ELECTION CAMPAIGN.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1294, 24 November 1911, Page 4

ELECTION CAMPAIGN.

NEWS, NOTES, AND SPEECHESA Contrast. "When Sir Joseph Wajd spoko at Waimate on Friday night, tho mover of a voto of confidence had to express his rd gret that tho Prime. Minister had not told thorn what ho intended to do in 'he future. In the three hours', spcech.it was impossible to find that policy laid down for which both tho supporters and the opponents of the Government have been looking in vain. But Mr. Massey's policy was in tho foreground all tho time," and tho proposals of bis party to democratise tho Tipper House, by malting it elective by the people; to give stronger powers to local governing bodies and abolish tho present method of distributing public works votes; to remove tho Civil Service from political control; to help t,ho worker by insurance against sickness and unemployment; and to maintain a prudent financial policy, with diminished borrowing and the fullest possible publicity of administration, . evidently appealed to the crowded audienco which by a huge majority expressed its confidence in Mr. Massey as . a future leader of the Government of New Zoa-* land."—"Tim,iru Herald."

"If Looks Like it, Doesn't it?" "A determined effort is being made to prevent tho casual hands in the employ of the Railways Department from earning tho 9s. per day recently granted to theiu," said Mr. M. J. Mack, Labour candidate for Parnoll, on Monday night. "It is being done," he added, "by breaking their time." (A voice; Millar won't get back.) "And, moreover," the candidate went on, "tho Railway Department last year fined tho railwaymen i! 573. 12s. Gd. Yet Mr. Millar says lie is in sympathy with them. It looks like it, doesn't it?" :The Two Leaders. It was not only in point of attendance and enthusiasm that Mr. Massey's meeting .it AVinton excelled Sir Joseph Ward's. Tho "Southland Times," after giviug some samples of the scolding expressions used by the Prime Minister, remarks that "Mr. Alassey eschewed violent language and abstained from direct personal references, and we venture to say that his success in addressing audiences which contain opponents as well as supporters is in no small measuro duo to the moderation of the language he employs."

Native Lands and Railways. "Every farmer in Now Zealand knows that for years tho administration of Native lands has been as a millstone on the neck of our national prosperity, and not even the most rabid partisan will claim that the management of tho puhlic railways is oven moderately successful; Yet this is the Government which comes to Hie electors inviting a renewal of authority )'or three years longer."—"New Zealand Herald." .The Greatest Royal Commission. Whenever tho Government wcro in doubt or difficulty, said Mr. H. D. Bedford at Dunedin, thoy set up or proposed lo set up Koyal Commissions. They proposed., for instance, to spend ,£'20,001) 011 n commission to inquire into the cause of the increased cost of living. Tho Government had been so . busy hunting for titles—(laughter)—and so busy in fighting among themselves for place—for there wcro no less than three aspirants (nay, four) for the positiin of Primo Minister —(laughter)—that they had had no time for this question,' and therefore a commission was to look into it. (Applause.) There was nothing more extravagant than a Koyal Commission, and yet Air. Millar said tho Government were not extravagant. . ,■ A voice: Why not set up a commission to inquire into themselves? "A Koyal Commission is set up now!" replied Mr. Bedford. (Enthusiastic applause.) Tho excellence of that commission was that it was receiving no payment, and it would giye >t an impartial nnd unbiased report, '(applause.) Ho believed tho effect of tho report would be to put the Government on a wellgreased shoot which would put them right down and out. (Laughter and applause.) Tho Wairarapa Contest. [ Mr. Buchanan was greeted by a room full of electors, including many ladies, at Waihakeko on Monday evening, and ho made, a stirring and telling speech (says the "Wairarapa Daily News"). The candidate was in great form, and somo of those present expressed the opinhn that "the further he goes the garner and better he is." ■ ■ '

A "Sign of the Times." Looking about for favourable "signs of the times" to sot off against the general and increasing tendency of "Liberal" candidates' to qualify their allegiance to the Government, tho "Lyttelton Times" rejoices because one "is visible in the Stratford district." It quotes a telegram in a Ministerialist paper saying that at ono nf Mr. Hine's meetings a voto of confidence in tho Ward Government was carried. Unfortunately for tho Christchurch paper this report has been shown to be false by tho "Stratford Post," a Liberal journal, which supports Mr. lline's 1 opponent, but which wa3 fair enough not only to give the truth of tho matter, but also to condemn tho "faked" telegram quoted by tho ChristchurCh paper. ,Tho Wairau Seat. "Judging by the attendance at his meeting and by tffe hearty reception of the proposal of thanks and tonfidenco, Mr. Duncan's candidature is favoured by a very big majority in this, district; and a | great number of them aro residents who for years were scalwart supporters of the Hon. C. H. Mills."—"Pclorus Guardian." Tho Weakened Bond. "It' is an open secret that the bold, vigorous, and outspoken charaoter and genial nature of tho late Mr. Seddon is Badly missed b.V Liboi'als throughout tho Dominion at the present day. Strong party men are inclined to comparo the character of their former chief with that of their present loader, with a' result that is anything but flattering to the latter. The manner in which the Dreadnought was given to the Homeland, tile Baronetcy which Mr. Seddon again and again refused, and a thousand and ono other things, have all served to weaken the bond which bound Sir Joseph Ward as a leader to his party, and we should not be at all surprised if ho wore given a polite hint in a fortnight's time that tho services' of another leader would be prc-ferred."~"P.-.tea County Press."

Not Fair Play. He had to protest against tho action of strong Government supporters .perambulating the district urging electors to vote ngainst him, on the gronnd that it would lm fatal to tho district to again return liim to Parliament. This was hardly British fair play. (Applause.)— Mr. Dive, at Eltham. "The Stroks Got Home," Referring to Mr. MassOy's Winton meeting, the "Southland Times" scouts as absurd the statement that "tho triumph had been carefully manufactured." No organised attempt was made to gather into tho hall at AVinton Mr. Massey's supporters from far and near. No doubt tho meeting was drawn Inrgcly from those who sympathise with Mr. Massoy in politics, and no doubt, also, a largo number went to Winton from places outsido Sir Joseph Ward's electorate. Tho special train from Invcrcargill carried a large number of passengers, and tho townships and settlements in tho Wallace electorate on tho borders of Awarua contributed materially to .Mr. Massey's audience. But whatever the composition of the meeting may have been, it was certainly not a 'packed/ meeting, ami it proved clearly that in this district of Southland the Opposition has strong supporters and tho Leader of tho party is assured of an enthusiastic woloome. . . . With regard to what this paper has said of Mr. Massey's Winton meeting, there has bwni not the slightest exaggeration, nor any attempt whatever to colour the meeting in Mr. Massey's favour. What has been published has been a statement of fact. The people of tho district and the Dominion aro quite able to draw their own conclusions, and from, the aimetv shown-by partisan.newspapers to explain" with repeated assurances that

they are not in the least disturbed by tho enthusiastic welcomo-extended to Mr. Jlassey or by tho endorsement"""of his views, tho people arn shrewd enough to concludo that tho Winton stroko got home." Waimarino: Keen Interest, The keenest interest is being developed in the Waimarino election and a heap' poll is certain. Mr. lvess is going jo poll well, and tliero is speculation as; [o whether ho or Mr. Smith, will got into tho second/ballot with Mr. Hockly.

MR. W. H. D. BELL AT KELBUKNE. Mr. W. H. P. Bell, tho Opposition candidate for Wellington Suburbs, addressed a well-ntteudcd meeting at tho Presbvterian Church-room, Ivclburne, last night. Mr. A. L. Herdman was in the chair. 'Mr. Bell said that tho Governmont wero in tho position-of trustees for the people, hut the present Ministry had forgotten their trust, and thought only of remaining in office. Tho result was that the Government's actions were guided onlv by self-interest, and not by a regard for the welfare of tho State. The electors should put three questions to themselves:— First: Is tho financial administration sound? , . . . .■ Second: Is the land administration sound? ' Third: Is the whole administration honest? As to tho first question, Mr. Bell gave instances of wasto, and pointed out that the high taxation, high cost of living, and enormously increased cost of government proved that our financial administration had been unsound. As to tho second question, the area of Native land lying undeveloped and untaxed proved our land administration to be unsound, especially when one remembered that a real land hunger existed. As to the third question, Mr. Bell dealt at length with the existing system of jobbery, and referred especially to tho number of people who clung to the Government's skirts in the hope that they might some day .bo appointed to the Legislative Council." As ho made each point, Mr. Bell explained the Opposition party's policy for reform. The candidate received a very enthusiastic hearing, and at the conclusion of his address, a vote of thanks and confidence, moved by Mr. E. ]i. Hammond, and seconded by Mr. Keid, was carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated tho meeting.

MR. LUKE AT BERHAMPORE. Mr. J. P. Luko addressed twenty-five electors in the Masonic Hall, Berhampore, last night. Mr. J. P. Shand presided. Mr. Luke outlined his career on public bodies before he went into the House. As to his Parliamentary views, he declared that he stood for tho Liberal party, • but he was not going to bo bound down to follow the party into the lobby against his convictions. He was not under tho Government Whip. It would be found that after the coming election tlicro were in the House moro men disassociated from either party—men who would, for the good, of the community, take ail independent viow of matters. He attributed tho "social progress of this country" to the. women's franchise, because he did not think that tho country would have been so far advanced had it not been for tho influence of women on the community through their votes. This ho attributed to tho Liberal party, because when the door was closed by other countries to women as voters, New Zealand had declared that thov were entitled to vote. He thought that the finances of tho country were absolutely sound, hut the considerable borrowing of tho Government in tho last fow years must bo minimised. Touching on social legislation, ho commended tho old ago pensions schemc, the legislation respectiug sickness and invalidity of tho people, pensions for widows, and tho provident, fund,. In referenda to education, he declared for a free, secular, and compulsory svstem. Ho would make the path-free right up to tho university. The Civil Service should be put on an absolutely safe basis, especially as the State was going in for further enterprises, there were anomalies in regard to the service. The classification ought to and not be of the fragmentary character it was now. He had voted for the hydroelectric scheme, and he still favoured it. He believed that tho Arbitration Court should be remodelled. A man of good, sound,, practical business espericnpshpu d bo its. chairmali. - "Tako the-.JigalJside out, and let it rest on ritn'.of good; sound commercial training. There ar6t mejn in this Dominion as Capable as the judges, and I am not saying anything against tho Judgo." ' ' „„ Mr. Luke was asked if he would support tho Government on a no-conndcnc© motion. His reply was that if the carrying of -the motion was going, to resuU in tho building up of a better system than that of the present Liberal party, ho would not hesitate to put the Miniatrj out; but he would not put out the Ministry to put in Mr. Jlassey- and party, because ho did not think the. latter were Thfc»t;itedavoteof coi,fi,leneo in the candidate. Such a vote was moved, and declared to have heei. earned unanimously. No amendment was invited.

' Mr J. E. Fitzgerald, tho Government candidate for Wellington Suburbs and Country Electorate, addressed a number of electors at. Judgeford last night. The chair was occupied by Councillor Galloway. The candidate dectared himself in favour of the burstin„ up of largo estates by heavier graduated land tax, which would have the effect of throwing a great deal of land on the market at a reasonable price, and dispense with tho present .system of tho Government mirchosing large estates at an exorbitant price. It would also have the effect of relieving the taxation on the necessaries of life, and placing the burden upon.the land. Dealing with the labour question, the speaker pointed out that tho present Government had done moro for labour than the Labour parly had done in other countries. By legislation it had improved the conditions under which ho worked, regulated hi» hours, and safeguarded the workman? wages in a. way that had been done m no other country. Not only this, but by means of old age pensions, national annuities, and facilities for building workers' homes, the Government had provided for tho working man in a most liberal manner. As for the future, the releasing of tho necessaries, of life, from the burden of taxation would be in the workers' best interests, and by charging tho taxation upon tho land, the worker wo'tld have a bettor ehanco of obtaining a houso at a reasonable rental. As for the railways, the candidate strongly advocated a workable suburban servico tor the Ilannwatu line, tho rapid completion of the Chvistchurch-Picton railway, and general economy in the administration. Tho speaker declared himself a, party man. "and because tho present Government had a splendid record, and offered the best material for further improvement, he was a sunporler of that'party, although he reserv<xl to himself the right to criticise should any measure inconsistent with tho nolicy of liberalism bo introduced. A vote of thanks and confidence was carricd unanimously, on tho motion of Mr. Abbott, and seconded by Mr. E. Draper.

MJi. MOORE AT MELROSE. Addressing an open-air meeting at Melroso last night Mr. F. T. Moore, tho Labour candidate, said that, provided Melrose, Maranui, Berhampore, -and Island Bay workers supported his candidature he was bound to bo in tho second ballot. In many of tho country centres of tho electorate he would easily head the polls. Ho had that day put in his nomination signed by no fewer than four county councillors who aro strong and influential farmers supporting him. Ho-was absolutely suro of a majority of tho farmers' votes and Labourites should pay no heed to tho statement of a Liberal candidate who said Labour's nominee had no chanco in the contest. Tho workers in the country part of tho eloctfrato woro standing loyally for Labour. Unity was tho hopo of Labour and not. ono single vote should ho given to either Liberal or Opposition candidates. Mr. l'\ T. Moore, Labour candidate for the Suburbs seat, was• nominated yesterday by Councillor Galloway (Pahautanui), Councillor Eastwood (Porirun). Councillors Monte and Maiiagbin (Makara), and Councillor Hindmarsli (Island Bay). Prof. Mills will speak on bfbalf of the Labour candidate for Wellington North, iii the Sydney Street Schoolroom, to-night at 8 o'clock.

WANGANUI

WELLINGTON SUBURBS,

RANGITIKEI

OTAKI

HUTT,

ME J E. FITZGERALD AT JUDGE- . ' . ' •; FORD.

OHINEMURI

WAIMARINO

NOMINATIONS,

SrEECH BY M"R, HUTCHISON. Mr. CSrorpo Hutchisou. who contesting tho Wanganui seat as nn # Oppositionist, nddioised a large meeting the Opera House on Tuesday evening. The dre&s eiiv.lo was fitted to its utmost eapacity, many finding at' the back, white the .stalls ami pit were fully occupied. .Mr. E. N. LillUou (Deiudy-Mayur) occupied tho chair. Mr. Uutuhi»on said the "Ward (iovernment did not; deserve a continuance of confidence. In tho fir>t plnco they had far too long held the positions of power —(hear, hoar)—and lie asked all who hold that opinion to support his candidature. (Loud applause-) It would naturally be exported that the head of the Government would be a statesman, but ho (Mr. Hutchison) would show couclusirely that Sir .loj-eph Ward had no claim to that distinction. Despite tho fact that »Sir Joseph Ward had the advice and assistance of Sir John Tiudhiy (who, by the way, went. Homo at the country s expenso for no rcas<m save perhaps to obtain a title) Sir Joseph Ward showed his utter incapacity at the Imperial Conference and by the absurdity of hid pi'O* posals, humiliated New Zealand in t lio eyes of the English-speaking world. Last cession, Sir Josopii Ward-''had submitted a voluminous Budget full of admitted .inaccuracies and romance. (Laughter.) bir Joseph Ward had claimed that taxation was made to fall only on tho shoulders of those best able to bear it. but no matter upon whom taxation \fas ■ priinarily levied, it came back upon every individual in tho community. The candidate analysed the Mokan renort, which, ho said, showed that Mr. Jtassey's indictment of tho Government had been proven up to the hilt. The Government had had amplo opportunity to acquire the land for tho benefit of tho people, but instead of doing that had gone out of its way, secretly and unjustifiably, to so Use its power as to make it possible for an individual or a syndicate to acquire the freehold ot the Mokan lands. Tho Under-Secretary of Native Affairs had stated that never before had such steps been takon by tho Government in connection with the purchase of Native land. Tho Government, after twenty years of office, had dono practically nothing towards the promotion of settlement. One of the main planks of thp Opposition platform was' freedom ot selection with certainty of choice—the freehold. (Applause.) It it suited a farmer to take a lease let.him-have it, but ho should have the right if hff thought proper, to get the freehold. (Applause.) Tho candidate also severely criticised the Premier's proposals for a State; note sue. Sir Joseph Ward had propped during the last five years to grant war pensions to veterans. This year ho had carried out his promise in the meanest manner conceivable- Those • veterans entitled to old age pensions were to be allowed o call them military pensions! A very .successful meeting was terminated by the cam-in* of a hearty voto of thanks.,/ Hid candidate objected > mi. , of confidence, preferring that at . the .'bal-lot-box. .. i-.'-j.

; HE. NEWMAN AT POREWA. ■ The seating accommodation at th£> schoolhouse, Porewa, for. Mr. address on Wednesday, evening, was fully, taxed, ' and tho candidate met with a hearty reception. Mi*« Lancaster occupied the chair. A vote of thanks was proposed bv Mr. E. Thorns, and was seconded in. several places, but before the chairman, had the opportunity of tion to the meeting, Mr. A. Cockburn, bj way of an amendment, proposed a hearty vote of thanks and "renewed confidence in Mr. Newman. This was carried unanimo V U pleasing diversion to politics was fully appreciated after the' meeting, when the candidate and electors, were entertained at supper by the ladies of the district.

. Mr. Byron Brown nddreised the' Manakau electors in the Town Hall-on; Wednesday evening, when ITiero was .a lajge. attendance, - every seat being occupied. Mr. Les. Atkins occupied the chair. At the conclusion of tho address the candidate was accorded a very hearty vote or thanks and confidence. Mr. C. A. W.Monckton, Reform candidate for the Otaki electorate, addressed sixty odd electors at . Glen Oroua on Monday eve urn". It was a. most enthusiastic meeting, Mr. Monckton being listened to with the utmost attention, and received considerable applause. The candidate received a vote of thanks and confidence, and the promiso of a block vote from tho farmers present. Mr. C. A. W. Monckton spoke in the sohoolhouse, Orona Downs, on Wednesday evening. Notwithstanding the boisterous weather, the room was well filled. After speaking for over an hour; evidently to the satisfaction of those . present, the candidate was accorded a vote-of thanks and confidence.

Mr. J. W. Ml3wan addressed the elec : tors of Normandale on Wednesday night, and received an attentive hearing. After answering a number of questions, the candidate was accorded a vote of thanks. Mr. M. J. Reardon, Labour candidate, addressed a meeting of Petone ladies on Wednesday night. He, was accorded a vote 'of thanks.

A correspondent telegraphs:—Mr. Fletcher (Opposition) addressed electors at Waihi on Wednesday night, Mr. Donaldson being in the chair. The Academy Theatre was crowded. Mr. Fletcher was given an enthusiastic reception and much applause. Tho meeting was orderly and highly appreciative. Two thousand people were present,

(By Telesranh—Press Association.) , Owhango, November 23. Mr. Hockly had a capital meeting here last evening, and, despite tho inclement weather, some sixty odd votarp were present, including several ladies. Mr. Hockly carried tho meeting with him from the start.

Hawera, Novembor 23. Mr. G. V. Pcarce (retiring member), Opposition, and Mr. P. O'Dea, Government, have been nominated for tho Paten seat. ■ ~

INVERCARGILL

WELLINGTON DISTRICT ROLLS,

Invercargill, November 23. Mr. J. .A. Hanaji addressed his first meeting of electors in the theatre tonight, the building being more than crowded. Tho speaker got a good hearing. He stated that his choice was not between the Government and a better Government, but between this Government and the Opposition,' and he supported the Government. He was a Radical vote. A motion of thaaks and confidence was carricd, amidst cheer's.

Tho various registrars of electors in the local district, who have had a busy time during the past fow dny.s, arc now in a position to supply particulars 03 to tho total roll figures in their respective electorates. In Wellington Central the main roll bears !)S7B names, of: which. 646 have been transferred or removed. There thus remain oil the maiu roll 9232 names, and. tho supplementary roll carries 1550. eo that the aggregate number enrolled is 10,752. Absent voters' permits issued in tho Central olectorate total 133, ami seamen's rights 224. In tho North district there arc 1430 nnmes on the supplementary roll, 'i'his, with the 9SS9 names oil tho main roll, makes an aggrcgato of 11,379. Seven hundred and soven names were removed on account of transfers, withdrawals deaths, etc., which makes the revised total in the North district 10,672 name?. On the Wellington East maiu roll as printed, there aro 03S1 names, the supplementary roll carries 1324 names, and Ml names wero removed on account of transfers, deaths, otc. The total number of electors registered on the East roll is 10,217. Absent voters' permits in this district totalled 171 and seamen's rights 31. In tho South district a supplementary roll of 860 electors brought lip the aggregate total of enrolments to 9650. This was reduccd by 620 transfers and removals, so that the aggregate now stands at 9060. In the Suburbs district tho supplementary roll carries 7;i( names, and tho main roll 7153, so that the aggregate roll contains 7914 names. Absent voters permits in the Suburbs district total 110, and seamen's rights two. . . . Further election news will be found on Page 8 of this issue.