WELLINGTON SUBURBS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1279, 7 November 1911, Page 6

WELLINGTON SUBURBS.

MR. J. E. FITZGERALD AT KHAN. DALLAU. Mr. J. E. Fitzgerald, Government candidate, addressed a large meeting at lOi.audallnli.just evening. The Mayor of Onslow; (Mr. P. Holdsv.'orth) occupied the chair. Dealing with, taxation, Mr. Fitzgerald said that ho was determined to keep a careful watch upon all attempts to increase tho burden of taxation upon tho working man. Whilst it might be argued that wages had increased in recent years, it must bo admitted tluit the real reward of the working man is not as great to-day ns it was ten or twelve years ago. In dealing with railways, Mr. Fitzgerald said they should ljo run upon business lines, and that tho revenue should ho sufficient to pay interest on the money invested and cover tho cost of maintenance, repairs, and running expenses. iho candidato promised that he would do his utmost in advocating tho electrification of the suburban railways, 110 wrongly advocated tho completion of tlio South Island Main Trunk railway, which ho considered was of much moro importance to tho country than those railways in the way-backs of Otago and tho back-blocks of Taranaki. Tho candidate dealt at length with finance, social reforms, land question and defence, and painted out the many advantages to bo derived in joining, the National Provident 1' und, which ho claimed to bo tlio most humanitarian measuro ever placed upon tho Statute Book in New Zealand. In reply to questions, Mr. Fitzgerald said that he considered tho Civil Service classification schemo a political farce. In his opinion, tho work and not tlio men should be cjassificd. He also stated that, in his opinion, Labour would never adequately assert itself until it became consolidated and showed a united front, with ono aim, ono object, ono voice, and one ambition. The candidate was accorded a voto of thanks and confidence, and a large committee was formed. MR. BELL AT NORMANDALE. ' An audience of between fifty and sixty electors was addressed bv Mr. W. U. 1). Bell at tho schoolroom, Normandalo, last evening. Mr. R. Bell occupied tho chair. Tho candidate dealt with tho increase in tho cost of living, which he contendod was duo to the heavy taxation, resulting from tho extravagance of tho present Government. Ho thought that borrowing was necessary for tho development of the country, - but all money borrowed must be economically spent. Alter answering a considerable number of questions, the candidato was accorded a voto of thanks and confidence, on tho motion of Mr. W. Wilson, seconded by Mr. J. Doyle. Both a men's committee and a ladiee' committee utsro formed to further Mr, Bell's caudidaturo. ADDRESS BY MR. LUKE. Mr. J. P. Luke, Government candidato for the Suburbs scat, addressed a largelyattended meeting of electors at l'onrua last ovoning. Mr. A. Mildenhall presided. Mr. Luko referred to _ his past services in Parliament, aud this, together with his largo business experience, specially fitted him to represent a constituency of so many and varied interests as tho Suburbs and Country electorate. He also referred to the laud question, which had bcutt such a prominent fcaturo in Dominion politics of late. He was in favour of Dominion prohibition on a baro majority* Various other political matters were dealt with, and, at the conclusion of his address, a hearty voto of thanks and confidence was acoordcd tho candidate, oa tho motion ot Mr. G. Stevens, seconded by Mr. 11. Doer.