WELLINGTON EAST

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 34, 3 November 1922, Page 8

WELLINGTON EAST

MR. T. FORSYTH’S CANDIDATURE “STRAIGHT-OUT SUPPORTER OF THE GOVERNMENT” “I am standing as a supporter of the present Government under the leadership of Mr. Massey because the strenuous and difficult times through which wo have to pass', during the. next few years demand a strong and stable Government party with a leader who possesses the ability to formulate and carry out a progressive and sound policy,” said Mr. T. Forsyth, the official Reform candidate for the Wellington East seat, when ho opened Ins campaign in the New Century Hall, Kent Terrace, last night. The candidate proceeded to explain that ho was contesting the sdat owing to the retirement of Dr. A. K. Newman ? the member who had served thg district so well over a long period of years. He had been associated with the retiring member in his political campaigns. He felt that his business training and his experience in local government and in educational and repatriation work fitted him for the position ho was now seeking. Mr. Forsyth paid a warm tribute to Dr. Newman, and expressed his keen regret that their old member was unable to be present that evening. He invited the meeting to record, its appreciation of Dr. Newman’s services to the district. The suggestion was applauded heartily. Mr. Forsyth sketched briefly’his own work on the City Council, the Education Board, and the Repatriation Committee. Ho felt that he, had served his apprenticeship to public life. He had been a resident of the Wellington East distinct for twenty-five years Turning to the political issues, he said that the Reform policy had been published and the electors knew that it was a very good policy. The Liberal policy came second; the Labour policy was “out on its own.’ It was not the sort of policy that the country wanted. Ho had no hesitation in saying that Mr. Massey was the only leader on the political horizon who was competent to steer' the ship'of State safely-th rough the shoals and> shallows that beset it just now. Nominally there were three parties, in the field, said Mr. Forsyth. But in ■reality, the fight was between the Reformers on the one side and the Labour Party on the other side. The Liberal Party had ceased to be a political factor of importance and there was no real division op questions of principle between Liberals and Reformers. “Have nothing to do with Independent candidates,” said Mr. Forsyth. Men who went into' Parlioment as Independents could do no good to anyone because the Parliar mentarv system assumed tho existence of parties, and. provided that tho administration should bo in the hands of a party. The man who wished to achieve anvthing in Parliament must associate himself with a party. Ho believed that the party of progress and safety was the Reform party .The present member for Masterton had been an .Independent for three years and he had placed on record recently his contention that it was not in the interests of the Dominion and of his constituents that he should remain “a voice crying in the wilderness.” The candidate referred to the finances of the Dominion, and quoted some of the outstanding figures. The present state of the finances, he said, Remanded that Uni the. years' ahead strict economy must bo enforced, and general expenditure must be cut down. It would be absolute folly to increase or attempt to increase taxation. Business men knew that to bo the case. It was frequently stated by the critics of the Government that Air.. Massey had reduced the tax on the big man, and put it on the shoulders of tho small man. But the figures disproved this statement. The land tax charged in 1914 was £767)451, and in 1921 £1,688,978. The income tax charged in 1914 was £554,271, andtan 1921 it was. £8,248,945. 'That taxation was .not' paid by the small man. The taxation was .so high, as s . a matter of fact. that industrialists, manufacturers, mercantile firms, stock and station agents, landholders, and farmers generally; by reason of this huge tax, were at their wits’, end to make ends meet. Their employees were being retrenched, and thrown into the ranks of the unemployed. Mr. Massley ’ Ifed given the taxpayers a certain amount of relief during the recent session, but tho burden of. taxation undoubtedly had been carried by Ithe big men, and was still being carried by them; The record of the Reform Party in regard to pensions was a particularly good one. The pension bill had grown to a. total of £2,791,119 for 1921-22. The whole pension system had been liberalised. Mr. Forsyth mentioned the reforms instituted by the Government in connection with public hcalfe, child welfare, and the various branches of education. The Reform Ministers had done splendid work for the children. He was well aware that much more required to be done, and he was not ceasing his efforts to secure the. buildings and other facilities, that Wellington needed. He referred also to tho repatriation scheme, which had proved to be the host and most liberal in the Empire. Ho believed that the soldiers’ properties should be revalued. Many of the men could not possibly carry their present butdens. In conclusion, the candidate quoted tho Prime Minister’s declaration that if New Zealand is to be made safe for democracy a stand must be made against anything in the way of revolutionary Socialism, which, if allowed to take root in out public life, would involve thq destruction of those lofty, ideals by which its people are inspired. “Just as in 1914, so again, to-day, tho call comes to all loyal citizens to range themselves on the aide (of the forces making for law and order, for freedom and equality—equality of opportunity limited only by the capacity of the individual to avail hipiself of the chances of advancement coming within his reach. “I seek your support as a straightout supporter of tho Reform Government,” said Mr. Forsyth, “and, if elected, I will undertake to support Mr. Massey in carrying out the thirty points contained in his statement of the Reform Government’s programme, which L think you will agree with me is liberal, enlightened, and progressive.”

A large audience gave the candidate a good hearing. Mr. F. AV. Aleadowcroft was in the chair, and assured the audience that he had kitown Afr. Forsyth for very many years as' an active worker in the public interest. The candidate answered a number of questions, and was accorded a hearty vote of thanks by acclamation. COLONEL MCDONALD’S CAMPAIGN. A good attendance of electors attended a meeting at the Rosoneath Schoolroom last night, at which Colonel AlcDonald continued, his campaign. Air. Jenkinson occupied the chair. The candidate made a comparison of the various platforms as published, and referred to tho fact that the country was passing through an indisposition which, ho said, only a change of Government could cure. Each party manifesto contained much that was good, and in this respect tin Independent, by refusing to tlo himself to a party.

could endorse what was good and reject what was bad. Tho candidate reiterated the necessity for electoral reform, and criticised tho Government for failing to bring it about, notwithstanding the fact tliat promises had been given to do so. Tho necessity for tho abolition of trusts and combines was vitally necessary for tho country’s welfare so as to bring about freedom of trade. He stood by every statement he had made during tho campaign, and claimed that he was absolutely justified in this attitude wherever maladministration was evident. After answering numerous questions the candidate was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence. WELLINGTON NORTH. ' Mr. H. E. Combs, Labour candidate for Wellington North, addressed the electors at St. Anne’s Hall, Northland, on Wednesday. Mr. M. Walsh presided. Air. Combs said that at a time like tho present, when times wore hard, it was forced home upon the rank and file of electors that they must take a keener interest in the affairs of the country. Ho considered the Reform Government to be superlatively reactionary. The administration of the business of the country had been lax if it had not been negligent, and he particularly stressed the fact that the Government had given a lead to employers in general in reducing salaries and wages, or in other words, in lowering the standard of life. He considered the Liberal Party to be the left wing of tho Tory group. The only difference bdtwedn the two was the difference that always lay tietween the “ins” and the “outs.” The sooner the two groups amalgamated the better. Already there had been ( a slide in that direction. Air. Combs srid he placed in the forefront of his programme the necessity for a State bank. He spoke at length on this subject. The State, he said, stood behind the bank note issue. For the use of the notes the banks paid 3 per cent., and then turned round and charged the people, who were either directly or indirectly their customers, 7 per cent, on the advance they made. The only remedy was for the State to resume control and dictate the interest rates through the medium of a State bmk. He also advocated 1 State shipping, and supported a number of the other planks in the Labour Party’s platform. Mr. A. W. Croskery, Labour candidate for Suburbs, also addressed the meeting. Votes of thanks and confidence were passed to the candidates. AIR. WILFORD AT LOWER. HUTT. The Leader of the Liberal-Labour Party, Mr. T. Al. Wilford, as candidate jfor the Hutt seat, addressed a meeting ■of electors in the King George Theatre at Lower Hutt last night. Mr. Wilford was given a quiet hearing, and at the conclusion a vote of thanks and confidence was passed. TARANAKI. By Telegraph.—Phess Association. New Plymouth, November 2. The political campaign was opened in this,electorate to-night, when the sitting member, Mr. S. G. Smith, addressed a meeting of farmers in the. country, and Air. C. E. Bellringer, the Reform candidate, spoke at New Plymouth. Votes of thanks and confidence were passed. ROSKILL. Auckland, November 2. Air. V. H. Potter, official Reform candidate for Roskill, addressed a lively meeting to-night. He made a (spirited defence' of the Government’s policy, claiming that there was no other party more competent to guide the ship of State through perilous seqs. He condemned.the Labour Party’s policy of confiscation, and claimed that the Opposition as a whole had failed to substantiate any charge of weakness against the Government. Questions occupied eighty minutes. A vote of thanks and. confidence was passed. PAHIATUA. BY TELEGBAPH.—PBESS ASSOCIATION. Pahiatua, November 2. Air. A. AlcNicol, Reform candidate for Pahiatua, opened, his campaign at Ballance last night at a well-attended mooting. Ho said that since three years ago, when he was returned, he had given loyal and unwavering support to Mr. Massey; and where he stood three, years ago he stood to-day. He stated that if production was to bp increased it was’ essential that a safe Government should be returned. In regard to soldier settlements, he urged that in special cases a reduction of valuation should apply to postponed payments. A unanimous vote of confidence was carried.?’ ' , i HURUNUI. Christchurch, November 2. Air. G. W. Forbes, Liberal candidate for Hurunui, speaking at Amberley, criticised tho Government for retaining tho “'first past the. post” system, tgid advocated proportional representation. The Reform Press', he said, had made a great outcry about the danger from the “Reds,” yet it had advised the Reformers at last election to vote with Labour against the Liberals. The cost of Government under Mr. Massdy had risen from £11,825,000 to £28,466,000. Tho incoming Government must reduce the’ cost of government. There was no attempt at reform in the railway service, which was losing £3OOO a day. The soldier settlement .policy was one of the greatest muddles on record. He deprecated introduction of the loyalty question, and denied that the Liberals would accept office with the assistance of extreme Labour. DUNEDIN CENTRAL. Dunedin, November 2.Mr. W. S. Maslin, Liberal candidate for Dunedin Central, was announced to speak to-night, but the unpropitious weather interfered with the attendance, and the meeting was abandoned. DUNEDIN SOUTH. Dunedin, November 2. Owing doubtless to the inclement weather, there was a poor attendance nt a meeting of electors at Dunedin South, when Air. J. E. MacManus, the official Labour candidate. 4Wiverod an address. Ho refuted allegations made that the workers Jiad gone slow during tho war period and maintained that the cost of living had increased by 67 per cent, and wages by 47 per cent. He contended that the Government had created unemployment in the Dominion for the direct purpose of reducing wages. He condemned the Government for importing coal in large quantities’ and at high cost, when at the same time it could not give better conditions and an extra shilling a day te New Zealand miners. He also dealt at length with the hardships inflicted on soldiers in being placed on unsuitable land, despite tho fact that the Government had been warned bv the speaker raid others ns to what the result would be. A vote of confidence was carried. TEMUKA. Tlinaru, November 2. Afr. T. D. Burnett, Reform candidate, opened his election campaign at Temuka to-night, when theip was a large attendance in spite of inclement weather. The candidate gave an account of his stewardship during the past three years, and thereafter based his address on the Reform platform. Ho was given a favourable hearing, and a motion of thanks to the member

for his past services and confidence for i the future, was passed. CHRISTCHURCH EAST. Christchurch, November 2. Mr. W. R. Devereux. Reform candidate for Christchurch East, addressed a good meeting to-night. He advanced manv reasons why the Alassey Government should be returned to power. He said that many working men had told him, “We are supporting ; you, but mum’s the word.” Was it right, Afr. Devereux asked, that working people should find it necessary to exhibit such secrecy? He believed that he would poll more votes than the other two candidates 'put together. He would support an increase in the present education vote. The candidate received a vote of thanks and confidence. FORTHCOMING' MEETINGS. Mr. H. D. Bennett, Reform candidate for Hutt, will address the electors at the new Taita Hall to-night. Air. W. H. Field, Otaki, will address the electors at AVaikanae Church Schoolroom to-night, at Te Horo Hall on Saturday. and at Levin Hall. Weraroa, on Monday. AVON. Christcfiurch, November 2. The Hon. G. W. Russell, Liberal candidate for Avon, opened his campaign to-night by addressing a wellattended meeting. He gave an outline of what the Liberals had accomplished and proceeded to elaborate eighteen indictments against the Massey Government as follow:—“It has increased expenditure, and in consequence has been compelled to enormously increase war taxation. This burden is ling the country, and is entirely Air. Massey’s fault. The price of necessaries of‘life has been increased, land settlement has practically ceased, and million's of pounds had been sent out of the country for rolling stock, lliat he has done nothing to stimulate production and . help the Dominion over the aftermath of war. That he has been responsible for the introduction of sectarianism into politics, lhat he has brought the railways te a most disastrous condition and tho 1 ost Office to a state where it is barely paying expenses, notwithstanding that increased charges, return over £1,000,000 That he has done nothing to lower, the price of money for farmers, industrialists or workers. That he has proved incapable of devising or carrying through a housing scheme to make up for the shortage caused by the war. That he has shown Utter indifference and incompetence in connection with the cries of the unemployed for work and'bread’. That he has never given to returned soldiers a square deal over thoir land. That he holds office through a minority vote in consequence ot a broken promise. That judged by every test of statesmanship, land .settlement industries, thrift, the savings of the people and the prosperity of the nation, he has proved an utter and ghastly failure. He offers no policy or proposals to lift tho Dominion out of the slough of despond into which he has dragged it. Finally, all nis ■policy and administration as far as no can do it is in favour of the dog on top ” A vote of confidence was declared carried by the chairman (Dr. Thacker, M.P.). SIR JOSEPH WARD’S PROAHSE. BY TBLEGBAPH.—PBEBB ASSOCIATION. Dunedin, November 2. Seen by a reporter when passing through Dunddin on his way to Christchurch. Sir Joseph Ward said he had nothing to report beyond that he had promised to give a reply within a week to a request that he should contest the Invercargill seat. THE THREE LEADERS. “The country is undergoing the proves of reconstruction,” said Air. T. Forsyth last night. “In a sense it is still suffering from the exhaustion and turmoil and the heavy expenditures and demands upon the capital ''of- the country necessitated by the war years and also from the extravagances of certain sections of the community. It needs wise, sane, prudent government and capable administration. Where can we best expect te find it? In the ranks of tho Reform Party, or in those of the Liberals, or amongst tho ‘Red Feds, who at present dominate the so-called New Zealand Labour Party? Look at'the three leaders. and compare them as typical of the parties they represent, and I submit that your choice will be for Air. Alassey, the tried and trusted leader. Not only has Air. Alassey made good in Dominion politics during the most difficult period of its history, but in the wider field of Empire councils he proved himself one of the most trusty statesmen of the Empire,, and as such has brought considerable kudos to the Dominion.”

The Minister of Defence (Sir Heaton Rhodes) has gone south, and will commence his election campaign in the Ellesmere electorate nexu week. Ha has not yet got an opponent, and reports of the district suggest that-he may have a walk-over. The only other candidate without an opponent at present is Air. K. S. Williams, the Reform member for Bay of Plenty. The Minister of Lands (Hon. D. H. Guthrie) has arranged to leave Wellington to-day. He will addxfcs a meeting of electors on Alonday at Rangiwahia, where he lived for a number of vears before he took a prominent part in political affairs. He will speak at Kimbolton on Tuesday night, and at Feilding on Thursday.