GENERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 53, 25 November 1922, Page 6

GENERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN

NOTES FROM CANDIDATES’ SPEECHES •■■ ' a F LB.-LAB. CABINET MAKING ~ You know that a big percentage of the electors, time after time, never trouble to go to the poll. Every voter at this election ought to make it his business to go to the ballot box Not only that, but he should interest his immediate circle to do the same. ’The issues are too serious to be neglected. It would be an act of almost criminal neglect—a crime again at their countrymen—if by the remissness of a percentage of electors the affairs of this country were taken over by a communistically- minded caucus. Organise right away for a record poll. '

Ths Man to Follow. I : ;; The Press and ’ statesmen of Great Britain lauded the mental capacity and physical strength of Mr. MasAey, and he could appeal with every confidence to the electors of the Wairarapa to support a Government with such a . strong man at its head. —Mr. McLeod, Reform candidate for the Wairarapa, speaking at Taratahi. Mr. Witti’s Preference. “Rather than st'o extreme Labouriin power, I would vote for Mr. Massey, because I am certain he would do more for the people than ever the extreme Labour Party would. If they got into power this country would be ruined, and it is too good a country to be ruined.”- —Mr. Witty, speaking at Riccarton. The Only Man. / “There is lonly one man to lead us,” said Mr. H. D. Bennett at Lower Hutt last night. “Even the Liberals themjjalves say that. Look through the Liberal manifesto, and you will find it "is practically a repetition of the Massey manifesto. It would have been just as well if the Liberal candidate had set down his planks as these three: 1. I hate Mr. Massey. 2. I dislike Mr. Holland. 3. As. to this electorate I’ve got the wind up. (Loud applause and cheers.) After the numbers are declared the Liberals will be singing their dirge, and it will be to that old tune. ‘Where is Our Wandering Boy To-night.’ ” End of the First Round. It may be said (observes the Auckland “Herald”) that the first round of the election tournament is. over. All, or practically all, the contestants have had a tilt for public favour. The result? As io that, there can 1 be no question. The honours are indisputably with the Government team. It could scarcely have been otherwise. The team at least plays well together; it has no disloyal or disgruntled members, and, best of all, it has a veteran captain who knows the full field of politics. The final result would seem to be largely a matter of counting the decisive Scores. The Lib.-Lab, "Finance Minister.” The Christchurch “Press” has been having a controversy with the Lib.Lab. leader over a reported_utterance i of Mr. Wilford—in wishing Mr. G. W. Bussell luck in ms campaign—to the , effect that “if Ue Liberal Party got in-they would have a Finance Minister worthy of" The name.” . . Mr Wilford in a written denial, said: “Will you kindly insert this, my denial, of having made such a statement? I said nothing of the kind. Referring to the denial the Press ■ays- "... Our reporter is posi- ! tive that Mr. Wilford did make such a statement as was attributed to him, and it was a statement, quite.in harmony with tne remainder of his references to Mr. Russell. In view of. Mr. Wil ford’s denial, we must assume that he did not mean what the reported i words convey. .-L It can handly lie very pleasant to Mr. Russell to learn that his leader repudiates’ the idea that he oould say—or. we suppose, think—thaj, Mr. Russell would be a Finance Minister worthy of th| name. His prompt and blunt demal i that he naroours any such idea—l said nothing of the. kind—goes some ’way towards cancelling the gave to his old friend. Mr. Wilford used to say that ms forte was being ! piano—that he was a master of the art of keeping his foot on the soft pedal. It seems to us that his real forte is placing his feet on his friends ■ soft corns, stepping off ong set on to another.” , ~ The Christchurch Spectator, which is generally supposed to be controlled by Mr. Bussell, has this to say: “Because Tom Wilford paid some compliments to Russell on his ability as a financial critic, the Press declares Russell wiU.be Finance Minister if T.W. forms a Government. 1 Which is absolutely ridiculous. Mr. Russell’s paper is not very flattering to him, either. ' The Still, Small Voice. There was, as it seemed, a persistent heckler at one of Mr. Massey s enthusiastic meetings in his electorate this week (relates the Auckland Herald”). The interjections were somewhat'of a mystery. Now, the Primo Minister is not easily disconcerted on the platform, but clearly in this case he was nonplussed. The interruption was exasperating ; it was peculiarly shrill and indistinct; but so frantically eager that the audience rocked with merriment. No one could locate exactly the source of the small voice that was not still. It was like ventriloquism. Mr. Massey courteously asked if it were a lady who desired to put a question. No, there was not a lady in distress. He went on again until, during a pause, the audience was once more convulsed. And the mystery was solved. The interjections had come from a small outside yelling through a wall ventilator. His trouble was not political. “Bill,” he had yelled to a pal inside, “your mum says you have to come home at once!” An Unqualified Denial. / In his address to the electors in the Alexandra Hall on Wednesday last Mr P. Fraser said that the Government had reduced the wages of the working people by dismissing workers from the Public Service and creating an army of unemployed. The reduction in wages, he said, had begn made in response to the demand of the Employers’ Federation, the Farmers Union and the Bank of New Zealand and other financial institutions. A prominent official of the Bank of New Zealand gives an emphatic demal , Mr Fraser’s statement. The Bank of New Zealand, he states, has taken no tach steps as Mr. Fraser suggested, md be must have drawn upon his imagination for hi* facta,

When is Labour “Sane”? The Expression “sane” Labour is one which has been on the tongue of practically every candidate not associated with ‘Labour itself during the present campaign, but probably pqne equid, have given a more satisfying and concise definition of the term than was given the other evening by Mr. S. M. Wren in his address at Parnell (states the Auckland “Herald”). In answering a question, the candidate expressed the opinion that there were Labour leaders in Parliament who did not represent “sane” Labour. “What do you meam by ‘sane’ Labour?” shouted a belligerent voice from the back of the hall. “By sane Labour, I mean the man who is able and readv to provide 20s. worth of labour for £l,” camo the swift and telling retort. The questioner sought to counter this with a further interjection, but his voice was,lost in an outburst of laughter and applause. A Courtesy Due to Mr. Speaker, The “unwritten. law” by which the Speaker of the British House of Commons is not opposed at elections was mentioned by the Mayor jjf Auckland, Mr. J. H. Gunson, in opening Sir Fredetrio Lang’s, meeting the other evening (states the Auckland “Herald”).' “I think th© practice followed in the British political world of not subjecting the Speaker to a contest should obtain in New Zealand,” he said. “I say that advisedly. Sir Frederic, or course, would be the last to suggest such a thing. Tn this young country, proiiably, we have- not the sama innate appreciation and respect as thev have in the Old Country for the high office of Speaktr of the House, but it would be a ■ good thing if wocould inculcate in the young people something of that spirit of reverence.” A Moral from Italy. There were some excellent planks in the Labour Party’s platform, but there was one that was not acceptable, said Mr. Clutha Mackenzie at one of his meetings at Auckland the other evening. ' . A voice: Name it. . / Mr. Mackenzie: Socialisation of the means of production, distribution, and exchange. A voice: Why not? [-.. . Mr. Mackenzie: Because it is contrary to all British instincts to have everything in tho State belonging to the State. It had, he said, been tried in Italy with disastrous results, and at last the people there had risen—led by one who was formerly a “red hot , Socialist —and turned out the leaders of the Socialistic movement neck and crop. . . Reform Coing Strong in Pahiatua. Mr. A. McNicol, the Government candidate for Pahiatua. addressed a crowded meeting at Mangatainoka the other evening (states, the Dannevirke “News”), and was given a splendid hearing, and accorded a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence. He has been given a splendid reception in the Pahiatua district, and the opinion. of hia supporters is that he has materially strengthened his position. Mr. Massey’s Unique Record. 7 In proposing the toast of “Parliament” at a gathering in Grey town. Mr. J. 0. Cooper spoke generously of all party leaders in past Parliaments. There was one man, however, who held g unique position, and that man was Mr Massey. The uniqueness was contained in the fact that ho was The only leader of any Government, allied or belligerent, that was in power when the war started and still retained the confidence of the people. This was something that would be recorded, m history to his credit. I Ex-Soldiers’ Appreciation. At the conclusion of Mr. A. McLeod’s meeting at Pihautea Soldier Settlement, Mr. Moss, who was in the chair, said he wished to move a resolution “That Mr. McLeod convey to Mr. Guthrie and the Prime Minister the settlers’ appreciation of the manner in which the Government had met soldier grievances and difficulties in regard to the Pihautea Settlenient.” Humour at .“Humanist’s” Meeting. The Humanist candidate for the Christchurch South seat. Mr. R. M. Thomson, had a trying time at Sydenham the other evening. A number of citizens had been baiting him. It came to the fifth citizen’s turn: Are you in favour of the importation of egg-pulp from China, or do you favour hens laying square eggs to fit square egg-cups? The sixth: He’s not a humorist. The fifth: He’s a humanist, anyhow I . ‘ The chairman remarked that it was not right to ask such “fastidious” questions. A Welcome Soporific. A questioner at one of Mr. Isitt’s meetings referred to members sleeping in the House. “And I thank God,” commented the candidate, “that I have been able to sleep while some of the-Labour men have been talking. (Great laughter and applause.) It has been one of the greatest mercies vouchsafed to me!” A Political Malaprop. An Opposition candidate for political honours opened his reference .to educational matters by declaiming theatrically that “education has been starved by the Reform Party.” After glancing truculently round the walls of the very comfortable and fully-equip-ped schoolroom in which the meeting was being held, and finding there no evidence of departmental stinginess, he turned his gaze to the floor, and it was with evident satisfaction that he exclaimed: “Ah! it certainly might be cleaner!” His explanation to the members of the school committee (states an exchange) fell on stony ground,

PROGRESS OF THE CAMPAIGN

WELLINGTON SOUTH MR. G. MITCHELL. Mr. G. Mitchell, Independent candidate for Wellington South, addressed a gathering ot ladies over which Mrs. Parnell presided, in-the Newtown Library, yesterday afternoon. He dealt with questions concerning the home and women, and explained the proposals contained in the Child s Sustenance Bill. In the evening the candidate addressed a large meeting at the Mornington School. At both meetings he received a vote of thanks ana confidence. MR. McKEEN’S CAMPAIGN. In furtherance of his election campaign, Mr. R. McKean, Labour candidate for Wellington South, addressed an open-air meeting at Green Street, Newtown, last night, Mr P. C. Webb in introducing the candidate urged all to support the candidature of Mr. McKeon. Mr. McKeen referred to a statement made by his opponent that his meetings were being disturbed by labour supporters. These tactics were not countenanced by the Labour Party; they stood for fair plav for all candidates. Mr. McKeen said that if tho administration of the Soldiers Settlement Act was taken as. any criterion of the ability of the Government, they would stand condemned. At the conclusion of the meeting a vote of thanks and confidence in Mr. McKeen was passed. WELLINGTON EAST colonel McDonald at HATAITAI. A largo, number of electors turned •up to hear Colonel T- W. McDonald, Independent candidate for Wellington East, nt Hataitai Road, last night. He especially dealt with the problem of taxation— advocating a comprohen-. sive land settlement policy, . which would have the effect of increasing production, and at the same time decreasing taxation. A return to penny postage and sixpenny telegrams would, he urged, have the same result Any further cuts in the salaries of Civil servants would be strongly opposed. ’J’he remainder of the address was <« tho lines of previous speeches A vote of thanks and confidence in Colonel McDonald was passed ■' WELLINGTON SUBURBS MR. CROSKERY AT MA KARA Mr. A. W. Croskery, official Labour candidate for Wellington Sub irbs addressed the electors in the Makara Hall last evening, Mr. Luxton presiding. The candidate dealt with the housing shortage, cost of hying, -acK of sufficient sdiools, and the failure of tho Government to grapple win these important problems. The speaker said he could quite appreciate the quandary in which a Reform candidate found himself when he had to explain away his reason for supporting a reduction in ,the workers wages when almost' in the same, breath Jw had voted, for a reduction nV the land and income tax, which was only paid by the largo vested interests in the country. The Government, said Mr. Croskery, stood condemned in the eyes of every fair-minded man and women in the Dominion in allowing the disgraceful housing conditions whch pmvaled in this country to continue, and the? had demonstrated by their actions thkt they are absolutely unable to solve! this acute problem. Mr. Croskery answered a number of questions, and stated that under no consideration would he be a party to a reduction in the education vote, and that in his opinion, it was high time that'the vote foreducation was eonj sidernhly increased/ and he would strive all he know to secure an increased vote. The candidate was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. OTAKI MR. FIELD AT MUHUNOA. Mr W. H. Field addrcusel two meetings on Thursday, one at Muhunoa and tho other at Ohau. Mr. Richard Holston presided at! Muhunoa, and m introducing the candidate spoke in flattering terms of the good work he had done for the district, as his brother had done' before him. for a Period of over twenty years. Mr. Field, after giving an account of his stewardship and the splendid record of the Government for the past ten years, m spite of unexampled difficulties, and their policy for the future, dealt at some length with the utterances of his opponents, and criticised what he the petty electioneering tactics ot ms Independent Reform opponent, which he said must inevitably recoil on the candidate. He- warned his hearers against the danger of vote-splitting, which might result in the return of Liberal-Labour - candidates in various districts, and put in, power with the assistance of the Labour Party, a party much of whose legislation would b© dictated by Labour. Mr. Field pointed out that the Labour Party s land policy alone could not possibly be toleiated by a country electorate where everyone desired to possess hir own freehold, farm or home. Thdugh the future looked brighter, he said, wc must remember that the country was carrying a very heavy burden, and there were still great problems to face which the Government had still in hand. At Ohau Mr. A. McLeavey occupied the chair, and Mr. Field, after dealing with general politics gave a full account of 'the action he had taken on behalf of all farmers, near and distant alike, in respect of the Wellington City milk supply scheme. A number of, questions were asked on this and other subiects, tome being of a personal character, which were resented by the andienpe. Mr. Field deprecates motions of confidence, and ,at both Muhunoa and Ohau he was recorded a very hearty vote of thanks.

MR. HARKNESS AT PAHAUTANUI. Mr. 0. I. Harkness, Independent Reform candidate for Otaki, addressed a representative gathering of residents at 'Pahauto.nui and the surrounding districts at Pahautanui Hall on IVednesdav evening. Mr. F. Taylor,' chairman of the school committee, presided over the meeting. A comprehensive political address was delivered, the speaker laying stress on political patronage of railways, which patronage he strongly condemned. He advocated that the grants for country school buildings be equal in proportion to those in the towns. A hearty vote of thanks concluded the meeting. MR. McCLURE’S CAMPAIGN. In furtherance of his candidature for the Otaki seat, Mr. G. H. M. McClure (the Liberal-Labour candidate) addressed a large audience at the school, Porirua, on Thursday evening. Mr. E. Windley occupied the chair. Mr. McClure outlined the policy of the Liberal-Labour Party, which he said was a continuance of the policy of Sir George Grey, the Hon. John Ballance, the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon. and Sir J. Ward, with the additions of a State bank and proportional representation. He stressed the necessity of a live and progressive land policy, as without more farmers and more production wo could not hope for a speedy return te prosperity. Cheap money was an essential, and if a State bank was established pn similar lines

to the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, it would mean that capital to develop our industries and primary productions would be available at a low rate of interest. Taxation was strangling the country, and it must be reduced, more especially so far as the farmers were concerned.- The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks. Mr. McClure addressed a meeting at Upper Hutt last evening, between 150 and 200 people being present, Mr. Greig was in the chair. A vote of thanks and confidence, moved by. Mr. Connell and seconded by Mr. Brown, was carried unanimously. MANAWATU. Mr. J. Linklater addressed a crowded hall at Shannon on Thursday night, and met with an excellent reception. Eb was listened to very attentively throughout, and at the conclusion answered a great many questions. A vote of thanks was carried after an amendment of no-confidence in the Reform Government was easily defeated. Mr. Murdock, the Mayor of Shannon, occupied the chair, and said how’ much pleasure it. gave him to introduce Mr. Linklater, who came to Shannon as a stranger but with a reputation which was beyond all doubt. Mr. Linklater was a jolly good fellow and as straight as an arrow. Mr. Murdock also moved a very hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Edward Newman for what he had done for Shannon whilst representing the electorate. This was carried by acclamation. MR. MASSEY AT TE KUITI ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION. BY TELEGRAPFT — GOBRT.SPOND'RNT. Ta Kulti, November 24. Tho largest hall here was much too small to accommodate the crowd present from all parts of the district to hear Mr. Massey speak to-night. When Mi-. Massey walkpd on the stage the audience rose and cheered, singing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” Mr. Massey thanked the aud-tence for its hearty reception and congratulated them on the progress <of the town since his last visit. Tie spoke on the lines of his other addresses during the campaign, and concluded amidst loud and prolonged applause. The Mayor (Mr. Hine) presided, and representatives of local bodies and other, prominent citizens were also on the stage. Mr Massey was afterwards entertained at the Te Kuiti, Club before proceeding south by the Main Trunk express. ASHBURTON SEAT OFFICIAL LIB.-LAB. CANDIDATE. RETIRES. m TiLSBBAra.-rarss association. Ashburton, November 23. A development in connection with the Ashburton seat took place this evening, when Mr G Wright, who was tho official Liberal-Labour candi date, withdrew from th e contest in favour of Mr. H. M. Jones (Taheral). The 1 position until Mr. Wright s withdrawal was that Hon. W.TjJosworthy was opposed by Messrs. Wright, Jones, and F R. Cooke (official Labour candidate). Much dissatisfaction was felt in local Liberal circles over the votesplitting. The decision was accented bv Mr T. M. Wilford, who spoke here to-night on the lines of speeches elsewhere In the course of his addiess Mr Wilford criticised the Reforn Government and referred to the chief planks in tho Liberal policy. A mof' 01 } was carried expressing tho opinion that the time was ripe for a Government or a large Opposition. There was only one dissentient amongst tho large audience. FORTHCOMING MEETINGS Candidates’ meetings ate advertised aS ColonelT. W. McDonald, corner Brougham and Elizabeth Stieets tonight ; Monday, Methodist Hall, HatalMr' J. Linklater, Linton, to-night; Arapiti Camp, Mangahao, Monday; IR U Fiell, Waihoanga School to-night;’Mangaroa School, Monday. Mr O. I. Harkness, Te H? ro - to ~ day; Manakau, Monday; Otaki, Tuesdajiir. D. K. Pritchard. Empire Theatre, Petone, Monday; Korokoro, Tuesdafdr R. A. Wright, Anglican Hall, Lvall Bay, Monday; Miramar, Tuesday; Khandallah, Wednesday; Worser Bav, Thursday. , , Mr H. D. Bennett. Silver stream, Monday; Blackbridge, Tuesday; Taita, Wednesday i Petone. Thursday. Sir John Luke (Reform, Wellington. North), St. Paul’s Schoolrc*v, Tmakori Road, on Monday, at 8. Labour Party meetings will be held S To-morrow afternoon at 2.45, demonstration, Basin Reserve. . To-morrow evening meetings in Uui Theatre, Newtown, at 8. Speakers, Messrs. P. Fraser M.P., A. L. Monteith, and W. Nash. Mr. A. W Croskery will Preside. Empress Theatre, Speakers, Messrs. P. O. Webb. R. MeKeen, and James Thorn. Mr. H. E. Combs will preside. . Labour Party meetings on Monday will be:-A. W. Croskery Miramar Town Hall, at 8; H. E. Combs, St. Paul’s Schoolroom, Tinakon Road; James Thorn, open air, Island Bay, at 8. Tuesday afternoon Mr. P. Eraser M.P., women’s ipeetmg, Irrdes Hall, 2.30.