GENERAL ELECTION

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 37, 7 November 1919, Page 8

GENERAL ELECTION

WELLINGTON SOUTH SEAT

ADDRESS BY COLONEL .MITCHELL

A LIVELY MEETING

Colonel G. Mitchell, D.5.0., who is standing as an Independent candidate for the Wellington South seat at the forthcoming general election, opened his campaign at tho Xewtown Library lust night. Mr. J. Gallic presided over a very largo attendance, 'ilie candidate received a fairly good hearing, but there was a section of tho audijiiee which persisted in interrupting with hostile interjections, particularly when references were made to the part New Zealand's troops played in the war. x

Colonel Mitchell, ..'ho was received with applause, said lie was very pleased to Bee such a large audience. He had not intended contesting a seat at the election, but ho was persuaded to do so by a number of his friends, many of whom were returned soldiers. .As he felt that it was his duty to stand he came forward. He was sorry that the roldiers had come back to find a dilformt spirit prevailing in tho country trow that which prevailed on tho batt'.efiei-.l—a spirit of brotherhood ar.d comradeship, ,'i.e spirit here was one of selfishness, land speculation, anil profiteering. Thero were conservatives pulling on the one hand and extremists pulling on the other. (Dissent, especially from a number of women.) He trusted that a better spirit would be brought about than that which prevailed now. 'i.lio fight was not one between Sir Joseph V. ard and .Mr. Massey and loyal Labour, but 1 it was a fight, as far as he was concerned, against fclif extreme section. The soldiers were opposed to the extreme elements on botli sides. They wero out against the extremists who were, against the war. (\ oiees; "Cut out the war.") Ho was standing as an Independent, and looked forward to a straight run. He was just as much against the land speculator and tho profiteer as ho was against, the extreme element who opposed tho soldiers Jn the war. (Applause.) Had the war not been won we would have been a broken people. It was not a timo for conscience when the Boeho had them by the throat. Tho profiteers on tho one hand and tho Bolshoviki on tho other were- trying to get the votes of the soldiers, but the soldiers did not look to those extremists to help them, nut to the people. A voice; What is a Bolshevik? Colonel Mitchell: I hope I never will know what ho is in this country. Voices; Leave the war out of it. Colonel Mitchell; 1 will leave my conduct in the war* to tho "Diggers." At this stage thero was some interruption from a disloyal o'ement, who wero obviously out to upset the meeting. Grouping of the Best Men. Colonel Mitchell, continuing, claimed lhal: he was a working man, He had fought in the South African War as well os the late war, and, if necessary, ho ivmtld go again to serve tho people. (Applause.) The timo was opportune for a man to stand up independent of the present parties. Ho Moved that in tho next Pnrl.ainout there would bo a grouping of tho best men in the country. It was not his intention to pledge himself to anyone, except to tho people.' 110 tainted a clean light, and was sure his opponent would extend such a courtesy to him. Iho groat question of the day was land sottlement. More wealth must ho created if the people were to be pros-' perous. (A voico: "No.") Unproductive land must bo brought into occupation and usefulness, "We want inot;e producers, and Ichss consumers who are not producors," remarked Colonel Mitchell, amidst applause. "We wan), to cut out the middleman—that is, the useless middleman. Wo want to cut out the drones." A voice; "You are a Bolshevik." The Government, Colonel Mitchell went on, was three years' behind with iU land policy, and it should have fulfilled its promises to the returnee! soldiers in that respect. A voice; Thero is plenty there if you go and take it. Colonel Mitchell said he did not approve of any soldiers buying small farms from farmers. That was only promoting land speculation. AVhat should have been done was to have had tile land classified and tabulated, so that plenty would have been available for the soldiers. A, voico; You are an extremist: Colonel Mitchell; I am an extremist, but: a loyal one. (Applause.) Tho voice; That is dirt! Colonel Mitchell said that a great many people had been exempted from service in tho war on the ground Hint I hoy wrri; farmers, but I bey had not told the peoplo that thev were farming the farmer. He was nut against tiie land aggregator. Land should be taken froin thoso people who had aggregated it during the war. Tho land values to-day were wrongly based. They were based on the highest prices of produce in tho world's history, yet the Government was buying land for the soldier ai. those' highly-appreciated values. The soldiers had bellied to create those high values, and it wps not fair now the war was over that they should be asked to pay such excessive prices for land. Such land should be taken compuisorily at tho pre-war prices, which would be only fair and in the interests of tho country. Tho State' should control the salo of land in some way 80 us to stop tho "orgy of land speculation." If the land were made more productive, food would become cheaper and the country would become luoiii prosperous, 10-uay win, the nay wnen closer .settlement and intensive ctiitiviuioii were ie<]iurcU. Xnerc should lie a graduated laud tax wiucu would tie so noavy mat no iiivj# Juiiuyii'Jier noiini ue uiiie to iioitt ius estates, smcu a tux snouui be lnaue heavier year by year, 'ino returned oouiiers wanted tne uoveniment to lnc-reude Uie amount ot tne grants enabling tiiein to bay nouses in tne rural uistriets. Dealing with electric power, Colonel Mitcneil urged Uiat tlie water power schemes should lw, pushed ahead as speedily as possibly. Jie was a strong advoento of 4 sound town-planning scheme. Tito Government should stop tiie .building <jf slums, 110 matter who wanted to build them. There was need of a proper system of railway development. T'uo most payable projects should he proceeded witli tirst. lie' would advocate coiie.-mtration 011 a few lines until they were made to pay. '1 he same policy should appiy to tno mam roads, which should be tpken over by the Government,

Taking Toll of the People. Dealing with the cost of living. Colonel. Mitchell said ho did not know wheic tlic.y wei'2 going to get to if (he cost continued to soar. Tnere would bo a calamity if the problem were not faced. The Government had failed to face, the position in the war and their neglect was forcing many peoplo into the arms of tho extremists. " U'e have trusts on the one hand, and unions and the 'go-slow' policy on tho other," remarked Colonel Mitchell. (Uproar.) "They are all taking their toll from the people outtiido those extreme elements." 1 A voice: Who wna first? Colonel Mitchell: "t say they are bad, and damn bad. If any combine or union wants to take • its toll »f the people, then the Government must step in and protect the people." A solution must be found for tho present troubles. A great deal could be done in so'.ving the cost of living by getting more peoplo on to the land and improving the means of transit. "If we had a greater love for our fellow men in this land, I don't think there would bo any need for the extremist®," Colonel Mitchell continued. "We want to cut out the loafer and the pro'ifeer." (Applause.) The only way to -ti'.ve tho bousing diliiculty wns to malce each man his own landlord. "I have conic to the conclusion tlui.t Capital and Labour are not natural enemies, and Hint tihey should never be enemies," said Ce'eniel 'Mitchell. "They are only made enemies by sorfishliess on the one side and the'agitator on the other. (Hear, hear.) Capital and Labour must come together for the common good or we shall get nowhere. I , believe they are not natural enemies, and

that they will come together if we leave out the extremists who aro on butih ends of the stick." The situation to-day was brought about largely by the selfishness of the capitalists in the past, lie would not take away tlio right to strike, or stop the formation of unions, bo long as the unions were legitimate, and were not 'bodies which would hold up the food of tho people, or take toll of the people. So so on as a combine or a union hold up the food of tihe people the country must step in to tight them, and the country must win, or else thero would bo an end ol' constitutional government. No union could fight the people successfully and yet maintiiin constitutional government. Did they do so it would bo the. beginning of civil war. Ho believed the bulk of the workers loved order, and were not in favour of tho extremists; tlio loyal worker was only over-awed bv tlio agitator. He considered that it was only by sharing profits with the loyal workers that the country could progiess. Colonel Mitchell said lie believed that tho education system should be kept free, secular, and compulsory. At school girls should be inculcated with a love lor home life. Children were tho greatest asset of tile State. A woman: We briu;; them up to be shot. Colonel Mitchell: "Wo got shot at to protect you and will do it again." The whole wuicatinual system of tho country should be put on a higher and better status. Better pensions were needed for tho disabled soldiers. A sum of JtU per week was insufficient for a totally disabled man to live 011. A voice: "Bob" Semplo will fix it. Colonel Mitchell: Tlie soldiers don't want any favours from any people who would have let them down in tne war! (Loud cheers.) Colonel AlitcheH said that all tho soldiers wanted was justice and fair play, lie was in favour of a "white New Zealand," and was against the iudux of foreigners, particularly Chinese. l''ar more people were needed 111 the country. When the soldiers were settled the Government should go in for a big, bold immigration policy, 'in conclusion, Colonel Jlitchell said he wanted to servo the country, whether 011 or olf tho field, 011 the farm, or in the House. Ho did believe that he wculd serve the people in the House, (Applause.) tie wanted to sec the country made better for all concerned and to 6ee the working mail*getting a fair (leal. The P.P.A. A member of tlio audiencc having suggested that the candidate was associated with the Rev. Howard .Elliott, Colonel Mitchell made 'he following reply: ".My dear friend, 1 don't know Howard Elliott. 1 don't know who he is, 1 know hothing about him, and I don't want to kiow anything aboufhim. Is that plain enough?" (Loud applause.) Asked how lie would voto on a no-con fidwico motion, Colonel Jlitchell said his attitude would depend on what the motion was about. It was moved and seconded that a vote of thanks and confidence bo accorded Colonel AlitcheH. On a show of hands being taken the voting appeared to be about equal, but tho chairman did not amiounco the result to the meeting, which broke up is ith cheers for certain Labour Al.P.'s, Mr. l>, C. Webb, and counter-cheers for Colonel Mitchell. wellinotTcentral mb. p. Pimm enters the field. At 11 meeting of liberals of Wellington Central held at tho Liberal Parlv'.s rooms yesterday Mr. J. ,T. M'Grath, who hud been announced as tho Liberal candidate for (ho constituency explained that it would lie impossiblo for him to go to the poll, as his medical nf'yiscrs had forbidden him to do so. Mr. MGrath has novel- properly recovered from tho cfiects of the strain of tlio work ho ,did during the epidemic. He informed his supporters that it was tho disappointment of his life to retire from tho contest. 11 r. P. Pirani, however, hud been invited to take his place ami had given his consent to -stand as a supporter of tho Liberal Party. Mr. Pi rani's candidature was unanimously endorsed by the meeting. Tho meeting passed a resolution regretting Mr. M'Gralh's retirement, and all present formed themselves into a committee to further Mr. Pinna's election.

WELLINGTON NORTH.

A meeting of friends and supporters of Mr. 11. Oakley Browne, Liberal candidate for Wellington North, was held in toe Liberal Party's rooms, Winder's Buildings, last evening. Mr. P. !V. Man ton presided over a most enthusiastic, gathering. Mr. Browne gave a brief, outline of his views upon public questions, and those present formed themselves into an organisation to work in furtherance of Mr. Browne's candidature aud to later on form, committees in all parts of tho eh .orate, ~ 11UTT SEAT MB. liraiworors candidature. Mr. E. I'. ltisbworth, Reform candidate for the Hutt seat, met a large number of supporters at the Oddfellows' Hall, Petone, last: night for the purpose of forming committees to work in his behalf iii the district. Tho gathering lheluded many ladies, and accorded the candidal..; a very.sympathetic hearing Mr. ,T. lvylo was voted to the chair. Tn introducing Mr. TJishworth he said ho had Iwn a resident of Petone for twclvo years and had found Mr. Ti.isluvorth to be a straightforward gentleman. Mr. Pishworth, who was greeted with applause, said he was not going to make a policy speech The position as he saw it had already been stated. He wished to olear one or two points, and to review the position as it affected Petone. He did not approve of monopolies. There had been one with regard to the Hutt scat, and Restated that tho old Liberal Party had 'had a grin tho Public Service. Ho believed that the coming Government would be a Government of independent opinion, sufficiently strong to assure freedom of control of the Public Service. No minister or member should have power which would affect the service to the detriment of the whole thing. AVe should be left to workout our destiny according to the bestideals of British Government. They did not want tilt state of graft .which existed in America, He believed in tho Promotions Board. No public servant should be victimised for standing his convictions. He was a member of the Education Board and had done his duty as his record would show. Whatever he took up he worked hard for, and lie would work hard for the electorate. They did not realise tho possibilities of Petone. Ho traced the growth of the 'place ts ho had seen it. Ho saw its possibilities. Jt would be the Birmingham or Manchester of New Zealand.? They had every facility for growth—|x>silion, seafront', and the'river, which he believed would bo dredged! Already Petone was being 'recognised as a considerable industrial area. They had a good number of factories already established. Parents should make their children realise that there was 110 disgrace in worlc. Tic could claim to be a worker. There was a, certain section of Labour willi whom he could, not sympathise. Tie believed that the workers could get more for their labour if they realised that production meant profit and nrofit meant production. Idle looms meant, increased prices, and increased production meant increased wealth. Tho "go-slow" policy was no good. They must have earnest, honest work to get from under their present burden. The factories were capable of srroater development. To show the possibilities of l.lie district, he said that one factory had been established in Petone because the labour most suitable was to be found there. Another Was lo start soon for the same reason. Labour could lie' a monopoly a= well as Capital. The strike leverage d«ne. Moderate workers would nTVee that strikes were harmful to all. They mn?t have population. JlnHrWinod should be encouraged and helped. Every centre shoii'd l'ave 'ts own Visiiilnl. and he was confide"! I "ley would get it. He vu'iteil a good fi'rhling force ii> I'cloue. and. emphasised Ihe need of slceriri'J clear of norsnr") attacks and im.. nlei'ii f'-hting. It would. '!)" a. slreiiuous light. IPs ii'Miniient ha'! a In"" unb":itn'n record ;>"d knew nil I lie points of the game. They had always been friendly, end lie would try In n n ver ''"I miTi'v. 1' Haten he could only nlT"" his thanl's t" his supporters and perhaps try again. Mr. Walton was apiioinled srerehn-. and strong committees were formed lo | undertake Ihe work of Mr. Tiishworlh' £ campaign in PetOuc.

TBMUKA. by Telccraph—Press Association. Timai'ti, November a. Mr. C. J. Talbot (Liberal) opened the campaign for the Temuka seat at Tomuk'.i to-night. Speaking of nationalisation. he said ihat coal and local shipping might be nationalised. Employers and employees should bo brought together to secure their co-operation. There Was much need for improvement in education, niid more money must bo found for salaries to secure the best men and women. As to the laud question, while the Government was suboividing on one hand, 011 the other individuals were aggregating. The remedy was a steep and stiff graduated tax and commilsorv residence 011 pastoral lots. Morj> industries were needed, and a Minister of Industries io assist them. When the soldiers were all returned' and settled, a cautious immigration policy would bo reriuircd. Encouragement was needed, by wheat-growers, and importation should be made unnecessary. A general revision of taxation was necessary. OHRISTCIIURCH EAST. By Teleeranli.—l'rcHs AEsociatlon. Christchurrh, November 5. Mr. Hiram Hunter, Labour candidate for Ohristchurch East, opened his campaign to-night. He said that tho lieform and Liberal Parties represented privilege and monopoly. They were oui for exploitation of the many for the benefit. of the few. They were out to exploit the workers and then dole out charity to tlie needv. There was nothing like Bolshevism in the Labour Party's platform. He said that the sooner the Labour Party got into power and established its own woollen mills for the manufacture'of tweeds the better it would be for tho working man. Mr. Hunter received a vote of thanks and confidence. MR. HOLMS'S CAMPAIGN. By Telegraph.—Special Correspondent. Masterton, November 6. In furtherance of his election campaign Mr. A. C. Holms delivered an a dress at Landsdowne last night. Mr. J).. \. Pickering presided. Among tho subiects dealt with by Mr. Holms were finance (the candidate crilicising the policies of the late Liberal and the present Government, and advocating certain improvements regarding import duties, etc A. The solving of the land question bv means of Misapplication of a progressively graduated tax, and the abolition of tlie svstem whereby land was balloted for bv returned soldiers. It was contended that the age up to which children should lib compelled to attend school should be raised from fourteen to fifteen vears, and that rural' districts should have, 'si-eater representation on the education boards. In the speakers opinion nhvsical rather than military training should be given youths up to the ago of seventeen years, after which, and till thev reached the ago of twenty-one. years, fhev should receive Territorial training through the medium of monthly para flea and annual caiup training, not exceeding two months in duration. Widows' pensions should be brought up io the standard of the pensions granted to those who lost their husbands through tho epidemic. Tile liquor question should be decided bv a referendum giving a preferential vote. The speaker was accorded a vote of thanks. TAUMAJUJNUI. By Tclcsr'"'n!i--Pr< , s? Association. Taumarunui, November fi. Mr. P. W. Shoiiand addressed electors here last night. There was a small attendance. A voto of thanks was parsed. lIAWKE'S BAY. Hastings, November (i. Mr. Gilbert M'lvay, Liberal candidate for Hawke's Bay, addressed a largo meeting at Hastings last night. Ho stated thnt his platform was that of Ballnnco and Seddon. Every effort should bo made to put suitable returned soldiers 011 tlie land at reasonable prices, near the rail and markets. Intense farming ;UHI closer stun i> ; :t wviv ■ ,:' v for increased production, to pay off the war debt. He said he wanted to 6eo the linking up of the primary, sccpndary and technical schools with the university. li* Tuiiurt * -\*rvKK AwooJtttlou Wanganui, November C. Political fires were burning in and around Wanganui to-night. BrigadierGeneral Meldrum, the Liberal' luulidate. for liatigitikei, spoke at Wiinyanui East, and Mr. Lewis M'llvridc, the, official Labour candidate for Wangamii, spoke at tiie Opera House. Each had a good meeting. Mr. W. J. Glen opened -his Wanganui campaign last week. He announced himself as a supporter of sane Labour, and said lihut in a test vote between Mr. Massey awl Sir Joseph Ward ho would support Mr. Massey every time. NAPIER LABOUR CANDIDATE. Napier, November fi. Mr. P. C. Evans, ulio selected Labour candidate lor tihe Napier seat, opened his campaign in the Municipal-Theatre last night before a crowded audience. He received an attentive • hearing, and wa» accorded ft vole of thanks und confidence. The speech was on familiar Labour lines, and embraced such topics as tilio cost of living, tlio Union Company, and tho Upper iious.e. The candidate signed the pledge of the East Coast Development League to push on tlie railway and tlio \Vaitaremoana scheme. CHItISTCHURCII SOUTH. UhriSicnurcn, November C. Mr. ii. J■ Jiowaru, LaOuur candidate for Christcnuren bouth, opened 1115 campaign tom&'iit. tiie Kings llieutro wiw crowded. i'lie Hon, J. T. Paul was ciuiirwan. Mr. Howard said unit lor ninny years Lauoiu- had tnrown 111 its lut,wiln the Liberals 111 the beliei tluit tuey would by od uoaig get a square deal, bui it ha.d not received cliut-square deal, ami 60 LaUour came out as a party ot its own. The Labour l'arty challenged the Liberal Party as much as it ilia mo i(eiurm Party. These two should bo in tliu onb party, beauso tliere was no lundanieuuil dift'ercenco beween them, Labour wanted to get into powor because it had a constructive platiorin. Jl vote 01 tnanks and confidence was accorded tne speaker,

Weather permitting to-day Mr. H. E. Holland, M.P., will deliver a political address in the Post Office Square at 12.10 and Mr, Croskery, Labour candidate tor the Suburbs seat, at tho Melrose l'ost Office at 7.30 p.m.