time, Mr. A. J. Black, who is one of Mr. Kidd's opponents, has a strong following. Sir; Black, like Mr. Poole, has a record behind him as a lay preacher. He is a fluent speaker. Mr. A. Rosser will also contest this seat, and will havo a strong labour voto. There is always the chance, too, that Mr. A. E. Glover's candidature "on the Government side will lead to a splitting of the votes to Mr. Kidd's detriment. Waitemata. _ Tho issue for tho Waitemata seat really lies between Mr. W. J. Napier and Mr. L. R. Phillips. If anything, indications favour the return of the latter in the Opposition interest. The "Endowment" Dodge. The true position with respect to the lands locked up under the National Endowment Act was put very pithily by Mr. Gow, a candidate for the Bay of Plenty seat, thus: —"Endowment was only needed for the public service. Ho wanted to see a free aud prosperous people occupying the land—to see people living on their own homesteads, and not under the thumb of officialdom. The people on the land were ready to pay all taxes for education and old age pensions." A Shrewd Diagnosis. Of course the members of the present Government wero not evil above all others. They were capital fellows, but they - were human, and wero suffering not from their own fault, but through misfortune. They had been in ofßco too long, and had begun to look upon tho people as their property. The electors should make them aware that they intended to take a hand in their own affairs.—Mr. J. B. Gow at Rotorua. An Apt Illustration. . Christchurch "Truth" makes a neat point_ in commenting on a claim by Mr. Ronnie, the Government candidate for Ellesniere that he represents the third generation of Rennies. "We venture to say," says "Truth," "that if his progenitors had adopted the financial expedients he approves of in tho Government, the place would have been sold up and a stranger installed within tlie gates years ago, while lie would probably have been looking for a job at Broken River or 011 the Main Trunk. If after three generations of occupancy Mr.Renuie had mortgages equal to nearly half the value of all his land, and was borrowing regularly an amount equivalent to his interest charges, he would scarcely feel very comfortable. Ho would probably be convinced of this: That an estate that could not get out of debt in sixty years must have been afflicted with desperately bad management, aud that it was about time it was turned over to more competent hands." Going Ten Thousand Bettor. In one of his addresses this week, Mr. E. G. B. Moss, Independent candidato for Parnejl, quoted the following observation as the opinion of, an Austrian diplomat who had lately visited New Zealand: —" If .this .. is God's Own' Country, I cannot understand why, when the Deity found only ten laws necessary, tho people of New Zealand require about ton thousand and ten." Jottings. ... ■ Mr. Wilford will devote next week to the forming of the various committees throughout his electorate. On Tuesday week he will make his first address to the electors in the Oddfellows' Hall, Petone. Tho arrangements made for the preceding Friday have had to bo cancelled, as the hall is not available. : - On •the Friday following Mr. AYilford's speech at Petone, the candidate will hold a public meeting at Lower Hutt. Particulars will appear later in tho advertising columns.

Mr. F. M. B.Fishor, who is standing for Wellington Central, will give an address at tho Druids' Hall, Taranaki Street, on Tuesday night.

Mr. Field, M.P., will address meetings at Otaki on Monday, at Porirua on Tuesday, and at Manakau on Wednesday next.

Mr. J. E.' Fitzgerald, Suburbs candidate, spoke in Kilminster's Hall, Karori Road, last evening, with special emphasis on Labour questions. On the motion of Mr. Hutcheson, seconded by Mr. G. Thomas, a voto of thanks and confidence was passed. Mr. Byron Brown will address meetings at Jackeytown on Monday, Motu Rimu on Tuesday, and Moutoa on Wednesday next. Mr. W. Forbes, a candidate for Wellington. South. will address tho electors at Alexandra Hall, Abel Smith Street, on Monday evening. WELLINGTON SUBURBS. Mr. J. P. Luke, candidate for the Suburbs seat, addressed a large gathering of electors in St. Thomas's schoolroom, Nowtown, last evening. On the motion of Mr. H. Hill, seconded by Mr. H. F. Cox, a vote of thanks and confidence was accorded to the candidate. WAIRARAPA. The growing interest in the Wairarapa election, writes our correspondent, is being intensified by the zeal which both candidates and their committees are putting into their work. The pace is already remarkably fast, and names are going on the roll in largo numbers. , Mr. Buchanan had a very sympathetic meeting of farmers at To Whiti on Thursday night, where 110 criticised at some length "tho Darktown agricultural measures" which tho Government had unsuccessfully attempted to place upon the statuto book. Ho referred scathingly to the Hon. G. Fowlds's proposal that the loss on the railways should be met by an increased land tax on the farmers, aud asked that the farmers. themselves should combine arid strongly express their displeasure at the wholesalo attempt which was being made by a conscienceless Administration. At T'e Wharau last night- Mr. Buchanan went over the same ground, and had an enthusiastic mooting.

Mr. Hornsby had a good meeting at Cross Creek on Thursday night. His speech was generally a defence of the present Administration, and ho asked that workers should loyally support the law. Speaking of the railway service, he said that there was 'a possibility of tho railways being again placed in tho hands of Commissioners, if tho grievances of tho men were brought too much beforo Parliament. Mr. Hornsby spoke at Grey town last night. OTAKI. (FBOH OUB SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.) Shannon, October 16. There was a large attendance in the Town Hall oil Thursday night, when Mr. Byron Brown, a candidate for the Otaki electorate, addressed tho electors. Mr. Brown emphasisod tho necessity, if a chango of Government was not possible, of at least a stronger Opposition. The Government had taken credit for the large number jof statutes which had been rushed through, instead of putting quality beforo quantity. With regard to taxation, there had been ar. enormous increaso per head of tho population since tho Liberal Government had been in power. Electors voted for tho Government candidato in order to onsuro tho expenditure of public monoy on local matters. At tho last election taxation per head was £4 Bs. 4d.; now it was £4 14s. 7d. Tho time had como when wo could no longer alFord to pay such excessive taxation. A period of depression was at handj when slackness and stagnation in trade would _ bo prevalent. The country had been tolerating trusts too long. Referring to tho Co-opera-tivo Flourmillers' Association, ho said that tho raw matorial had increased 25 per cent., while the prico of flour had doubled. Owing to tho wooUoii uuwufucUucu' trust, tuidLJ

in spito of the drop in wool, the prico of tlio (hashed article was as high as when wool was at Is. 3d. Mr. Brown also icferred to the butter combine and tlio banking trust. This last had begun, when bankers charged ss. every half-year for keeping accounts. Mr. Brown said Mr. Field was not a talking member, as ho had never made a speech of any length in tho House, and yet ho was only on ono committed, tho Statutes Revision Committee, and every lawyer in the House was on that ono. Tho candidate contended that tho Public Works Department, Advances to Settlers and Workers, and Lands for Settlement Act should bo placed under non-political control. Loans were' used for political purposes, applicants frequently being referred to their members. Tho thin end of the Tammany wedgo was being introduced. Members should be allowed access to public accounts. Under the Public Revenues Act' a bare majority could set aside the constitution. Ho advocated the election of the Legislative Council by tho people, and tho introduction of a Trades Monopolies Bill. The Second Ballot- Bill had never been asked for. Itcamo as a thunder-clap, and its object, now that the Labour and Liberal parties were distinct, was to block Labour of its representation. Honorariums of members should not bo more than £150 a year for six months' work. At the conclusion of the meeting a number of questions were asked, and the candidate referred to the No-Liconse question. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Brown. PAHIATUA. [BI TELIQEAPH. —STECIAt. COR&KBFONDKNT.I Pahlatua, October 16. Mr. J. C. Cooper, Opposition candidate for tho Pahiatua seat, addressed tho electors at Scarborough School-house, his speech strongly supporting the right to the freehold, and the closer settlement of both Maori and other lands. Mr. Hunter complained of the tardiness of the Government in opening sufficient land for the number of applicants. Ho considered tho present Administration too extravagant, and desired to see more economy Local government also needed reform. Taxation through Customs should he used for revenue purposes only. He did not believe in Socialism, the effect of which would be that one-half of the country would become the servants of the State, and tho other half only serfs of the soil. He the reform of the Labour laws, to encourage independence and individuality. Votes of thanks to the speaker and the chairman terminated'the meeting.

CREY LYNN.

... DUNEDIN WEST,

DUNEDIN CENTRAL.

TUAPEKA.

INVERCARCILI.

SOME STRONG TALK. . (BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Auckland, October 16. At a welcome home, tendered to the Hon. Geo. Fowlds by his election committee) at Grey Lynu to-night, Bome pretty strong talk was indulged in about the forthcoming contest in that electorate. Mr. Fowlds, after deprecating the introduction of personalities the contest, said that his presence in the Cabinet was likely to interfere with the interests of a certain party, and it did not matter, to them who it was stood for the seat so long as it was someone to defeat him. Mr. C. H. Poole, M.P., was responsible for the statement that in the electorate wore to bo found political assassins hired and subsidised to kill the moral life of the coipmunity. Mr. Poole further said when No-License comes L; ' . that is honey-combing the politics of this cotutry will be killed for ever.

LABOUR AND THE GOVERNMENT. (BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Dunedin, October 16. Mr. J. W. Munro, Political Labour League candidate for Dunedin West, addressed a fairly well attended meeting of electors tonight. He explained that the_ reason for the Labour party running a candidate against a member of the Cabinet was that it- had no confidence in the present Government. He severely criticised several sections of the Arbitratiftn Act, which ho regarded as being in particular an attempt to stifle small unions. He opposed the Second Ballot Act as undemocratic. He received-a unanimous vote of confidence. /

Dunedln, October 10. ■ It is understood that Mr. J. M'Donald, Mayor of Dunediu, has definitely decided to contest Dunedin Central against Mr. J. F. Arnold.- '

REASONS 1 FOR OPPOSING THE GOVERNMENT. (BY TILSGRATH—riIESS ASSOCIATION.) Naseby, October 16. ' Mr. Robert Scott, Opposition candidate for Tuapeka, addressed a large meeting of electors' at Naseby to-night. He criticised the land legislation of - the Government, declaring himself to be a supporter of the freehold tenure, and said he opposed the Government because of the methods it adopted to keop- itself in power, because of its leaning towards Socialism, and because of its want of a clearly-expressed and well-defined policy. He would extend the Bush and Swamp Crown Lands, Act as an inducement to young men with small capital to go on the land. He supported an elective Legislative Council and the appointment of a Civil. Service Board. Mr. Scott was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. - • -

(BT IE LEU BATH —FltffSN A3SOGIATION.) v . . . _ Invercarglll, October 16. The Political Labour League has decided not to nominate anyone in the meantime as candidate for the Invercargill seat. ; Messrs. Murton and Company, 6heep dip manufacturers, Napier, insert an announcement to the effect that last season five million sheep in New Zealand were dipped with their preparation. It is claimed that the dip is. tho easiest to use, and there tho cheapest. The dip may be procured from agents in any district.

Messrs. Betliune and Co. announce in our auction column that on Monday next, at 2 p.m., at their rooms, they are selling at auction a new corrugated iron whare, 10ft. by Bft., all complete, ready for removal and erection (specially imported from Army and Navy Stores, London). They are also "offering 800 coloured prints, suitable for calendars, a quantity of useful office furniture, including writing and typing tables, fireproof safe, and copying press, also a number of useful articles of household furniture. The above are now on view.

The annual appeal in connection with the Salvation Army social and missionary work will close on Thursday, October 22. Staff-Cap-tain Lonnie, officer in command of the city corps, is making every preparation to bring the appeal to a successful finish. To-day, on the various street corners, collectors will be stationed to gather up the fragments, and to give those who have not already donated an opportunity to do so. To-morrow the City Band will render a special programme in the Basin Eeserve at threo o'clock. A collection will be taken at the gates. Major Holdaway, who has been touring the North Island with-a company of children from the home in Owen Street, in aid of the appeal, will also conduct special services in the Vivian Street citadel to-morrow, and on Monday tho company will render a first-class programme. Messrs. J. H. Bethune and Co. are holding a property auction at their rooms, on Wednesday next, October 21, at 2.30 p.m. A splendid residential property in Webb Street is being submitted, comprising freehold land having a frontage of 20ft. 7iin. by a depth of 132 ft., with the six-roomed house thereon. No. 10G, fitted with all conveniences. Tho house is about fivo years old, and situated eloso to two tram lines, a most desirable residenco. On the same day the firm, under instructions from tho Registrar of tho Supremo Court, is submitting a Kelburno property. The land has'a frontage of 47ft. 9in. to Kelburne Parade by a depth varying from 12Gft. Tin. to 151 ft. 7in., and on it stands five-roomed house, fitted with all conveniences. Full particulars of this may be obtained on application to Mr. C. W. Neilson, solicitor, or the auctioneers. ' A wet Bummer spells general disaster, and it even damps poor little Cupid's wings, and makes all tho difference in the world to tho marriago-rata of tho yoar.—"Lady's Pictorial." I