THE ELECTIONS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 341, 30 October 1908, Page 9

THE ELECTIONS.

NEWS AND NOTES. CANDIDATES AND THfIR SPEECHES. Mr.' H; L; Michel, who for the second time is contesting tho Wostl.Vnd _ se4t ; ( wjtti Mr, T. E; Y v Saddon,. referred, in. tho course of a speeoh,. the other night,.-to the -interference of .public, .-.servants holding , positions in Jvumara and Hokitikii. : Ho'said these gentlemen' were openly ; and" otherwise svliich ;.w<is both . dis- . creditable to tliqm ai)4. to their Departments, sviul' tliab-ho-would' probablyi.be. oompolled. to communicate with the Prirao Minister on the matter, in order "to put a stop to such tactics. Govornpipn.t roadmen,..pversoerq,; and inspector?.-.wurej ,)io . asserted, jivrongly using thejr : ,' ih(luenpe, --.and [.it [ ivan bad enough, to have to fight them .without .having to contend with tho who occupied positions which .caiisb tliohv to. desist from'.thiur indiscreet: ai|d unfair" practioe, The candidate s^Ojs.remarks djd not apply to all Civjl, SQr.Vant«i iij Eleotoral DlsalJllitles,'; In his speech at Wanganui on Tuesday, Mr;' Hogan said that as the, M'Cullough incident, ,whilo_ho had always advocated that ■ the ; 'servants"' of tho' St'd'te''should be freed fr6iii;'electoral ;disaljili'tios; he contended that while the'regulations; wero as 'they wero M'Cullough' ou£lit : to'-hifve obeyed them. His owii oaso was, ha contended, quite as bad as M'Oullbugh'sy-'fdr.-hio had virtually been dismissedv from thej'servico because he had announced himself-as a "candidate for Parliament i ; but -not one '-'singlo - newspaper in the Dominion had 'protester against the 'treatment,. motel .out to ..Kim. I '. Ho ■ would have supported- Mr.--M!CuHoughiu an attempt to gam/his political ■ freedom, but not in. his breaeh' of tho regulations. A Joint in the Tf!il, , Mr.' J. Ivoss, who has stepped into the breach left by tJiG -retirement of' Mr, Dickie from the;. contest for". Selwyn, is . a "whole hoggerV in- his, .admiration for ,the Government,: their, policy.; and administration., His opening. ...address at MetJiven was one long outburst of .admiratipn, without "one note or criticism, or- otiienviso; or one hint'of; independence. It; is quite "good enough for, Sir. Ivess;t6 be a joint in the Government s-. tail.. ..Incidentally it may bo.-men-tioned" that.'he [■ is another of tho . Govern.meijt candidates who think-the possession of a competence gives them a further olaim to be elected. Mr, Ivess,admitted to his audience ;that so'mo exception might be taken to his candidature because he did not reside in the■ electorate','but ho was in i position.to tell thetfi'that he was now able tb "retire from active . commercial life, and if they elected' him hof would take up his residence in some central .plaee in th® ppnstituency. ■ : • The Agitator. ; ."The'_ r political agitator" .came v m for ' a word:'of condemnation from Mr. Lawry"/at Parnell'pn Wednesday evening, whilst -dealing, ivjth the Arbitration Aot. g* limned these agitator? to the trained wothers t]iat were 1 kept at slaughterhouses for the purpose of -;decoyinc tho /innocent and unsuspecting sheep to the shambles. Whilst the latterwent to their death, the trained wethers went m-at anotjicr door and wore "fed. upon carrots, 1 greonstuff.apd everything .that a sheop ™® s :II® political agitators of-the couutry, ; Jie wether?* n. ilcl tha people who followed them represent tho'sheep, who go; to their death at tho shambles, Concerning Surpluses. v. y . The, following, from the current, number or.;;tho. Insurance und Banlnng Record, n may; be read as; a'"commentary upon a passage in, Jlr. .Izard'sspeech.,last-might :r*m- * 16 ,, Australian'v'cbrr(«pohdeht'Vo't!.' limes ~pas. by pable, called iii; question the <-iccu racy.-of -the . statement ;:of. the-'treasurer of ■ NejVv.South ~.Wales~with '.Tegard-s--to" ; '-'the surplus-, for-: the:- financiaPyear - otiifeH Rawing that;-it was-Vnpt £1,676,000,'' but £66o,Q0Q.^j'Neither- amount is-. strictly . accurate, The ordinary■revenue exceeded the ordinary, expenditure by £1,807,266, but out of this;.amount-,the-.s«m of £1,404,479 was transferred .to ■; tho pyblio works fund, and £200,000 tft.;the closer settlement fUnd. -It flopsnot follow, however, that the wholo of ■ these amounts aro properly'"ohargeable to/ tho'pxpendituro account for-1907-8, the' true oharge bejng .the actual' apiount ' expendod on public works, whiph-was £952,653. llio' transfer to: tlio. closer settlement -.funds does inpt -pounti 1 -.as'it was-not spent, The position -is, ; otherefore," shpwn following figures' Excess .of ordinary revenue oyer ordinary expenditure, as shown by the Audistatement, £1,367,266, less'-ex-pendedson,: public -works £952,653; .net exce?s, £914,613.': It may be objected that the expenditure on public-works is one that properly'■■should be regarded .as on-capital and notion'ifevcnue acconjit. But the: pDjccts on • 'money;:wa : 3. Bpent ,are". not pf ."a roproductiyo,.character, excepting iiv tho far-: fetched sense that most of them:;'are asso- 1 oiated- with the- development.of; tho :'Stater,' The : system that has come into vogue'jn Aew, Zealand, New Sonth^ ■■ ,Victoha in ignoring expenciitureion publio works -a '."surplus" is not-' admifed.:' The so-called *'surplus"-is to the'extenv of snch; expenditure non-existeht.' "Tho limescorrespondpnt alleged that, the swbl-' Jen surpluses bf-New- South/Wales are stagemanaged for show, purposes, that,-they-nial-e the Stato ridiculous, and that , the surplus . fory 1907-8 was.-partjy obtainedvby starving tho railways,.. It is'just as'wcll.to.bpar in muul*' that "The 'rimes" appears to have adopfal a : settled' policy of. unfriendliness to the Australian States &s States, seeing; no-thing-to eulogiso but the Colnmonw?althVas at' present .controlled b.y it? l'rnno Minister, ; Elective Executive, •' • • The advocacy of the Opposition iri' jfavoiir of an electivo Legislative Council was re- ' ferred, to by Mr. Lawry (Parnell), oiil Wqclnesdajt evening. 'He ■ expressed his " dissent fromitha suggosted . change, and remarked thatf those Wlio wero' urging 'that the Upper Equso _ should bo- made -elective overlooked the point that the Noiv Zoaland Parliament had no power to deal witli tho question. The Legislative Council as constituted, he; Said, was part of-the Constitution of tho country, which had bpen granted -to New Zealand by tho Imperial Government, when' it' ceased to ba-.a... Crown .colony, He •bold that unless an ; Act- Were passed by --.the :Imperial...Parliament .-tho" present constitution of'the Council could; not bo altered.; : v . . Tha'.'Cas" ciauEq..-.;:. ;i- ': V "Of -all .bxplahatibns- pf the; Government's object-in-embodying "the-'gag' clause in e 'the Sccond Ballot Ilill, Mr., i'owlds's .is so far the..lamest," ; tn^?'PresS, , - , 'V , thiJ.we' have ' come, across. He declared that it-.teis unfair to?'bla'm'e the .Government .: for the . ,>gig' cU'uw for ; it. was put into the Hill to iueot objections, raised by -the ; Opposition .that 'between the'first'aiid second ballots tcrs would be: jjoing all ; 'oyer "elcctofatcs whore' second '.ballots' wero.to bo'held, -and endeaVoiiring to .'biibe tho olcctoj-s.' ! The idea of the present Ministry adopting a-'-self-denying ordinance which'would really prevent them from oxercising before tho 'second-ballot' tho enormous amount of political influeiico that they can wield is really grotesque.' As a matter'.of fact,-of course,-even'if'the' 'gag' clatisc had boon retained jn the-' Bill,i; as it would: have, been if tbo Government h'ad not' become frightened' of the consequences of their own- action, it would ilot, iiavrf freed the: second Oballots from their influence. Thiiro aro a hundred ways in which thev'caii make, this felt without going on; to the'public platform, !and every niombur.'of the Ministry hasvhad sufficient practice- to miko him an adept at pulling wires." "A Nation of Debtors." , , . Soirfe'.- interesting figures, relating to- the indebtedness of the Dominion were given by Mr.. Wright. Independent-Opposition candir date for Wellington South'; last night. New Zealand; he said,: niight well, bo'-called "a nation sf-debtors."- Its total indebtedness was nn follows Net-public clejit '£0ji,52-1,9G1, local bodies'debt (liot including loans to local bodies) £11,000,000, mortgages £65,453,940,

bank advances £21,217,080, total £161,106,801, less, say, £5,000,000 off bank advances, because included under heading mortgages £153,196,861. ' "There is," he added, ''a great cry out about tho birthrate. What baby would, however, want to bo born in Now Zealand with a debt of £156" round its neck?" (Laughter.) MWlth Evident Pride." -One is accustomed (not to say hardened) to hearing tho Government take ,credit for the prosperity of the country. .It is less usual to find them speaking as if the climate and tho favourable season wero duo to theii policy, lint a South Canterbury intcrviower reports that the other day tho Premier spoke '•enthusiastically and with evident pride of til,; present, condition of tho country. In the North ho did not think'it had ever looked better, In fact he had heard people declare that it had never before looked so well as this year. .The season was goiiw to. be a phenomenally good one. Only a bad blackhearted Opposition could doubt that all this is the direct result of tho Government's administration. An Extensive Eleotorate. The Taumarunui electorate is a trying one on | candidates for Parliamentary honours, There are over 100 polling places, and' most of tho travelling is difficult oiving to the condition of the. roads just after winter. Mr. Jennings, one of the candidates for the seat, since addressing his first meeting at Waitara on October 15, 'has addressed 23 meet-, ings, including one at Otorohanga on Monday. evening. Ho has travelled. 400 miles by train," 50 by trap, arid 30 on horseback. Tho eleotorate touches four laud districts—Auckland, Taranaki, Wellington, and Hawko's Bay. The worst portion to travel by the candidates is-the'hinterland of North_ Taranaki, where the' roads are very bad owing to the continuous, rains of late. Mi'- Fisher and tho Land Question. "V." returns to tile charge as follows :r— If Mr, F, M. B. Fisher is as sound upon ! other questions a§ he is upon the land tion, his claim for tho continued confidence of the people must indeed bo strong I He states that he is.a "leaseholder," and defines ''leaseholder" as "one, who is against the sale of Crown lands, not one who wants to make all the land in. the. Dominion leasehold." Very well. I presume he is also in favour of the ..Land for Settlements Act, and it is matter'-of history that ;he supported the Endowment '.Bill, which only last year permanently set asido 7,000,000 acres of land as leasehold. If the Land for Settlement Act continues to' operate, the whole of t|ie lands of the Dominion, will in time belong to the Crown. And then, what? The immigrant with £1000 will be able to "buy," will lie? No, Mr. Fisher,- you must not blow hot and cold, If you are' a "leaseholder" you must bo opposed to tho freehold, and-you. should not ask people to come out here and "buy." Furthermore, if you are sincerely, a '.'leaseholder," why. do you/ not invite good f unpens at Homo with a little capital to come put. and invest in. '.'leaseholds,'! pf which wo have an abundance?

Tha Freehold. .'Mr, Moore; who is giving Mr. Buddo the rim of his life for tho Kaianoi seat, was emphatic and convincing •on Tuesday night regarding the danger to tho freehold'from the present Government, He pointed.''out that they found Mr. 1 Fowlds "stating that the position'.of those holding land was that of one < holding stolen ceods. They had bought from those who had no right to sell, - therefore a freeholder was-'in possession ; of, stolen property. ■ These sentiments' had been supported ;-by other members. - - ' Too muoh Legislation. ' Mr. F. Lawry stated at' Parnell .pn Wednesday night that ho had heard-;several bho-' . cessive leaders of the Government - take credit for tho quantity of legislation passed during their term of oflieo, but i|) his ppinipn they had tpo much legislation. What •thoy wanted ,was that there should be a rest 'ili -regard to law-making, and that tliose law's now existinß-' ! %'tolld.-4'o Jconsolidated--!-aiid-simplified. ' TheJ''had" , 'la , wg v( at present l wliicli : |io ono,.not eyen a lawyer, understood, and' instead of piling up mpro laws, each session, thoy should endeavoiif - to- mako' those that thoy already had more easy to understand: lyir.; Hislop and To Aro. "To Aro" writes:—"! see in reply tb a'i question, Mr.'Hislop deolares himself a supporter of .the Ward Ministry. Is lie not the Mr. Hislop—former supporter of tlio Liberal leader Sir George Grey, who ; was re-, turned in opposition to the Atkinson Government? Did lie help -Sir Harry Atkinson to turn out tho Stdut-Vogel Government? Did he take offico in a Conservative-Ministry? Now he supports Sir J. Ward. If el noted, and hard times cause tho people to sco tho folly of' Sir J, Ward's Administration, do you think ho will'vote against them, and take offico if Mr. Massey should happen to win? After all, .history;does often repeat itself." . They Didn't Know How.

At i tho Hon. R. M'Nab's meeting * at Brunswick on Wednesday night, : says "the Dunodin "Star," everyone seemed top frigli•tened.'.to. pr'oppso a vote of' thanks at the .-conclusion, .-although tlio-chairman tried desperately to . .induce someone to step into' ithe breach. Eventually an old farmer excitedly blurted out a motion, which was . seconded by a man in the back who did not "show himself. The chairman then spoilt even that: by. asking those present to "signify, in the usual manner," They did npt seem to know, and there was a long and painful' silence, which was broken by - the chairman, who declared the motion oarried unanimously. - - pay of Islands. • Mr.. J. C.: Johnson, Opposition candidate for tho Bay of Islands, addressed a large and enthusiastic meeting at Horekino, a vote'of thanks being, passed and confidence at the .poll promisod.__ Good meetings have been held at Kotu, Waiotcmar'ama, "Whangape, and Owhcta, tlio candidate being, well received. Keen political interest is shown at all tlio meetings. .The Te Oranga Allegations. Mr. A. R. Atkinson, in his speech at Rosonoath last night, made a : striking reference to "tlio Te'Oranga Home affair, and the use which has been made of it in the Grey Lynn' election campaign. He said that, personally, he regarded the Hen. G. Fpivlds as one orthe most dangerous men in the Ministry, because the adherence of a good man to a bad,system was better calculated to keep it . going than if ho wero of, inferior calibre. Everybody knew that Mr. Fowlds was an absolutely honourable and humane man, to whom cruelty or oppression of any kind was absolutely. repulsivo. Nevertheless, he was. being attacked in his constituency for his alleged responsibility in conucctioii with, tho occurrences at the To Oranga Home, which had formed the subject pf an inquiry by a' Royal Commission. Mr. Atkinson was perfectly satisfied that if there had been anything wronp for which Mr. Foivlds was responsible,.'it was'nothing but an error of judgment, but lie did not admit that thorp was anything for Mr. Fowlds to apologise or explain away. In any case, it was a scandal to our public lifo and a species of moral assassination that such a nian should bo held up for tho execration of his constituents, as though he had been guilty of do-' liberate and persistent cruelty: It ..would bo better ' for Mr. Fowlds's opponents to lose a", hundred battles than to win one by such tactics. Jottings. . A man .'who has shed , honour , and. lustre on Auckland City East olcctoratc, and by liis debating power has raised the whole tone of discussions in tho Parliament " pf the country.---Dr. Moir's tribute to Mr. F. B, Bauine. ' ' Mr. R. AV. Short will address tho .Hutt electors at Epuni Schoolroom to-morrow. lio advertises a long list of engagements. . A questioner at, Mr. Oliver Nicholson's meeting at Eden Terrace desired the candir date's ■ views' on tho totalisator. "I think the tote is . the fairest, form of gambling, said Mr. Fowlds's opponent. Mr. F. G.' Bolton, who is contesting -the Wellington North seat, will deliver his first address to the electors to-night a,t the Sydney (Street Schoolroom. ... Mr.-Byron Brown will address Otaki .electors at Jtponshine Mill on Monday. ', "A member's place in the House is his seat, not the passage ways and sido rooms.

Mo should always be there when business, is bcirfg transacted, firstly, to obtain a grasp of the question under consideration, and then to voto upon it without any instruction from tlip loador.of- any party; secondly, tq uphold tliq rights of his constituents; ami, thirdly, to resist , corruption and favouritism."—Mr. Wright at Webb Street, last night. -' Mr; Barber (Wellington South) invites all who aro willing to form a snh-committeo for tho district north of Ilolloston Street to meet at 28 Hopper Street, at 8 o'clock tonight. .

Mrs. W. H.>F, Barber jnvites the ladies of Brooklyn who aro willing to assist in securing Mr. Barber's return to Parliament for Wellington' South to moot hor at, tho Committee Iloom, Toodman Street, Brooklyn, at 8 o'clook to-night.

Touching upon the immigration question, Mr. Wright, _ a oandidate for Wellington South, last night stated that the only class of immijirant wliioh Now Zealand could- honestly welcome was that which was composed of men who had some capital, and would take up land. It was very improper to induce people who had no possiblo ohanco of getting employment to'come out to the Dominion. "I, for one," ho added "am not in favour of bringing out people to lpok for work in the town." These Temarks. evoked loud ap? plausc. Mrs. Hislop invites lady electors', of Wellington Central to meet he'r at Godber's Hooms, Cuba Street, at 3 o'clock this afters noon. Mr. J. P. Luke will address "Suburbs electors at Horokiwi at 8 p.m. to-morrow. WELLINGTON NORTH. . ' MR,: C. H. IZARD AT THORNDON. REPLY TO MR. HERDMAN. Mr, . C. -H. Izard, tho sitting, member for Wellington North, who is seeking re-election; as a Government supportor, was .cordially received by a largo meeting in Sydney Street Sehodlropm last night. Mr. R. Fletcher presided'- "i The candidate alluded to; .the fact, that there were.-'"three Richmonds in. the field," and While lie recognised tho right of. every elector to offor his services to the people, he thought'it wbb a pity that in tho electorate which contained tho .seat, of Government, the party issue should not be clear and well-defined. He greatly.' regretted that the .two candidates solected by tho Government aiid by the Opposition respectively were not to bp allowed'to fight it out squarely between, them. (Applause.) His Reoord. ,The Government, in accepting him as their candidate, knew quite well that ho was not a man to bo driven into any lobby at the behest of a party whip. (Applause,) It had. been alleged against liim that he had ,npt had enough to. say in Parliament, but it seemed to him that a magpie or cockatoo, or njiy bird, that had been, taught to talk; could'fill up "Hansard." (Laughter and applause.) He aßkod to be judged by what he had done. Mr. Izard then read a statement of his -programme as outlined by him' at the election- of 190-5. This comprised—(l) Crown lands to be leased for a tqrnrof 84 years,, with right of renewal at a valuation. . (2) Reduction ,of duties on the necessaries-of. life, and increase of tho graduated land tax. (3). While Blipportinp the. Government ho would urge tho carrying out of reforms advocated in his addresses (of the 1905 campaign). (4) Measures not m°n. (S) Settlement of. Crown and Native lands, roading of back blocks, removal of tho residential qualifications for city working men" taking up Crown lands. (6) ''Further restriction of Asiatic immigration. (7)' Honest . administration, and! New Zealand for , tlio New Zcalanders. Ho subihitted. that during tho last Parliament much of. this programme had been carried out, In regard:to'.tho"reforms.alluded to .in No, 3, tho Act . providing-.for a check upon m'o.nopply prices of ■ potatoes, and the Public Sorvice Classification and Superannuation Acts, wcrejnstances in which offect had boon given to'his ideas, . "..■1..-, v- \ Tho; Railways.-.' .■ -• "■ In criticism Mr. Hcrdman's : 'sp'epch, Mr. Izard deolared ;that' the Railway' Department and tho/men. in' it wero. an honour and a credit.-;;t6 -,the; Dominion. :.-(Applause.) ■ Mr. ; Herdnian had said tho ridiculously! bad management of tho Now Zealand, railways caused an absurd loss. He would show that there had been no loss at all.. Ho alluded to ■the ihyest^ations'of Professor Lo Ilossignol, who, ho said, had apparontly got. his information from Mr. Samuel Vai'le, in Auckland, rather than from the Railway Department in Wellington. Ho'had afterwiirds admitted in a letter to.. Sir; Joseph - Ward that- lie had made a .mistake of two .millipiis of money. It was a peculiar thing that' the.Opposition had mado the sanio mistake. They had followed Professor Lo Rossignol and had fallen into the soup. Coming..to Mr.-. Herdman's comparison between the .railway management of New Zealand and that of- New South Wales, . Mr.. Izard 'stated that in reality tho New Zealand.. railway. administration compared '.very favourably.-with that of -New South Wales.

A voico: No. , Wo coinp,-from-Sydney. • • Tho Candidate, read a-statement of the Sydney, ; cop-espondent of. a London nowsp'aper, who asserted that the real .sur- . plus of the New. South Wales railways last year was only about £600, Tho correspondent further alluded . to surpluses swollen for purposes , of [jtago. management, and stilted'that the Surplusos' were .partially pb-: tamod by starving the sorvice. In ' New South Wales they charged nearly all expenditure to capital, and wore thus able to show a largo surplus. Wo, on tho other .hand, mado largo renewals of. plant, laid hoavier rails, etc.. and charged those things to rcvenuo. (Applause.) Increased Profits. Mr. also quoted remarks made by Mr. Massey in the House in 1894 on the question as 'to whether the . New, Zealand railways should continue to bo administered, as they'then were, by Commissioners, The present Loader of the Opposition had said then that a, 'satisfactory ratp pf earnings had been achieved, the percontago on 'CPSt of construction being £2 17s.'6d. for tho previous ye,ir, tho rato boforo they took offioe being £2 OS". Tho speaker then .quoted tiguros to show tliat tho porcontpgo of profits had incroasod sinco thq Government took qvor the managoment to £3 lis. Bd. in 1904 and £3 6s. Bd. last .ypar. Yet there had been grea.t inereaaes in tho.wagos and salarios paid, and tho concessions to railway users had amounted to £2,678,000, and there was also the work done out of revenue. He admitted that the cost of maintenance ■ and tho cost per train niilo l;a,d increased-a good deal, but suclr things as replacing sleepers and - rails hftd beoii paid out of revenue, and material ; had _increased in price.' Tlio rails' originally laid wore too. light for tlio' present traffic,.and practically all the lines had been renewed. Long-distance travelling was much cheaper lioro ; than in. Now South Wales. : A voico;-'And much slower. ' ~M r; I _ zart ' : K our; Australian friends at the back of the hall aren't satisfied wit-lf New Zealand, there's a, boat leaving Wellington every Friday. (Applause.) Some Legislation.. The candidato dealt' next' with tho Industrial Arbitration Amendment Act, and urged the superiority of quick conciliation by delegates, of masters and men, as compared with resort to the Arbitration Court and the'assistance of lawyers. Ho referred jn terms of/commendation totlie'Public'Servico Superannuation Act, Local Authorities' Superannuation Act, and 'Old Ago Pensions Amendment. Act. He then reviewed tho financial situation, corroborating tlio remarks made by Si.- Joseph Ward at Palmcrstou, and predicting an early .improvement in trade. A Challenge. Ho* challenged Mr. ! 'Herdmfth"'to show any loan that had been borrowed by the Government for tho pnrposo of'paying interest on sinking fund. Those charges' wero'met out pf revenue,-and not out-.of .capital. -Wero it otherwise, tho sooner tho-party-were turned out of power tho better tor the Dominion, hi a further reviow of the national finances, Mr. Izard emphasised t|io large proportion of loan money that had been spent on reproductive works. . Publio Service .Board. .. : The Opposition candidate had a Public Service Board, but bad not said how it was to bo set up. There wuu np need for

such a board, and it was better that appointments to the Civil Service should bo mado by Ministers who wero rosponsiblo to Parliament and the people, and whose actions could bo freely criticised. Tliero wero 110 improper appointments. If any of his audience knew of one, be wished they would tell him, and 110 • would umlortako that something would bo said about it. Tho Civil Service had not asked for a board. (Applauso.) Nobody but tho. Opposition had asked for it, and they knew nothing about tho Civil Sorvicc, because tlicy had novor been in power. Ho approved of tho setting up of the Classification Hoard, but thought tho rank and illo of the service should be represented 011 it, A Programme. He believed in a progressive public works policy, further reduction of duties 011 the necessaries of lifo, uniform school books, the system of special land settlement as outlined iii tho last Financial Statement, further concpssions in railway , fares (which would bo possible through the acquisition of the Manawatu Railway), national annuities, improved mail services, an improved defenco system, preferential trade, sound financo, and honest and capable administration. (Loud applause.) 11l reply to' questions, tho candidate said lie did not approve of the bare majority in licensing. He voted' for the Second Ballot Bill 'as a step towards the absolute majority systom. - Tho meeting became rather noisy, severnl persons speaking at once, and several standing at the game time. Cat-calls and other .sounds indicated that a considerable proportion of those present did not take tho occasion very seriously. Mr.'- R. P. Flanagan moved a voto of thanks and confidence, which was declared carried unanimously, although there wero a few loud "noes." WELLINGTON SUBURBS. MR. R. 13. WILLIAMS AT WADESTOWN. "STRONG OPPOSITION NEEDED." ..Mr.- R. B; Williams, Opposition candidate for' the Suburbs seat, inaugurated his doctoral campaign witli an address in tho AY rulestown Schoolroom last- evening. There was p. fair attendance. My. J. G, Chambers occupied tho chair. Mr. Williams said ho was not a stranger among the people of Wadestowii, for it was in - Wadestown' he had made his first attempt to represent tho pooplo. Tho first time ho put himself beforo them ho had failed'by oiie vote to secure a place on the council. He dared to como forward a second time, and it was not in an unguarded moment tjioy had mado him Mayor.' They had dono it again and again, and he had been returned to that offico five, times in succession, During three of those years they had nominated 110 other against him. He was glad to be back in Now Zealand, and to tho poople with whom be had been connected in former timos. He was pleased to have returned afer a visit to many lands, and he believed that his experiences and tho insight lie hqd had into social and politioal affairs of many, nations onabled him to gather something which would help him to- further the. interests of the Dominion. Thoro was no reason why, if tho proper methods wero adopted, tho country should not bcoomo .the happiest and freest, if they but willed it.. Ho knew that mombers of tho community to bo just, unless they had. fallen from their former reputation. Ho had no hesitation, therefore, in believing that he would get a fnii hearing, and, on election l day, as much favour as many of. the other candidates. 1 That was all ho asked, ill ho had a (right to expect. . , .

A Strong Opposition Needed. Ho was all opponent of the "Ward 'Administration! Ho still claimed to ho a Liboral. Tho old line between Liboral and Conservative did not oxist in New Zealand. They wero all Liberals. He'would not by any means say lie would oppose all tho ■ legislation brought down by that Administration. Many of their measures .'wero good ones,' but • ho did not agree with tho present trend .of tlioir patriotism, and their apparent satisfaction, wlien the country was indeed' in • a .serious position. Thoro was never more need of a strong and searching Opposition'; For a long time tho Admiuis'tratioh had. bptiii untrammelled, and' had raised tho national debt, until now it stood at tho enormous sum of .65 .millions, whilo the country Had" a. bare population of a million, Maoris inoludqd, Danger Ahead. They woro not sailing in safe waters. , The ship Zoalandia was in peril, notwithstanding that the. captain and officers declarod that all was well. There wore clear signs of danger, and it would take careful .management' to prevent misfortune on tho rocks of financial disaster. Times ahead could bo so prosperous, and they must frankly consider tho situation and Carefully avoid tho state of things towards which they were going. Tho report of tho Industries and Commerce Department showed that the past year had seen a, great reduction in tho value of tho Dominion's exports. Tho total value of exports for tho year ending March was 18 millions, as against 19} millions of tho previous year .—a decrease of '£1,700,000. Their two staple products, wooj ,ui(l : flax, showed up upward tendency. Butter and mutton showed fluctuations, although these might bo slight and temporary., The Money Markot. ■ Tho New Zealand money markot was a further index of. tho way they wero tending. Ha had read; .that bank deposits had fallen oil, advances had grea.tly diminshed, and tho banks wero. putting on tho screw. Thore was unrest • and' dissatisfaction among tho settlors, because tho Government had not been ablo to mako all tho advances that had beep promised. Only six days ago the Primo Minister had declared tha.t tho stringency of the money, market was now passing away, Tho Advances to Settlors Department had gone forward this month £250,000, and an equal amount would bo lent next month, and by December all'loco.l tightness of money would be over. This was a convenient time to make such a statement; the stringency was to be over ai'tor tho elections. He (Mr. Williams) could not bolicvo but that the statement was inado for electioneering purposes. He did not know what lavish expenditure the-Government had promised for the future. Money to Burn. Tho Meikle voto, which tlioy would have given, and the foolish expenditure of the Second Ballot, which the people never asked for, showed that tlioy still had money to burn,. That was why he did not think they were safe people to keep the purse- No doubt the Government wero resting in the belief; of good' times ahead, and they ex- . pected tho people to rest in tho same fool's, paradise',. All the exponses of superannuation, . olcj age pension, and of tho other State Departments must remain intact, and tho ultimate result, could not fail to bo an increaso in taxation. Tlioy must be frugal, else they could not meet their obligations with tho present taxation. During tho good timos'that had passed tlioy might have saved for this rainy day. They had gone on spending recklessly, a,nd now wore in a most dangorous position. What waß to bo the outcomo? Farmors, ' merchants, mechanics, and others, who had tho interests ot tho country, . and with _ whom ho had travelled, thought with him. Twenty thousand mills in the United States, including woollen mills, wero idle. And there wore our customers., If those peoplo could not afford it, they would not wear so many woollen clothes, and would live on less lamb, and mutton. Tho value of tho country's exports had dropped two millions, and consequently tho Government had to housekeep this year on two millions less. Where would they bo with tho housekeeping fund reduced by two millions, and all the present obligations still to be filled? The Now Zealand people, having less to spend, would import less. How, then, would tho deficiency be mado up? Would it bo mado up by surpluses? There could bo no surpluses. It could .be done only in one of two ways— cither by oxtremo frugality and saving,' or, if that did not suffice, by extra taxation. Duty of the, Government. • Ho had arrived back in Wellington only the night before, and had not yet become fully acquainted with the doings of Parliament during tho last session. He would have something furthor to say about their legislation later on. Ho coucoivod it to be tho firs^

groat duty of a just Government to run the country and its assets—the people's inheritance —not ill tho interests of a class, no matter how large or how powerful, but ill the interests of the whole people, fairly and equitably. Ho believed that tlin ratios of a representative of the people in Parliament to be: —First, to tho State, to sec that tho policy of tlioso in • power shall be for tho general iveal: second, to tho district, to- give faithful and' constant attention to tho particular needs for its progress and development, and to get for it a fair sharo of public expenditure for theso purposes. It might bo said that this effort of his was an evidcnco of ambition. Tho cliargo was true, and ho gloried in its truth. As in tho caso of Zenobia, "Let the ambition bo a noble ono, and who shall blame it? And what higher and nobler ambition might a man have than to give of his best for his fellows, heartily, honestly, and earnestly? Somo would not agree with his vtows, a.n indication of which he had briefly put before them: If they would let him servo tho distriot, as ho had in a lesser capacity, lie would try to bo perfeotly frank, straightforward, and honest. (Applause.) Questions. In reply to questions as to tho method ho would adopt to release tho country of the taxation bo had spoken of, Mr. Williams said ho was trying' to discover' just where they were. With a state of things such as ho had indicated, they did not want the present people in power. They needed careful guidance. Ho would reduce tho exemption on tho income tax, but would deal with the Customs last of all, particularly with the duties that alfccted tho necessaries of life. He would favour 110 amendment of tho Municipal Corporations Act which would give power to compel local bodies to carry out loan proposals when they had obtained the sanction of the people. Ho still hoped that tho local bodies might be trusted. He would support Mr. Massey so long as that leader commanded his respect, and took tho course ho had indicated, clearly against tho method of tho present Administration of dealing with finance. It was not true that beforo he left for England and America ho had issued a manifesto to tho effect that ho would favour tho present Government; Even if he had dono so, ho had discovered many things since. ■ Ho did not remembor ever speaking to Mr. Massey in his lifo, and had not been in touph with Opposition mombers. L.I.P. and Freehold. _ Aro you in favour of the L.I.P. tenants being granted the freehold of their holdings at tho original valuation, plus 1 per cent, was another question. "Would you agree with that important plank in tho Opposition platform, whioh allows Crown tenants to take up the country's lands Jit the price they paid ten or twenty years ago?" "No," replied Mr. Williams, and added that tho land question was one 011 which it was impossible to conflno a man to any party. He would support leasehold principles. 111 the future disposal of the lands of the Dominion. He had a great appreciation of the nation's inheritance. Ho thought tho limit freehold was now our law, and woulcj bo in favour of the balanco of Crown lands remaining for nil time -to-tho people, and only disposed of in future by lease. '

Mr. L.irkin moved a vote of thanks and 110 confidence.- Tho mover spoko of Mr. Williams's attitude on tho'tramways question when Mayor of Onslow.

Tho candidate replied to tho charges mado, and stated that under' similar circumstances ho would act in precisely the same way again. An amendment for - a voto- of thanks and confidence, was carried by 10 v-otes to 9.

Mr. J. W. Braithwaito addressed a gathering of about 50 electors at Berhamporo yesterday evening, Mr.' J, Toomey presiding. Tho candidate' proceeded principally on tliri linos of his previous addresses, and at the conclusion of the meeting was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence.

• Mr. F. Moore held'a meeting at'Ngahauranga' last night, Mr. T. "Wells occupying the .chair? At tho conclusion of his address, a vote of thanks and confidence was passed.

ngfi .w .• ' r ,'- -..o ' Mr. J. "E. Fitzgerald, candidate for tho Suburbs seat, addressed' a well-attended meeting of tho electors 'at Worsor Bay last evening, Mr. W. Bates presiding. Tho candidate reforred to tho progress of his candidature in other parts of tho electorate, and then dealt comprehensively with questions of' finance! labour,' and qthcr' political topics. Ho referred to'the'"necessity for tho encouragement of tho butter trade, and favoured tho introduction of a system of medical inspeotion of schools, and a practical scheino of afforestation. Referring to tho present remuneration of public school teachors, Mr, Fitzgerald said that tho work of education was ono of the most important functions of, tho State, . and every encouragement should bo given .to induce.men-and women of standing and ability to enter tho profession. A unanimous voto of thanks, and' confidence was passixl by acolamation, on tho motion of Mr. Tliompson, seconded by Mr. M'Farlane. : WELLINGTON SOUTH. MR, WRIGHT'AT WEBB STREET, ; Mr. Wright, Independent Opposition candidate for. Wellington South,'held a successful meeting at Webb Street last night. There was a large proportion of lady electors among those present. Mr. R. G. Denton occupiod tho chair. The candidate, who had a most cordial reception, delivered an address chiofly on tho lines of his opening speech at Newtown. Dealing with the question of finance, he said that on account of the groat increaso of revenue there should liavo been a cessation of borrowing or else a voduction in tho indirect taxation.. He quoted figures showing that tho gross debt had increased by £1,023,198 during tho year ended Maroli 31, 1904, while} during tho samo period interest and moiioy placed to the credit of sinking funds had totalled £1,957,962. Tho figures ill respect of later years had been as follow, thoso appearing in parenthesos representing interest and sinking, fund:—l9os, £2,389,785 (£1,993,729); 1900, £2,279,040 (£2,087,204): 1907, £1,088,000 (£2,132,142); 1908, £2,274,807 (£2,187,-119): totals, £10,554,878 (£10,358,456). Mr. Wright adversely criticised tho provisions in some'of tho measures which had been placed on the Statute Book in recent years, It was his opinion tha.t the Upper House should bo elective, and that oacl) member should represent a group of four constituencies. Thero was, lie said, greater need now-than hitherto for a strong Opposition party in the House. -

Replying to a question, the eandidato stated that he strongly objectod to Asiatics, especially Chinese, being allowed to take up their residence in tho Dominion.

An olector: You claim to b.e a No-License advocate. Now; ex-Priest Slattery was a victim of the drink habit. Is it true that your firm was the only ono which printed cards, otc., for him in Wellington?— Mr. Wrighti I don't think my firm did any printing for the person you mention', If it did it was in •the ordinary course of business. (Applause.) I should bo glad if you could secure a copy of anything which my firm is supposed to have printed. A printer is just liko a grocer, for instance; ho does any work which js not against tho law with anybody who can pay for it. (Applause.)

A written question: Do you think that it is right that Roman Catholics should have preference of 'employment in the civil service?— No creed, class, or nationality should have any preference. Merit and respectability should bo the topt. (Applauso.) Another elector: Ono of tho most important questions of tho day is that relating to unemployment. Would you bo in favour of tho formulation of an Imperial schemo whereby tho unemployed would bo drafted out to parts of tho Empire which could absorb them?— Yours is a good idea. It is heartbreaking to see honest men Who are willing to work out Of employment.

' In reply to other questions, tho candidate stated that ho approved of tho system of rating on tho unimproved values and that tho remaining Crown lands should bo leased with revaluation clause.

On the motion of Mr. T. J. Brown, tho candidate was accorded a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence.

Mr." C. 11. Chapman, Labour candidate for Wellington South, addressed a meeting of about forty electors in the Mein Street Schoolroom last evening; Mr. Halo was chairman. Mr. Chapman spoke of the present high cost of living and high rents,

■■■■.TV pointing out tlmt such was tlic state of things after 18 years of Liberal-administration. The candidate referred to '.tho. inadequate wages paid to women workers,''and expressed tho opinion that tho president of the Arbitration Court should bo elected by .popular bjillnt, instead of being appointed from -the judges of. tho Supremo Court'i Tho , usQal. vote was carried.. • - W r mr . novy.; . ~.Efi rbia*? •j.juu>*"' v/ellincton l east.v: / Mr. D. M'Laren,' Labour.! candidate, addressed a meeting, of ladiesjjja the New Century Hall, yosterday He enlarged upon the advantages wlijcli" : women of New Zealand enjbyed sisters in Britain and America, and '-'urged*'itliat "W-itlt the right.to vote camo greatonespciiisibililinß., As 0110 practically tho utmost generosity sho\4d; fc bej sjiawi^'to;: wards the advancement of our'-^ysicmof'cdu-.' cation. Hq uphold free edifcsti&'i'the' elementary school to the 1 'liftivlSrsity'i "find thought somo relief -could - ber'-rgivon' to.'tho: poorer classes by providingTUniform'.scliqpl books, say, up to tho thirav<K- ; dard. Lessons on physiolpgvc aiiil. temper-;' anco should be given in the. ¥&aQls held that it was«not endu^^' peranco in that way, inculcated by means of tho ppen- Ij>ar ja't';iieai;ly every street corner. More be given to the young .early 'pi(> ploymont, the children of the .daipung tricts . being a class. that should' ba ■attended,to speedily. The health and their sight, etc., inspection of medical State, as children wpre undertaken tasks which they .lwere-nol EE for, owing to defects which (vera to thoir. parents nor theip". ( "tfi(iciiersi;., r TIxQ., little angels, otherwiso the baljies, :-"sh6uld be protected by the Government' and Ithe -looal bodies, providing : for a purertjiiilli' than was now JJjp p'rjj^ipJes.iPf: 1 the Labour'movement were'/." ip'tlu those of the women's Women should support ters,:and it was man who was not' of such remain in the Labour moyempriti[.'. Aj'Yote of thanks and confidence'was.'.'carried. •

An address was given atiithe .-OlyderQUay. Schoolroom last evening. M'Lean. Tho Hey. J; Crowes -presided .oyeiv a' gathering of about 60 el^i»rg.f'wiio..-gave : . tho candidate a. capital ,;.rcception. VJ M'Lean dealt largely with -,; t]l.s. *mjttsrS;\ covered in his main speech at Victoria Hall, and commented at length oir'-the questions of Civil Service reform and Government borrowing, also with : tho questions of I ";' State Socialism, a State bank, Rationalisation of tho lioto issue, and the development of tl)e mineral resources pf the Dominion, , Replying to questions, Mr. M'Lean-stated that ho was ill favour .of uniform and frqe-.schqol;: books./ Ho was also in favour, of a fair land tax, which, he considered. would"isettlp ,th,e.,.rent, question, and of ail. ated land tax. "He.was not"iy,>favou?tftjl" appointments to tho Civil Sesyici.bfiiijg 'tiiatlo . by ballot, and cdrisiderecl v tlie y CJiyil.'; Service"; Board cry was not raised by the Civil Seryants but by the Opposjtion. At the conclusion of the meeting a hearty vote of thanks and confidence was passed.

Mr. A.. R. Atkinson'addressed s al- meeting J at Roseiieatli last night iii furtherance,-pf his candidature for. Wellington- East,! Mr.-,!'.- W» ; : Ward: introduced tho oandi.date :BS;ipuo-,ivhp ; J stood for what was solid .and;true;; ;Mr-,oA.t-:| kinson, . after defining his all iin dp ;to.w ;ii'd 3 - parties, as alroady reportedj saiirthat- party,: spirit was,the bauo of ourjpublio.'lifp. -iTho. ideal to be arrived.at was I&'.'SECure.'..tlj<}'.es'-. tablisliment. of,.the same standard in'public as in private life, .'and- tb'e business; of tho 'qountiy should, bp. conducted on ijithe, same lines,yon which 'an qrdina.r"y : -. priidellt' man would' conduct his own business, \l-he: oj;ooss of party: spirit was responsible: for; the degradation of politics' and? the ;total. misror, presentation of. public opinioiivV;An instance,, ivas tho. passing of 'the Secojul Ballot ;.J)iUy.in rogard.-to w'hich. Mr. Fisher'VWftS-svblo to.:, ;testify, from personal knowlo.dgpiytliat'.'.Jitlie:. 'iiiSjdrity of the mcmbo® of-KjßAJ'litoeijt SfflfeU "opposed to it., . His.own atMtiid6.".oi:!PPl'.psi-!: tion to tlio Government,implied fjiocpprsHliiVl antagonism. '.A.'sioto.pf;thanlvs and .cpnfi.dence-, was carried on the"motion o£,.Mr;,\-K.iug,-SCC-. onded by Mr. W, J. llclyer. - - 'i'V SET 3? .V'fc'Ti3/.i| WELLINGTON C|(lT!?,Wt " It is a poor luncheon hoiu' for tlio wharf hands when.they.'aro nob Queen's Statue with an the midday meal. Yesterday T. W... Hislop .who addressed-,tho ma.sticiitirig' l crowd... Speaking .of .unionisni, he, said;,-.it-\yas not so long ago; since it-was coHsidcrefl' illegal to do some of the- tilingsjfoV- whiclimen bincl themselves together ,i)i .the bonds of unipnism,;and consequently;,itmsed tos,b<J more difficult for measure of economic. dV O Ito. them "as the backbone/.oiUfryhp:.-? country. When lie was concerned wit|> ■tion'of. some of. the tliero was .a regulation -tbafesfl Civil Servant should act as an .officer-of a.ax ; rUl)ion, but-as soon as. Hp- heard of it;. .Iw-ind' the rule abolished. (Applause.) ThWplijejiljfof unionism was- in one respeot to oJjyiate,iis}far.(RS: possible, uiiemplo>;ment, and ; ditions, Ho. considered•• on^of. blots oh the-Empire -to wliiqh 'Tfais the inept manner in ploymont question was- bejng:v4?ali-;.,witli at, Home. It ■ was because, ofsjjqh,,thi.ng4otJißt[ lie felt drawn, to Mi'. Keir^.-Ijardie,,-, 1 - wjio; Was one. of tho few who werp : tr^jng ; to-b.ring.- ~ tlio Government to a bilities. (Applause.) In. replying,;tp"a t tion as to whether ho .was ; jijr.tfayoui' "flf: tli<x, abolition of tlio Legislatiyei„Qpuvfi|,nJ.)e ie-, plied—"You caji't do it, l)o mado a much more useful Cody-than jt is." To another querist tlmt he did not belieye ill a bar? majgri.ty.,.on the Nolicense question. At tho conclusion of his ajddress tho candidate.received-three cheers.

■ Thoro.. .was a large attpjMft'ft& ,-\t A Fisher's meeting at JlitcheiltOWn last , evening. The candidate spoko for-f\nrlimii'..itpoiti various political questions, jtlie olusiou of the.nieeting which he answered to tlio apparent- satisfaction of his hearers. He was acuardad a-u'nank mous vote of thanks and cogj|den£s,< iiMiSi Fisher will speak in the - nejife Wednesday. in

MR. WILFORD AT^AlTAi'iiM';

; Mr. T. M. Wilford, LiW.rs, - /c&disate/fs>r tho Hutt seat, addressed alcttftvded "()s?pting' of the electors at the TaitS iiig, Mr. Colson presiding. Mr. .Wjlf.o'iU spoke'-' partly on tlio linos of his Petmio/spccch. ~.He. also' dealt with questions. relating to..' Gayqriimejit valuations, incidents;; /of'- '.taxation'',, and various local wattersj- *; lijcljiding'' • tijiS Tramway Bill. Referring to"tljo:.'la'nd'qiiesr tion, the candidate stated ! .)iad ; not . altered' his opinion of three.'' years* namely, that those desiring /to I 'select' ar ( cas.' should havo tjio option of t)io o lepVehgld': or the freehold of a restricted<'area,'...according to tho quality of the. land.;. . He,/.was of. opinion that tho leasehold/'"should' bp the stopping-stone to tho and, tho pre? vention of the aggregation: of large , estates should ho closely. ivatc|i«l. The. carrying oiit of tho Native Land policy ..this year;;,by in--dividualisation of titles, wtfuld/'bo/'of. grcfi't . benefit to progress, A vote, c p£,thanks "aiid) confidence was, on the ;inotiqri;'.-.pf,Mr/ M'Grath; '.seconded - by -caiTicd'unanimously.. At' tho a committee'was formed as 'chairman, Messrs. Cottl^. I '.M'CJrath' and Milne as vicc-chairmen, aijd ;Mr.;'R. Jones' lis secretary. ' LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION. SUCCESSFUL MEETING AT OAMAIIU.'. IftT TELEtiItArU—I'IIESS A.SSOCIATION—COP I'UIG![T,) ' , ', Temuka r Octobor - 29.: 7 Tho Leader of the Opposition/addressed ft crowded meeting hero to-night.-----Seven . ar eight hundred people were present, Ho:.had it very good, reception. His spocch v'as" almost -tho same as that delivemlvat ITeild-* ing on Monday,, but omitting" any. reforcnco to Socialism. Ho. spqlco in, explanation of fivo or six planks of tho Opposition platform or manifesto, and passing i from,: thls.;mado. a strong claim for gratitude for what tho party ho represented had --dono v for the workors.. Ho reminded f,hq meeting. really Liberal measures that had passed by so-called Tory' or Coriservatife ''leaders— 1 l !•

"the Educalioh'Act of Sir. Bowen, the female franchise of Sir John Hall, national annuities proposed by Sir Harry Atkinson, the liberal •land laws of Mr. Rolleston (more liberal than tho present laws, ho claimed). ; Tbo Opposition had been challenged to say what Acts they; would repeal. Ho would' repeal the ■ provisions legalising tho objectionable powers to in the ipanifesto, .and the new Owning Dill. Mr.' Massey strongly con-.demned-this Bill as having- caused-an increase in.gambling.. -Thototalisator returns were as high as. bofore, and tho bookmakers' were now at work in addition. A number of questions were answered to-tho satisfaction of the aiidipnco, an 4 a vote of thanks and confidence carriod, ••. . . -

! '^jhK.PßlME'ministerl -<■"3 ' (81-; jrEIEOEiPp—rEESS ASSOCIATION.) ! c : ,,7" , ...3 Irivercargill, October 29. '"'Sif ..jpsoph . Ward delivered addresses at and Myross Bush this morning, .andiat Otatara in-the afternoon. .For tho. .-rest- of tho afternoon a,nd all- the evening. . .Sir ' J-. :• Ward was busy with Departmental 'wii'rif. Ho leaves Invercargill b.y tho first ex-•pVess^to-morrow,. aiid will- spealf at Temuka : St:' lie will officially ; !jfose4 .tliopost,.offico at Goraidine, qnd 'jliqn go'.'straight., on to .Wellington,' arriving'. ' .... . SPEECH BY THE HON. C. FOWL.DS. : sx* ; TE;ORM T GA/HOME INCIDENT. f ASSOCIATION.) "J"' : Auokland, October 29, . .The" Hon. Geo. Fowlds-addressed', a largo meeting at Eden Terrace to-night, and' re* ; "coi'ved a vote of thanks and confidence. Referring to Mr. Nicholson's remarks /regard-' ihg Te Oranga Home, he said it wa.s not a fact that the late Premier had refused to gfaut permission for the cutting off of girl's ! He vi'fis prepared to. give £100 towards ■ '>tijtj [Mount ,-Eden School swimming bath or ; fany jothor good object named by Mr. Nichol'l'soiijif it could be proved either from Mr. ' 1-Bishop's report or any other source that Mr.' : Beddoil • jliad"' ever 'refused • permission to cut : -girls 1 -' hair . ;-• There was no '.justification in - jdrawiiig such' a. conclusion from Mr. Bishop's .■report. What was clearly set'forth in Mr.' : -Bishop's, Teport was that on previous- •. jSions when: applications had been made to tlio Department for such permission, tha ; -Department, being itself adverse 1 to this form ' ''of; except in extreme cases, had J dbolinod to.: put it before , the Minister, so that a.t no timo had Mr. Seddon declined f.n grant permission, If a similar application had been made to Mr. ..Seddon as that made to himsqlf' he (Mr. Fowlds) belioved that ha would havo taken the same action as he had taken..

:; SPEECH BY THE HON. R, M'NAB, (U^I'TEIBGRAIMI—ritESS ASSOCIATION.) .1 Inveroarglll, October 20. J , *:..Tho ; Hon. R. M'Nab. opeiied tho.campaign .last night by'addressing two meetings, •' at ; -. : . .both'o? which' yotes ' "of confidence , yon . tpisscd.Tho Ministor mainly; dealt with re* : • : cent land legislation, and referred specially; ' ■; to the cutting up of estates in Ha.\yke's , i .Bay, several of which are now ;ii market oii • .'terms that" would - enable thoso 1 of moderate means ; to' t'akeup-sections; Regarding the' ■ ..n'e'w dairy'regulations, he said'some thought "t]iat all dairy farmers had'to provide con-"'"";, •' .'.crcte Hobrs and erect now buildings. That '- ;'.was ,_not;so.'' All that was. wanted was floor-. ■- gig impervious to water.'. 1 - ; THE ROLLS. •. '■ / '. •■.' (BY TK'-E.Gtiii'U-rilllSS ASSOCIATION.) i-ii/ ■■■,- . Hastings, October 29. - : Nb-Liceiise' ; 'party is'malting a 'close ■ 'scrutiny pf .the. rolls, and lar>.3 challenged oyei - four hundred liarnea," , (p*". Tcuakirar-jfjicm ASMCUTION.) ' Timaru, October ?!).' ''" ..At'tho -Magistrate's Court ■ to-day; Mr. r found .himself unable tp strike off •• "About' 20Q names '.from ,the Timaru roll .(ob-: ' , ground that the personsjiad ■ ieTjk jtlio district), because acting on instruc- -..;i W.ellijigton tlie Registrar, had nofe.,.-.' notices as. registered kUu&thMi'Qrio;. nameiwas: removed, as there; had nover -. 1 'bcoii arpersqiiviiiithe district of that ljamo. - .. " "parliament dissolved. . t Tlie' : Goyernor!a' 'proclamation v dissolving . . the iQttipral.. Assembly; was published, by.'' ' yesterday.' ' *' The'diite foi'.'issuing the-writs lias not yet., ". : beeri "fixed. : The"Legislature Act, provides .' " f 'hot'later than seten' .days after the dis'Solution .'the' Gpyprnor niay issue 'Kis'. wai> ' rant to! tbe Clerk'of .'Writs," instriiotiug him :to ; issue i the .writs, ~ , ... ~ . ".' After; the writs 'are issued, no. names can ~ ;bd- ! added to, "or taken off tho rolls, .and no . yoterfs' permits..can be granted. Th^ : ftjllO"v(',ing.;ilro the. dates of'dissolution ".. •, .issuiiig t-lie writs, incbfixicc'tjoivf witji ; tlie' last; three elections:— . IT i"■ 1902.": . 1905. '- « -Prorogation ' Oo't. -24., ' Oct:*4. '■ Oct. 31. •Dissoluti9n ; ;-...'.N0v.-l-S. . - Nov. 5. Nov. 15. ' •.Writs-issued - Nov, 22.. Nov. 11.- Nov. 22. Polling, Day De'o;,6. ' Nov. 25. ' Dec. 6. : A 'ii (Wed.)-(Tues.) (Weu.j ■■■> iv.(.-Jlr; ; .' A.'i'.'R;' Atkinson, at . his RoseiieatH ; . :;niectjng;las€ iiight, conlideiitly expressed tlio ' would be issued toi , } (Saturday)." - -- ' . . ' ' A .MR; FIELD'S CONTRADICTION, "?*' \ w'i';. A '..-'.-,'lTp. the Editoe.) . . ' ~'-: Sir,—l iioto, your explanation and comjjjigntiiafcfoot'.'of.my letter in this morning's ' Tissue,'.,and I^deem-it■ only just that I should" '} jl am sorry'-t.dld you an injustice. Tho ,|i:u agraph complained of did not show that was taken- fvpin another newspaper (w)iicb 'wpuld not''jvilfully. harm. me),.and I, not nn-, ijn.lijl'fi'llyj v ."66n6juded_vit was your own,-lictico my 'irritation.T-'tHink you will agree y.'ith urn that, you' hardjy do me justice in drag- ••, ging.up tho two previous incidents,, one of ~ v these--three years old. In respopt of, my A speech a at lieiihj- concerning the dairy school, Q 1 in tlio cplumns of.ths "• "NoifMland-Times" that their report/was., > i 11... rottin<y7oorrect.though it did not convey ' ,■ '.the ;iiie'aniiig :I"intended my. words'.tp bear, 1*lir any';cnse : 'the-matter was a trivial one, rbtifect to the "Eveiiing Post" eni.'eo'3o,''it' is'-'truo thit' three years ago I did,, tlio: i'Post" fan : -injustice which was really '■due to "ho "mistake of- my own, as, I ,cx-](laiiicd>;toj-th'at journal immediately after* ' ararfls;-"-.lt' a-! -mistake' which . was . ,' '^ot!' tneki;Oßiible"'in v tho ''hurry • and'.rusii of '■ >. blmib'n'i 'eve.—l"'am, : etc., . r - J ,' i ~' W- H. FIELD. . October; 29/ : ;

- [Mr,'/Field's frank admission that lie us injustice.!in his : previous conmiunicatioi 1.i5.,-: entirely to his credit, and disarms our natural resentment at the tone of thai .oqiniuunioatiou.] •{ MEETINCS. " Tho;/pul)lip. addresses advertised for this ■"'evening in the various electorates are as follow: ... .. ' ' '.Wellington.Central—Mr. F. M. B. Fisher, ,Mount. ; Cook School, 8 o'clock: ■'.Wellington-.Central.—Hon. T. W. Hjslop, ; Willis School, 8 o'clock. - ' Wellington 'North,—Mr. JVQ. Bolton, Sydney Street Schoolroom, 8 o'clock. •*•' : . ■ .Wellington South.—Mr. C. li. Chapman, ;Fullfo,rd's Hall, Brooklyn, 8 o'clock. '.''.Wellington South—Mr.- W. Forbes,--St.' .Thomas'-s Hall,- Newtown, 8 o'clock. I""Wellington: East,.—Mr.. A, R. Atkinson, /Victoria-Hall,. Adelaide Road, 8 o'clock. Welliiigtori' East.-t-Mr. W.- M'Lean, Kil- , pirniq School,: 8 o'clock; ; .'Wellington East:—Mr. D. M'Laron, coroner Buckle and Tasman Streets, 7.15 /. Wellington Suburbs.—Mr. J.- W; Braitlilvaite, the Hall, Kaiwarra, 8 o'clock. Suburbs.—Mr. J. E. Fitzgerald, Town Hall, Island Bay, 8 o'clock. Wellington Suburbs.—Mr.- F. T. Moore, tlio, Hall, Makarn,.B o'clock. Wellington Suburbs.—Mr. W. T. Youn" .Tea- Kiosk, Seatoun, 8 o'clock. T. M 'Wilford, Town/Hall Lower Hutt, 8 o'clock. * v ' • " -Mariawatu.—Mr.. F.' W.. Franklauu, Awa hUri,- 8 o'clock. ' ' ' Otaki.—Mr. W. H.'Field, Levin'' 8 o'clock