ON THE PLATFORM.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1300, 1 December 1911, Page 8

ON THE PLATFORM.

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION. SUCCESSFUL MEETING AT GREY LYNN. (By Tclegraph-Pres-i Association.) Auckland, November 30. The Leader of the Opposition addressed a largo meeting at Grey Lynn to-night about 800 people being present. Ho received a most a'tcntive and sympathetic hearing and a vote of thanks and confidence was carried on a show of hands, without a single dissentient, followed b> cheers for Mr. Massey and the Reform partv's candidate. A small section gave cheers for the Hon. G. Fowlds. Mr. Masscv was again cheered when leaving tho hall.

MR. HERDMAN AT DANNEVIRK'c.

ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING. (By Telegraph.—Special Corrcspondint.l Dannevirkc, Novomber 30. Mr. A. L. Herdman addressed an overflowing moetiDg in tho Drill Hall tonight. He was accorded a splendid hearing, and was frequently cheered in his vigorous denunciation of tho Ward Administration. At the conclusion of his speech a voto of thanks to Mr. Herdman and confidence in Mr. Massey and the Reform party was carried with great enthusiasm. Cheers wcro tLen given for Messrs. Herdman, Massey, and Hunter.

THE PREMIER.

INTERVIEWED AT CHRISTCHURCH. j ■By Telegrai-h.—Press Association.! Cliristchurch, November 30. The Prime Minister arrived from Wellington this morning, and went south by tho first express. The strain of campaigning has told on Sir Joseph "Ward, who, in addition to suffering from a cold, looks less well than he did in Christchurch about ten days ago. Speaking for a few minutes to a reporter, the Premier said that he would not discuss election prospects in detail, but ho could say generally that the Government's prospects in tho North Island were very good. During his tour he fouud that, there was a very strong feeling favourable to the Government, and he felt confident that tho Government would como back after the election as strong as ever. "No public man could have reason to bo more satisfied than I am with what I have seen," said the Prime Minister. "There were no particular arrangements mado on my behalf. Whatever was done was done spontaneously, and ono can easily judge the feeling of the public by the spontaneous actions of the public. There was no building large enough to hold the numbers of people who wished to attend my meetings everywhere, including the Trader of the Opposition's district. The manifestations of goodwill were very general. I have had too long an cxperieuco of public life to be carried off my feet, but I do believe that, in spite of the organised attempt to weaken our party throughout the country, the people generally recognise that a fine record of work in their interests is shown by the Liberal party." Sir Joseph Ward said that he did not share the Opposition's anxiotv about the Awurua seat. He could not sav how long he would be in the south, but it was possible that he would bo back in Wollinglon by polling day. Referring to tho increased payment for rnuwaymen, for which Provision was made last session, the Prime Minister said that the promise had been made distinctly by him that the increased pavment would be made from November 1 and that promise would be fulfilled. SPEECH AT GORE. (By TelesraDh.-Prcsii Association.) ■ . Gore, November 30. The Prime Minister and party arrived by the second express, and were welcomed by the Mayor and Liberals, and plaved by the Pipe, Band to the Dominion Hall, which held a packed audience. Just before the meeting Mr. W. F. Inder, solicitor, rose from tho front of the hall, and said that a report had been circulated that he intended organism" interruption on behalf of the Opposition party which he ardently supported. He denied that as a falsehood. His nssuranco was accepted by Sir Joseph Ward, The' Prime Minister said that the higher a man ascended the ladder of life in any respect the more likely he was to become the object of kindlv and sometimes otherwise disposed people. It was levelled against the present Administration. It was said that the Leader of tho Opposition and some of those who were seeking re-election offered age as a reason why the present Administration should be removed from office. Was age a valid reason why an old (assuming that ho was old) servant should be put "off the road" after he had proved to be of valuable service? (Applause.) He wanted to ask his audience (he continued) if they believed the tarradiddles that were advanced by some of his opponents. (Cries of "Lies.") As to the burden of taxation being increased, and taxation gem-r----ally being increased, he complained that his opponents did not tell the whole truth in connection with these matters. Since he.had been at the head of the Administration the mileage of railways had increased by 401 miles 33 chains, and further, since the Liberal partv had been in power the mileage had beeu increased from 1800 to 2507 miles, or an increase of 998 miles 1 chain. Sir Joseph Ward asked how many countries could he advanced from the primitive state without borrowing money. Ho explained at great length tho purposes for which loans wero borrowed. Out of the total amount borrowed since 1891 8C per cent, earned its own interest and its own sinking fund and no taxation of any kind had been imposed on the people- for it. Less than .£3,000,000 required to be provided for by taxation. He explained the taxation and Dreadnought position as in previous speeches. Referring to Southland and settlement, ho stated that seven large estates costing .£218,000 had been cut up settling 1083 people. He contended that the Government had pursued their land policy with great vigour, and that they had made no suggestion at any, time to repeal the optional tenure. A 'motion of thanks and confidence was carried.

SIR JAMES CARROLL,

. (By Telegraph-Press Association.) Gisborne, November 29. Sir James Carroll spoke at Patutahi township, near Gisborne, this evening, about 150 people being present. Ho saui (jo was not going to make a political address, but wanted to thank tho electors for allowing him a walk-over for the Gisborne seat. Ho referred to Native lands, and pointed out what the Government was doing to settle, the lands in this district. In regard to the liquor question, he said that he believed tho only solution was national prohibition or State control. Local option for three-year periods was unsatisfactory. Political mattors wero not discussed, but Sir James Carroll said ho went in as a Liberal, and still thought tho Liberal Government was doing the best for the country. Sir James Carroll delivers a political speech in the theatre at Gisborne on Friday evening.

WELLINGTON SOUTH,

ME. niNDATAHSH AT BROOKLYN. Mr. A. H. Hindmarsh, Labour candidate for Wellington. South, addressed upwards of 100 of the electors of Brooklyn at Fullford's Hall last evening. Mr. Hindmarsh condemned the Government's failure to make good their election promises, and the formation of a Labour party had, therefore, becomo a vital necessity. No good could como of the Opposition party, for they were as reactionary as the present Government. No hope could be expected from the Conservative party. The most urgent reforms could not be carried out unless the land were made to _boar more taxation, and this the Opposition party would oppose strenuously. Mr. Hogg had left tho Government, and ho-said he was disgusted with the Ministerial party, but he would not join the Opposition. • Mr. Fowlds, too, had grown sick of the Liberal Ministry because it was not progressive enough. Mr, Hindmarsh criticised adversely _ the action of the NoLiccnso people in allying themselves with the candidate who lielonged to the Opposition party, a party which would never favour No-License. The holy cause of temperance was being exploited by the Tories to thwart reforms. Tho Opposition did not want No-License, because it. would mean more land luxation. And I jet the tomperance ifioplo would have

nothing to do with Hie Labour parly, which had as mis of its planks the bare I majority on the No-License issue. T.hu ' temperance people were being kept dis-' trarted by this question, and as long as i (hey wore so distracted they would not voto for reform. This was playing right into tho Tories' hand*. In answer to questions, Mr. Hindmarsh said that he hud ir,i ciml'idoii™ in the pn.---p]il ocm-l.iiution of lh.' Arbitration Court, presided ever, as it was, by a lawyer. He believed that separate trades should be dealt with bv separate Courts. He believed the State should tax the unimproved valim of land, and lake at least a portion of the unearned increment. He was imt in favour of nationalisation of rent, but he did not believe (hat any Government could take all the land and work it as some proposed. A vote of thanks and confidence was declared carried by acclamation. MB. WRIGHT AT BROOKLYN. Mr. 11. A. Wright addressed an open-air meeting at Tollman Street, Brooklyn, last evening. The candidate alluded to the fact that the present election contest was one of the most unique ever waged in New Zealand. He certainly never remembered seeing tho Minisreis of the Crown in such jeopardy before. At. least five Ministers wore lighting for vheir political existence. This showed clearly that pubiie. opinion had undergono a change, and it meant, he believed, that the personnel of the new House would be considerably altered. In answer to questions ho said ho was not a singlc-taxer, but was in favour of further, reducing the Customs duties, so as to cheapen tho cost of living. Ho did not support'an amendment to tho Workers' Compensation for Accidents Act allowing Australian workers not domiciled in Sevc Zealand to reap its benefits, because the Australian States would not reciprocate. If the Commonwealth Government would pass an enactment giving New Zealaudcis in Australia the benefit referred to, he would support a similar law for Australians being passed in New Zealand. He believed the Arbitration Act had been beneficial in New Zealand, and with amendments; could still he made serviceable. He thought the existing arrangement between the Government and the Bank of New Zealand was unsatisfactory. Either the Government should take the bank over altogether, or else sell out. DR. COUZEXS AT BERHAMPORE. Dr. Couzens spoke at Berliainpore Churchrooin last night. Tho chair was taken by Mr. Fagan. Dr. Couzens said that the polling day would soon be here, and some candidates would receive a wellearned rest, but many would have to fight more fiercely than ever at the second ballot. Yards of speeches, containing avalanches of words, were being poured out lavishly throughout the length and breadth of the land, but when these were properly sifted out he feared that golden nuggets of wisdom would be few and far between. He thought that speech.es should be valued for their quality"rather than for quantity. Some people went apparently to political meetings in search of fun, and frequently got if; but he considered that the issues at stake wero too great for mere trifling. He had fixed and definite views on the great questions of the day, and had explained these as clearly as he could at his various meetings. Women had votes, and consequently great power in their hands. He hoped that they would use t.iis privilege which their sisters in England were struggling so hard to gain. The Government professed to be opposed b monopolies, and yet.the Cabinet monopolised all Parliamentary power, leaving nothing but tags and shreds for tho menbers of the House. This was a grave ibuse of power, and called for immediate reform. Business in Parliament was conducted in a very loose manner. This no doubt accounted for the gross errors which unfortunately crept into so many Bills. The mad rush at end of sessions was lamentable. Yast sums of money were voted away without any proper examination. Surely it would be better to discuss money matters earlier in the session mid also earlier in the evening, before members were tired out. What sort of legislation could one cxnect if this state of affairs continued? The two great methods of taxation were direct and indirect, and the worker would l;e astonished if he knew the large amount he paid indirectly. This, of course, increased the cost of living. Dr. Couzens then went on to explain his land policy, which, if given effect to, would bo the means of raising increased revenue so that most of the Customs duties on necessaries of life could be abolished. One method of increasing trade and prosperity would bo by purchasing New Zealand-made goods in preference to imported, and now that the woollen and other articles were of so excellent a quality these manufactures ought to be encouraged. A vote of thanks and confidence, moved by Mr. Ancoll aud Seconded by Mr. Patience, was accorded unanimously. The candidate was frequently applauded. MR. BARBER AT VOGELTOWN. Mr. Barber, Government candidate for I Wellington South, addressed about 30 electors at Yogeltown last owning, and spoke for an hour and a half. The candidate dealt with the national debt, and claimed that the Opposition had repeatedly advocated the expenditure of large sums, which had necessitated further borrowing, and in no case had voted against loan proposals. He alsu dealt with the advantages of our education system, and i(s importance to the rising generation. Mr. Barber was in favour of completing the South Island ■Trunk line, and the establishment of u fern- service across Cook Strait, connecting tha railway systems in the North Island, and he maintained that it luuild bo wise to borrow foi this i.uiposo rather than to wait until it is taken out of the consolidated revenue. Mr. Barber was frequently applauded during the meeting, and at the conclusion was accorded a hearty vote of thanks aud confidence, on tho motion of Mr. Jones.

WELLINGTON CENTRAL,

MR, FLETCHER AT ARO STREET. Mr. R. Fletcher, Government candidate for the Wellington Central seat, addressed a well-attended meeting of electors in the Mission Hall, Aro Street, last evening. Mr. D. M'Mahon acted as chairman He dealt at the outset with the land question. The Opposition, lip remarked. said that the Xativo lands should bo cut up for settlement. A voice: Why not? Mr. Fletcher said he had no objection but in justice the pakeha land 3 should be dealt with first. The real aim of the Opposition, said Mr. Fletcher, was to back up and protect their friends the squatters whose lands carried sheep, one or two dogs, and perhaps a couple of shepherds. The proposal of the Opposition that the national endowments should be sold, and other lands acquired '■<-. the neighbourhood of cities, amounted to robbery. Did his hearers know that the Government had expended '.£6,000,000 in buying back land—the heritage of the people. An elector: The land does not belong to the Government. Mr. Fletcher said, the land did not belong to tho Opposition cither. He advocated such a land tax as would force people who held land without using it to disgorge. The cheap money scheme was obnoxious to tho other side, because it had brought down tho rate of interest from 10 or 12 to S or 4 per cent. Xoiwilhstandiug anything (hat tlio Opposition or Thk Dominion might say, tho'Ophad opposed progressive legislation. It wns said thai. Ihe. Government had no land policy. What was tho land policy of the Opposition? Absolutely the n'nly argument the Opposition had was, "the Government have been too long in power;' Take speeches made by Opposition candidates in Wellington. End any one of them dealt with tho land question ? An o'peror: Put in Labour! Mr. Fletcher: Well, put Labour in! Labour and I are much the same—there is not much_ difference- between us. A voice: You are not representing Labour. Mr. Fletcher: I am one of the best representatives of Labour that this colony •ever had, my friend. I am not the selected Labour candidate. In regard to Customs taxation he had been misrepresented. So far as food supplies were concerned, he was a Freetrader, but he believed in protecting local manufactures and industries. Revenue ■last by remitting duties on food should be made up by increasing taxation on the land. At present, the land tax returned JiPJ.OOO a year. The duty on tobacco alone returned about JifiOO.OOO, and the total revenue/ from Customs amounted to three millions sterling per annum. . Mr.. FJetchir commended thn

Workers Homes Act, and declared that nothing of Uiis kind would be obtained from the other siile. A voice: Thev haven't had a chance for 21 year-! Mr. Flefcher said it would be a long time before they had a chance. The people of this Dominion were jn-t beginning to Mud out- — Au elector: Their mistake! Mr. Fletcher said that the good sense of I In- people of Now Zealand would induce them to sfitd the Government back stronger Ihan ever. An alliance between the Opposition and the Labour parly wnuhl be a mo-t unholy one. The Arbitration Ait should bo retained with necessary amendment. In regard to education, he stood for the free, secular, and compulsory system. He was thoroughly in accord with the Defence scheme. Air. Fletcher denied that heavy taxation accounted for the increased cost of living in this country. The most important remedy to be applied was land reform. The e-.tablisliiiient of municipal markets would also be of value. Air. Fletcher answered a number of questions. A vote of thanks and confidence was carried, there being few dissentients, and cheers were given for the candidate. SPEECHES BY MIL YOUNG. Mr. YV. T. Young, Labour candidate for WcllinKton Central, addressed two large meetings of electors in (he open air last night, at which he was well received, and obtained an excellent hearing throughout. In referring to taxation the candidate pointed out that in 1905 the taxation per head of population was £i Ss. 'Jd.; in lOOli it had risen to ,SM Ms. 7d., and in 1908 it was up to .£5 <K id. Since this year the Government had ceased to publish the figures in the Official Year Book of the country; no doubt it had risen to such an amount as to cause the Government to be heartily ashamed of the burden placed on the shoulder of each man, woman, and child, and notwithstanding this they possessed the supreme audacity to tell the people that we are a prosperous community. Australia possessed a Labour Government having a self-reliant financial policy, and it was worthy of note * that the taxation per head of population of the Commonwealth '"as merely .£2 las. Cd. In New Zealand the amount of taxation paid by two families of equal size, one with an income of ,£l5O, and the other ,£2OOO per annum, worked out at 2s. Ifd. in tho pound on the income of the poor man and 2d. in the pound on the income of the rich. This was by no means equality of sacrifice, and he stood to bring about an alteration of (ho position. In 1901 we were paying a subsidy of 6Jd. per head of population to the British Admiralty for the retention of half a dozen more or less obsolete ships in Australasian waters. In 190.') it was increased to IOJd. per head, and in 1907 to 2s. per head. . Australia, howevet, with her some five millions of population, was paying a subsidy for the same purpose equal to 9d. per head. He was not altogether in favour of .making provision for naval defenco in this way, but held the opinion that the lime was opportune for us to. co-operate with Australia in tho building and maintaining of an Australasian Navy for the common defence of each country. From the economic standpoint, every child born was valued at .£2OO to the State, and for that reason and others he was in favour of some monetary assistance being granted by the Government in maternity eases. Assuming that, the assistance averaged four pounds petcase, on the official figures of last year the total cost per annum would amount to some .£IOO,OOO. Mr. Young answered quite a number of questions, and at the conclusion of each meeting was accorded a unanimous voto of thanks und confidence. MR. FISHER AT DRUIDS' HALL. Mr. F. M. B. Fisher, Opposition candidate for Wellington Central, addressed electors at the Druids' Hall last night, the building being crowded to the doors. During the early part of the candidate's speech, a member of the audience at the back of the hall kept talking rather loudly, and, as ho declined to accept a warning, Mr. Fisher stepped down from the platform, escorted tho interrupter to the door, and resumed hia speech amid applause. _ In opening his remarks, Mr. Fisher referred to a circular which had been issued by one of his opponents, attacking the Reform party and its methods. The candidate gave a flat denial lo the charges that the party lacked a constructive policy, and that it was conducting a campaign of personalities. The only undignified language that he had been able to discover during the campaign was contained in what the Prime Minister had said in his speeches in the north. (Applause.) As for another charge that the party was run by the wealth of the country, anyone who knew anything about tho Ministerial party knew that, if there was one party in the Dominion that was supported by the wealth of the country, that party was the Ministerial party. After a brief reference to Hie attitude of certain newspapers in the present campaign, Mr. Fisher went: on to refer to some political questions that ho had r.ot previously touched on during the present contest. He contended that much of the public money spent in assisting immigrants was wasted, because the immigrants frequently turned straight across to Australia to find better conditions. A voice: It's a good country. Mr. Fisher: So it is a good country, and, therefore, it ought to pay for its own immigrants. Continuing, the candidate favoured the repeal of the Second Ballot Act, and considered that proportional representation was a more desirable system. The Mental Defectives Bill, while a step in the right direction, did not go far enough. The country did not spend nearly enough money in the proper classification of "the mentally defective. Jt was a difficult question for a layman to handle, and not a pleasant one for the audience, but tho man who shut his eyes to a menace to the State of that description was a coward. (Applause.) While ou the subject, the candidate expressed the opinion that the attendants at the mental hospitals were deserving of a good deal of considerationmore than they received at present. The High Commissioner's office was referred to at length by Mr. Fisher, who thought that, while the High Commissioner was not overpaid, he ought to be able to look after the business in London with his staff of thirty-four. The country was supporting a very expensive London office, and it was tho special function and duty of the High Commissioner to safeguard tho interests of the people here. (Applause.) The candidate dealt at length with some ot the mismanagement that had been brought to light during the past Parliament, referring specially to the, fact that the firm of "F. A. Smith" had been proved to have received .£9875 for work that really should have been transacted in tho High Commissioners office. Mr. M'Nab had said recently at Palmorston that there was nothing wrong in these transactions. Why was it then that "E. A. Smith" was stopped from performing certain work as soon the facts were made known? Mr. Fisher wo* engaged for half an hour answering numerous questions, after which a vote of thanks and confidence, moved by Air. J. O'Dca, was carried by acclamation.

WELLINGTON SUBURBS,

MR. J. E. FITZGERALD'S MEETINGS. Mr. ,1. E. Fitzgerald addressed the electors at both Wadestown and Goldie's Ilrao last night. In the course of his remarks, the candidate explained that lie supported the present Government, not; only because it had the best record, but because it was the most progressive party, lie considered that the Reform party were aiming at nothing no much a» t reinstatement in public favour, but their adoption nf a fine-sounding name did not disguise the fact, that they were only a re-hash of the old Tory party, which'was relying on the shortness of political memory to cover up their past. Mr. Fitzgerald eluimcd that the present Government had done so much for the working man that he refused to believe that thr. Labour party would vote Opposition. The accommodation, the hours, and the wages were, all subjected to improving legislation, while old age pensions, national insurance, and workers' df.-oll-iugs on easy terms were other important measures for their advantage. All that remained was for the worker to bo relieved of the high rental and lu'cdi cost, of living, for which a remedy was not far to seek. Tho candidate urgid the grappling of tho land question, as it afforded a solution for most of the ills of the day. It was significant that iho Opposition dodged the question of taxation of. land, ill'. Fitzgerald mlvouiti>il thr.

increase of (lie jirmhialud land tux nn largo dales, which would throw those big estates on to <l)i- market, and disponss ivfth the useless practice of tho Governinnnt buving land at high prices v"nv clos< settlement. It would take the taxation off the iiPfc--saric.-i nf lift, and place U upon itii: land, which was he-it. able (6 hi-nr the htirdrn. He al~o advouited tin rating and taxing of Maori lands, so a;, to help In pay for the road:-, railways, aiul bridges which had improved tho-o lands. It would have the additional effo;t of bringing 'hem inlo cultivation and opening 'hem up for settlement. The speaker insisted that, until Hie Defence Act was repealed, it should he rigidly enforced. It uas absurd that the law should lie flouted hecaiise a section of the community made a hi;,' noise. Those, who so noisily ol>jecled were shirkers, and deserved 'no consideration, lie also opposed the. alienation of any more Crown land, the extension of technical education should he attended to, and (ho L'ppcr House should he elective. Votes ol thanks and confidence w<re accorded the candidate at both places. MR. LUKE AT SEATOUN. Mr. J. T. Luke addressed a well-af-teuued meeting of electors in the Tea Kiosk at Scat-Jim last evening. 31 r. 31'K.enzie was in the chair. As in previous addresses, Mr. Luke dealt witn industvial legislation in its relations to the community and the worker. The Factory Act had been so amended that now a Chinaman engaged in a laundry business had to fall into line with others in observing proper conditions of employment. Another regulali'jti very much in the interests of workers was that prohibiliug the use of phosphorus in the manufacture of matches. The Shipping and Seamen Act had been amended -so as to prevent unfair competition by lascars and other coloured seamen on ships engaging in the -New Zealand coastwise Ir.ule. The Crown Suits Act enabled a suit to be laid against the Crown, and ensured justice being meted out to an injured worker even should ho be opposed as a litigant by the Crown. There had been at first a good deal of dissatisfaction with the Shops and Offices Act, but the new piovisions seemed now to be appreciated by both employers and their assistants. Mr. Luke slated that he supported the education system in vogue. Universal training was a national responsibility, and the now defence scheme shouhKbe given a fair trial. Asked whether lie favoured State control of the liquor traffic. Mr. Luke said that in his opinion the liquor trade was the last thing the State should emkirk in. A vote of thanks and confidence was carried unanimously. MR, MOORE AT LYALL HAY. Addressing an open air meeting at Lyall Bay last night, Mr. F. 'J'. Moore, Labour candidate for the Suburbs seat, said that three great interests claimed the right to control the politics of the country. These consisted of landlords, capitalists, and labourites. The landlords and capitalists had each had twenty years of control with disastrous results, and it was now LaIxnir's turn to guide the ship of State. The old landlords or squatters' Government made a sorry mess of things. The Liberals were put into power twenty years ago to remedy these evils, but had proved themselves mal-administrators. Ho could name scores of public servants who were absolute drones, drawing large salaries, and he could name scores of State transactions in which public money was wilfully thrown away to benefit land speculators and commercial and financial jobbers. The results of the old squatters' Government was financial ruin and '■"'"ikitchens, and tho results of the Liberal Government's exploitation el the country was a mountain of public debt, a monument of wasteful expenditure and extravagance. .Labour stood against all these" scandalous doings. Labour would purge the public services of all sinecures, and would spend tho public revenues honestly in the best interests of the Dominion.

WELLINGTON EAST.

speeches m r mk, M'laken. Mr. D. M'Laren, tho selected Labour candidate■ fur "Wellington Eaot, addressed two meetings in the open air . lasl night, finishing with a very large andieiii'o at Dnunmontl Street. Ho described tho organisation of the Labour party, and contended that it was the onlv party in tlie field in which the whole of the candidates were supporting one definite programme. It was said that, "imitation was the sincerest form of flattery," and he should bo pleased to find, as "he did, that other candidates were adopting much of the Labour programme in their speeches. Some time ago he had urged the lowering of railway fares to sick or injured people v ho might benefit by visiting Itotonm or other sanatoria. He noticed that Mr. Bolton now endorsed that appeal. A fuller treasure uf local government was required for the country, and he would support reform in that direction. He emphasised the need for closer settlement of the lands of the country. Thero was plenty of land in private liands to allow full scope for treatment as freeholds, but the State land should be settled under the leasehold system, in order to allow men of small menns to secure homcstvad<=. Limitation of area to be held under the Land Act should be on the basis ct' value, as tho quality of land required to be considered as well as the area. The simplification of our industrial laws was necessary, in order that tho workers iniilit fully understand how such laws affected them. There was too much piecemeal legislation—ill-thougM out, and mainly of advantage to the lawyers. Th" Labour party stood for securing laws and administration which would servo the people, and not merely bind them. A vote of thanks and confidence was carried unanimously. MK. BOLTON AT ORIENTAL BAT. Mr. 1". G. Bolton, tho Government candidate for Wellington East, addressed tho residents of Oriental Bay and Clyde Quay at the corner of Oriental Parade and Hay Street last night. Mr. Bolton said ho disapproved of tho Opposition's proposal for an elective Executive, and an electivo Upper House, pointing out that iu the ease of tho former the most popular man, and not necessarily tho most meritorious, would attain office, or else that the dominant, party in power would elect the man most popular with the party personally, and that an uncompromising reformer might meet with a great deal of opposition to his appointment. As to an elective Upper House the candidate staled that ho disapproved of the nominative system pure and simple, but his disapproval, equally extended to an elective system only." In (he cask of the former he considered that the element of popular choice was eliminated, and that ou tho other hand in the ease of a wholly elective Upper House the, country would lose the services of men of matured intellect and judgment who would not go through tho worry and stress of an election. His remedy for the present pesition was that two-thirds of the Upper House should be elected and one-third nominated. This wouM provide for an expression of tho popular will, while at (he same time socuring tho service of men who had bonio tho heat and burden of tho day in j tho past. He wasi quite iu accord "with the proposals in tho Budget for making I provision for assistance in the cases of sickness and unemployment. lie desired especially to see that the interests of the Friendly (Societies were conserved under the proposed scheme. Ho paid a tribute to the good work done by the Friendly Societies in the pa>l and stilted that the National Provident, I'urd Act, when thoroughly understood, would bo one of tho very host hum us of pro. moling self-reliance and thrill in New Zealaml. He again empha&ised his policy for reducing the cost of living mid o'n the land question. When elected he Ixdieved that he would ho able to bring about the improvements which he advocated, but iu any case ho could guarantee that no effort on his par), would be wanting to bring about the desired result. A motion of thanks and confidence was carried, an amendment that tho vote lx> of thanks only being supported by only about three persons. Clko.-s were' giveii for the candidate.

WELLINGTON NORTH

MB. CARRY AT NORTHLAND. Mr. K. J. Carey, Labour candidate for Wellington North, addressed a meeting of about 40 electors at Northlnud la-st evening. Mr. J. Donaldson presided. Mr. Carey said that the prospects of Labour in . tllA nrfvsnnt fflmnntott «*w •«<«•"--

mg. The most gratifying feature of tho contest so far was the unselfish assistance given him by hundreds of supporters who had no)lung lo gain and everything tu 10-e by their open support of Labaur. Sir John Findlav should have contested Ibis electorate oil behalf of the Government party. There would then have been an opportunity of judging as la the respective merits' nf the Government. Opposition, and Labour policies. lVr-nnally he felt that the unselfish as-si-lnnce given him by friends was, in itself, a sufficient reward for his exertions on behalf of Labour in "Wellington North. Dealing with Mr. Hordmau's explanation of his voting upon the Shops and Offices Hill. Mr. Carey said that, no matter how .Mr. llerdman tried to explain his vote, it could not be denied that, during the. passage of the Bill in Parliament, he took the side ot the hotelkeepers as against tho workers, whom the measure was intended to protect. His I.Mr. Carey's).criticisms were quite impersonal—even his references to Dr. .hi.ird's proclamation' letter of protest against "insignificant people." While he had no quarrel with either Mr. Herdman for his attitude towards Labour legislation or with Dr. Izard on account of his sentiments as to the rights of foreign consuls, he would quarrel with tho voters if thev elected men to represent them capable of holding such opinions. The lime had arrived''when the advance, of the Labour parly was necessary. Ihe Liberal party could no longer be supported bv the workers nor did he think that the Opposition would "'! the bill. A vote of thanks and wiiiidencc was carried unanimously.

OTAKI.

MR. MONCKTON FOXTON. Mr. C. A. W. Mo. -i. the official Opposition candidate !.. M Otaki seat, delivered his second inlands to the loxlon elector* in the Coronation lown Hall on Wednesday night. There was an attendance of about 300 and his Worship the Mavor presided. The candidate, on rising to speak, was greeted with prolonged applause. Alter treating with the Hine charges and the Native laud question, Mr. Mmickton declared his adhesion to tho land policy ol the Reform party-the freehold and the real measures to prevent reaggi'egalion. He favoured the expending ot tho monev derived from the sale of Crown lands* in purchasing other land tor settlement. He would prevent reaggregation by a svstem of classification of all lands 'in the Dominion and stating exactly how much of any one class of land ono man should be allowed to hold. 1 a man acquired more, than was- allowed then his title to tho additional land would become null and void, and the land would revert to the State. (Applause.) Of course provision would have to be made to give time for tho disposal of any land over that allowed by the Act, i'f it came to a person by inheritance. Ho strongly favoured the freehold, stating that any man would rather own 200 acres than lease twice the amouut. The present Government claimed to be a friend, of tho jwor man, and pledged to break up large estates, but after 20 years in power _ it was found that there were more big estates now than there were 20 years ago. It would pay Parliament to devoto a wholo session to the land question. The question of finance was dealt with at some length by Mr. Monckton, who said that if the Reform party got into power their first act would ho to institute a full inquiry into the Dominion's finances and to check wasteful expenditure. In tho matter of taxation, the candidate contended that the only fair means was an income tax. This would mean that every man would bear his fair share of the burden. The income tax should commence at JMOO per annum, and gradually increase until the man with .£IOOO a year would lie paying l a fairly solid tax. From that point it would be heavier still until when they got to the man who had an income of say ,£SOOO per annum, they would have him doing sums lo find out whether his income was greater than his taxes. _ (Applause.) The candidate also dealt with other subjects on the lines of his previous speeches, Mr. Hunt moved that the candidate be accorded a nearly vote of thanks and confidence, and this meeting is of opinion that he is a fit and proper person to represent this electorate in the House of Parliament. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hurley and carried. Three cheers were given for the candidate. Mr. Spring then moved that this meeting has no confidence in the Ward Government. This was seconded, and on being put to the meeting about 50 held up their hands in favour of it and ono against, and tho chairman declared it carried. Mr. .Monckton addressed about 259 electors in the Otaki Town Hall on Wednesday evening. Mr. ,T. D. Howell was in the chair. The speaker kept his audience interested throughout a long address, and received considerable applause. A .vote of thanks and confidence in the speaker was proposed anil carried unanimously. . A motion of no-confidence in the present Government was also put lo the meeting and carried.

WAIRARAP/L

MIL BUCIUNAN AT FEATHERSTON. After a round of meetings in the outlying parts of the Wairarapa electorate, Mr. Buchanan, the Reform candidate, gave, an address ot Featherstou on Wednesday night. There was a large and representative audience, admitted to b one of the largest political gatherings that has been hold in Featherston fo.many years. Mr. Buchanan's speech, which occupied nearly two hours, w, of a comprehensive natare, the financial policy of the Government party b;ii fully dealt with, the present rate of be rowing being condemned. The speak quoted figures proving the increasing taxation. Mr. Buchanan received a mo attentive hearing, and was loudly applauded at the conclusion of his speech.

TAUMARUNUI.

A largo .iiul enthusiastic audience assembled to hear Mr. C. K. 'Wilson, Opposition candidate foi- 'J'.iumarunui, epeak on Thursday last. Mr. Masscy had hoped to be there and to speak to tho electors, but was unfortunate enough to miss the train. Ai'tor hearing a two hours' speech from Mr. Wilson the audience expressed themselves satisfied to wan for m,. ... Essex's address till a later date. Mr. Wilson dealt with thi condition of the Eettlers in tho back-blocks, u subject on which lie was well qualified to speak, having just returned from a three weeks' tour through the wildest parts of thb Jung Country. Ho propounded a vigorous land policy, and dealt ably with the Native land question. The audienco were mostly enthusiastic, but a few Government supporters were rash enough to interrupt, but in every case Air. Wilson's retorts turned tho laugh in his own favour. In answer to a question as to what ho would do with the roads, he said, "Put metal on them, instead of promises." The applause was loud and prolonged, and many consider Mr. Wilson's address to be one of the best political speeches delivered in Tauniarunui. Tho Opposition candidate, Mr. C. K. 'Wilson, gave an able address to the electors, at Mangajiahi on Saturday night, lie hold the attention of his hearers on every subject, and put forth u definite political platform, as well as some telling criticism. In dealing with hecklers, Mr. Wilson seemed to be rather more than able to hold his own.

HAWKE'S BAY,

MR. CAMPBELL AND MR, LANE. Illy Telegraph.- Special Correspondent.! Hastings, November .'ifl. Mr. H. M. Campbell, Reform candidate for Hawko's Hay, addressed a wellattended mooting at Mangateretere last evening, Mr. Noble Campbell presiding. Tho candidate referred la the unprogressiveness of the present Government, and outlined his own policy with his customary candour. Ho received an excellent hearing, and at the conclusion was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. At the Princess Theatre, Hastings, last night, Mr. Eustace Lane delivered a political address. Mr. Lane was in much better form than when ho made his initial effort a few weeks ago. Ho announced himself as utterly opposed to the present Administration, not because ho was a Conservative, but because ho was too progressive for the Ward party. For this ruison he would vote against the Government on a want-of-confidonco molion, and, if unsuccessful at the first ballot, he would assist Mr. Campbell at the second. At tho same time he claimed preferential support on the grounds that

Campbell stood for tho squatter. Mr, Lane gave an interesting exposition of (ho land iiucstioii, anil criticised Hie Govrnimrnt in regard to closer settlement. i)n other topics lie dealt candidly. Mr. Lane gained fresh adherents Ijy his lino address.

CHALMERS,

(By Tc'.ei:r»Dh.—Press Aseocia.tton.l Dunedin, November 2!l. Mr. .T. M. Dickson, candidate for Chalmers, addressed lliu electors at Port Chalmers to-night. He announced himself a -Irnight-out supporter of Mr. Massoy, and condemned the borrowing policy fcif the government, and its expenditure, which ho formed wasteful. Ho received a vote of thanks.

WESTLAND,

Hokitika, November 29. Mr. T. E. V. Seddon, candidate for tho Wcstland seat, addressed (he electors in the Princess Theatre to-night. 'I'he Mayor presided. Mr. Seddon s)x)l:e for an hour and a half. lie received an excellent hearing from a very large audience. At the conclusion of his addross, nnd after he had replied to a large number of questions, Mr. Seddon was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence amid considerable counter demonstration. Tho iutercst in the contest is, increasing and both parties appear to he confident of success,

NORTHERN ELECTORATES,

PROBABILITIES AND POSSIBILITIES. (By Tclceraph—Special Correspondent.! Auckland, .November DO. The electoral light in Auckland province is warming up, and some very keen contests are proceeding. The Uibt two weeks have produced many things which enable students of the biuiation to gain some idea of tho trend of feeling. Tuero can be no possible doubt that the Kel'orm party lias improved its chances during tho past two weeks. Taking a conservative estimate, there are probably five Government seats in danger, and the Keform party has the better chance in at least three of the other Government seats, while the iioloim party can easily hold its present seats, except possibly in one instance, whero there will bo a very even light. In the Bay of Islands Mr. Wilkinson has made gi\at headway against Mr. Vernon liecd. He has been working hard, and reports from that electorate are to the effect that the straightforward and progressive Heforin policy is gaining ground all along the line. Kaipara is a somewhat difficult seat to judge. It is fairly safe to assume that the Government candidate will lose tho-scat, but it is not easy to pick whether Mr. Coatcs (the Independent), or Mr. Field (the Oppositionist) will win. There is practically certain to bo a second ballot. Marsden is safe for Mr. Mander, and Eden for Mr. Bollard. Owing to the alteration of boundaries, Mauukau, on paper, should be a win for the Government, according to last election figures, but Mr. Laug has gained in popularity so much, and there has been such a change of feeling against the Government that his return is fairly certain. , In Grey Lynn Mr. Murray is putting up a good fight against tho Hon. G. Fowlds. In City Central the Government candidate is pretty sure to be defeated. Mr. Glover's chances have steadily declined, and Mr. Gleeson, an Independent, who will vote with tho Opposition on a noconiidenco motion over certain things, should have <i good majority. City East is a safe Government seat for Mr. Arthur Myers. City "West is providing a hard struggle. Mr. Bradney is putting ud a great Opposition fight, and his chances are growing greater daily. _Wniteniatu seems to bo safe for Mr. Harris, but he may possibly havo to fight a second ballot with Mr. Napier, the Government candidate. In Parnell Mr. Dickson is receiving strong support, and Mr. M assey's speeches m Parnell on Friday and Tuesday are expected to give hi in a lot of help. Rajlan seat is a fairly safe pick for the Heforin party, and Franklin is true to Mr. Massey, AVaikato may also provo a Government defeat, and Mr. Young, the Independent Oppositionist, is likely to have a good majority. Mr. Herries is safe in Tauranga. Anything may happen in Ohinemuri. and Bay of Plenty will be an even tight, iviHi the chances in favour of Mr. De Lauwur, tliu Heforin candidate. laiimarunui scorns very likely to turn against the Government.