THE ELECTION BATTLE

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 13, 10 October 1925, Page 8

THE ELECTION BATTLE

LN AND ABOUT THE ARENA

NOTES AND COMMENTS

The Crucible of the Ballot. Fusion, if it were to be brought about, would be achieved at the ballot box. He was satisfied that there would be one strong partv in the new Parliament, and. that party would be led by Mr. Coates. (Applause.) —Mr. Fred Waite, Government candidate for the Clutha seat. "If You Desire Free Government ——” There was a selection of three parties. He charged them to consider their value. “We have served you welk and justice has been done to all. If you desire free Government,- then give me your vote. If you don’t want Socialism, then give me your support.”—The Hon. G. J. Anderson (Slataura) at Gore. The Issue—Common-sense and Hot Air. The issue in the electorate was the Labour Socialists against the rest of the community. It was the extremist against the primary producer, the business man, and the not inconsiderable section of workers who, like himself, were averse to handing over this Dominion to a band of men with the avowed objective of socialising the means of production, distribution, and exchange, more especially when none of them could agree as to the exact meaning of what they aimed at. —Mr. M. E. Lyons, Government candidate for the Lyttelton seat. A World Menace. The whole of the civilised world was being held up by the menace of Bolshevism. The people had seen what had happened in Russia and must not allow that class of people access to this Dominion. Their influence among the workers of the cities was one of the dangers which we had to face. Personally he could not see anything in the Labour theories except that they provided a ladder for trade union secretaries to < limb to position and office.—Mr. J. G. Armstrong. Government candidate for llurun ni. Modesty. s Referring to the workings of Parlia inent, the speaker said he was only one of the 80 members. He did not say lie was as good as the average member, but lie had done the best he could. —Mr. Corrigan, Nationalist candidate for Patea. A. Good Scheme. Some 20 years ago he had advocated a system of universal pensions. He considered that it would still be a good thing if such a suggestion were taken up by the State, and he thought that if the Reform Party remained in office it would do something in this direction. A fund could be set aside to assist people of moderate means either in sickness or old age. If it were adopted, it would make the lives of a great number of people much happier than they were at present.—Mr.. Brock (Government candidate for Kaiapoi). Why Mr. Moss .Was “Fired.” ,Mr. Moss, the rejected of the Labour Caucus, who was to have stood against the Hon. W. D. Stewart, held the opinion that the “usehold” was a rotten business—and he “got the sack” completely, thrown right out "because, as one newspaper euphemistically put it, he “gave a slightly wrong interpretation of the policy.”—Sir James Parr, at Henderson. , Preparing for the Worst. “I feel that I have served my apprenticeship, for I have found it takes a man three, yews to properly get the hang of parliamentary procedure, and if I get! the sack, now that-I am out of my time,.well, that is my bad luck.” —Mr. W. J jordan, labour member lot Mauukau. ' g ' The Power Behind the Shipping Strike. “The men are not to blame; it is tl’.e men outside the unions who are to blame. Outside influences such as these materially/effect our trade. He trusted that this very unsavoury matter would soon be cleared up to the satisfaction of all.”—Hon. G. J. Anderson, at Gore. A Party Without a Policy. Of the policy of the Liberal Party little con'd be said. They accused the Reform Party, of stealing their policy, but so far .as he could see, the Liberals had no policy. A party could not expect to be returned by the country uuless.it had a policy, and be had gone carefully through Mr. G. \V. ForbcS’s address and bad not discovered a vestige of a- policy.—Mr. J. G. Armstrong, Government candidate for Hurunui. A Bright Future. “I want to say that if the Reform Government is returned to office the next few vears of its administration will make for a greater progress than ever before in its history.”—Hon. R.. F. Bollard, at Raglan. Labour’s Opinion of the “Nationalists.” The electors knew where Reform stood, and they knew, or should know, where Labour stood, but he-, defied anyone to explain the attitude of the Nationalists. He had read the recentlyissued Nationalist manifesto, and Be could frankly say that he was not one ■whit better informed after reading it than he was before.—Mr. P. 11. Hickey, Labour-Socialist candidate for'lnvercargill. Decidedly .Mixed. When Mr. T. E. Y. Seddon, the candidate of the Nationalist Party, addressed a largely attended meeting at Te Kinga (Grey), he was asked a number of questions, but several of these the candidate declined to answer. A vote of thanks and confidence was then moved, but when it came to the vote, there were only three who voted for the motion. Then, to the complete surprise of all present, the chairman, Mr. Robinson, declared the motion carried. The meeting, therefore, ended virtually in a fiasco. “Barefaced Theft.” “Mr. Holland preaches class war; he favours the wretched ‘usehold’ policy, which is simply barefaced theft of vour property and mine. It is for you to say whether, holding the opinions he does, he or Mr. Coates is the better man to make Prime Minister of tins country. The issue is in your hands. Sir James Parr, at Henderson. THE PRIME MINISTER TO Sl’EAft AT TOWN HALL. The Prime Minister (Hon. J. G. Coates, M.C.) is to deliver a politic?! address at the Town Hall on 1 hursday evening, October 15, and will be supported by Sir Francis Bell, G.C.M.G., and other speakers. The Mayor, Mr. C. J. B. Norwood, is to preside over the gathering, which will be preceded by community singing at 7.30 p.m.. led by Mr. Albert Russell,

IN OTHER CENTRES MANUKAU. Auckland, October 8. Mr. W. J. Jordan, M.P. for Mauukau, addressing his constituents, said that as the prohibition question was now in the hands of the people, he would oppose any legislation to bring it in, just as he would oppose legislation to introduce license if the people voted prohibition. He favoured the two-issue ballot paper; if that could not be obtained, then the preferential vote. HAMILTON. Bi Telegraph Press Association Hamilton, October 9. The National candidate, Mr. H. W.Milner, opened his campaign last night at Hamilton, and was given a good hearing by an attentive- audience lie indicted the Government for graft in connection with the banks and other trusts, and political jobbery in connection with tlie Bav of Islands seat. He was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. ‘AUCKLAND EAST.' Auckland, October 9. _ Mr. J. A. Laic, NLP., addressed his first public meeting in the Auckland East contest last night. He remarked that he had fought two previous campaigns in the electorate, and he could assure the public that it was not a question whether Labour would win or lose, but how large Labour’s majority would be. He had secured a majority of 715 against one opponent three vears ago, but now he had two opponents. He was convinced that Labour would poll more votes than ever, bift he was not going to prophesy which of the other candidates would take second honours. Labour had doubled its representation in Parliament at each election, and-its progress was inevitable. Next year it would be'at the very least the official Opposition. MARSDEN. Whangarei. October 9. Mr. .A. S. Richards, official Labour candidate for the Marsden seat, opened his political campaign here last night before a fair audience. He dealt extensively with Labour’s policy. His principal subject was that of taxation. He trenchantly denounced the Government’s policy in tin’s connection, stating that, instead of the small farmer and working man getting easement, they were being asked to carry heavier burdens through the Customs, whilst simultaneously wealthy concerns were being granted rebates on land and income tax. Mr. Richards was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. ? WANGANUI. Wanganui, October 9. _ Addressing a large and enthusiastic audience last night, Mr. W. A. Veitch, the sitting member, dealt with’ the ouestioli of fusion. He denied that the Liberal-Labour Party wanted to fuse with Reform, but to form a new National Partv from both sides, that would be strong enough to pass legislation for the good of the country without being dependent oh one or two dictatorial votes. The Nationalists aimed at raising problems above the wretched bigotry that had prevailed for so many years. • That was one reason why Liberal-Labour desired the formation of a new party to work on national lines for the progress of the country and to continue ttie policy of humanitarian legislation introduced under the Ballnnce-Seddoo legime. He went on to refer to the gieat need for developing the country on sound lines,. particularly • secondary industries. The Dominion was reaching an interesting stage with regard tn the future. They had, however, been exporting and selling their raw materials at almost the lowest saleable value and buying nearly everything from outside. Continuation of that policy would prove absolutely dis astrous. If they manufactured more goods in their own country the far mers would profit to the extent that thev would not have to relv on the vagaries of the world, markets. Mr. Veitch advocated raising the standard of living for the wage earners, and said the minimum wage as established by tne Arbitration Court was not high enough. .Wages should increase automatically when the cost of living was on the increase. Special legislation was required to meet occupational diseases, so that sufferers could get treatment in the early stages.

He contended that there was a vast difference between the Nationalist ano Reform Parties in the matter of administration There was a Huge waste of public moneys going on that should be effectively checked. To whitewash a Minister in connection with a silly quarrel between two Reformers, it had cost the taxpayers £3500, while another £5OOO was on the ' Estimates in connection with a commission that bad gone abroad to investigate agricultural banks. The latter was quite unnecessary, as they had got all the data required to show’ the great value and advantage accruing from the establishment of an agricultural bank. The commission was a move to hold back a decision till after the election. The Nationalists were after economy and close scrutinising of the public accounts. There had been far too many commissions, and members should be required to give investigation into these matters during the recess. Mr. Veitch answered many questions very satisfactorily. GISBORNE. Gisborne, October 9. At a meeting of the Reform Party a resolution approving the - candidature of Mr. W. D. Lysnar and pledging itself to assist in securing his return was carried Mr. J. R. Kirk, who.had intimated his intention of standing as a Fusionist, to-day announced his ■ intention to withdraw from the contest. CHRISTCHURCH NORTH. Christchurch, October 8. Mr. H. Holland, Government candidate for Christchurch North, opened his campaign to-night, and was accorded an enthusiastic reception. He lauded the party policy and was accorded a vote cf thanks and confidence. KAIAPOI. Christchurch, October 8. Mr. Morgan Williams, Labour candidate for Kaiapoi, addressed a large meeting at Kaiapoi to-night. He supported the seamen in their protest against the reduction of pay, and defended the Labour land policy. He was accorded' a vote of thanks and confidence. DUNEDIN WEST. Dunedin, October 8. Mr. Ralph Harrison has been selected to contest Dunedin West in the Labour interests. The selection was uecessarv in consequence of the dissatisfaction of official Labour with Mr C. M Moss, who was chosen originally by the representation committee.

GREY LYNN. Auckland, October 9. A pleasant touch of friendly informality was the outstanding feature of Miss Melville’s opening address to the ladies of Grey Lynn as Government candidate for the district. The feeling of the meeting was summed up by one of the ladies in proposing a hearty vote of thanks. “Miss Melville has done splendid work on the City Council,” she said, “and I think you will agree with me that she deserves promotion." The motion was carried with acclama-' tion. When question time came, Miss Melville declared herself a supporter of the Bible in Schools Bill as presented last session by Mr. Isitt, with a strict safeguarding of the conscience clause and no right of entry. “I am also a prohibitionist,” she added. WAITEMATA. Auckland, October 9. Mr. A. G. psborne, Labour candidate for Waitemata, speaking at Takapuna, said that one means by which Labour would improve the housing . system would be the abolition of the calling of land agent and the transfer of all land agency to a State Department. To cheapen houses it would' utilise the Frankton house factory for mass production, and would establish other mills of its kind in different parts of the country, at the same time proyidinp State cement works and brick yards and competing with merchants in the provision’ of internal fittings of dwellings. FRANKLIN. Auckland, October 9. Mr. J. Rea, National candidate for Franklin, speaking at Otahuhu, expressed Riis resentment of a remark made by Mr. V. H. Potter during the recent bv-election reflecting on - the Liberals. ’ Mr. Potter had referred to Liberal criticism of the Reform Party in the House as futile and practically non-existent. "You know very well,” Mr Rea said, “that in the second session of the -late Parliament Mr. Massey was practically a dying man. Mr. Wilfofd gave a Lad that the Liberals were to facilitate the business of the House so that there should be no friction or trouble for the Prime Minister. No one knew better than (Mr. Potter why there was so little criticism of the Reform Partv, and vet he was ungenerous enough to make that statement.’ 1 KATAPOT. Christchurch, October 9. Mr. Morgan Williams, Labour candidate for Kaiapoi, in opening his campaign, said when New Zealand had a Labour Government, it would prove equally capable as the British Labour Government. He emphasised the point that the Labour Party was openly and avowedly Socialist. Its policy aimed at helping those who worked the land, and discouraging speculation. He deprecated the talk of a Communist menace. He only knew two Communists, and they did not have enough go in them to blow up a fried fish shop. He was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence. CLUTHA. Dunedin, October 9. Mr. J. W. Fenton, Labour candidate for Clutha, addressed a meeting at Milton op Thursday. He urged the neces-sitv-of a nationalised medical service, and supported the present education svstem. with greater facilities for the children of people of small. means to give them equal opportunities with those of rich parents. He advocated increased pensions, and generally proceeded on the lines of the Labour platform A vote of thanks' was passed. WAITAKT. Waimate, October 9. Mr. John Bitchener, Government candidate for Waitaki, told the electors that Mr. Coates was a born administrator. He thought that the right time for discussion of fusion was after the election. He contended that the Government had legislated for the benefit of the whole community. He also referred to its humanitarian legislation and the new contributory universal pension proposal. . He opposed as inequitable a suggestion solely' to tax farmers’ incomes, as l azy farmers would escape. He defended State advances and the Government’s land settlement policy, and combated a suggestion that the Government was spendthrift.; He had never heard a single - member admit that there was too much expenditure on his own electorate. There was more to fear from local body borrowing than from the Government’s, A vote of thaqks was accorded to the candidate. BULLER. Westport, October 9. Mr, C. S. Beilby, Reform candidate for the Buller electorate, addressed a crowded meeting'in the Victoria The'atre to-night, with the Mayor (Mr. Menzies) presiding. He set out lucidly the Reform Party’s policy and gave it bis warmest support, stating that it was intended not for class Interests but for the welfare of the people as a whole. At the conclusion of his address the candidate was plied with questions, to which he gave prompt replies, drawing the applause of the large gathering, which accorded him a vote of thanks and confidence. AVON ) Christchurch, October 9. Mr. J. A. Flesher, ex-Mayor of Christchurch, has been asked to contest the Avon seat in the Reform interest. He will give his reply on Wednesday. LYTTELTON. Christchurch, October 9. At Lyttelton to-night Mr. J. McCombes opened his campaign with an address on purely Labour lines. He had a big audience, and was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence. ALL BLACK ASKED TO STAND. * Napier, October 9. Mr. Maurice Brownlie, the All Black footballer, has been approached with a request to contest the Napier seat as a Nationalist. He has not yet given a reply. OTAKI SEAT Last night Air.. Field addressed a full meeting of electors in the Pliinnierton hall, Mr Ernest W. Burd presiding, and there also received an excellent reception. He dealt severely with the Labour Party’s Socialistic policy, and in doing so, made it plain that the safety and welfare of the Em pire depended largely on its relations with, and the politics of other nations. It was, therefore, he said, relevant to this election to discuss conditions as existing not only in England but elsewhere. He pointed out that Mr. Ramsay MacDonald,- ex-Labour Prime Minister of Great Britain, and his Government, were in sympathy with the Russian ■ revolution, as also were Labour leaders in New Zealand, and that being so, it was well that the people of this Dominion should realise the conditions of Russia and its people under the Socialistic Soviet Government which that revolution produced. He said he noticed with surprise that Mr. Semple had called in Mr. P. Fraser to assist him in this contest. Mr. Field received a unanimous’ vote of thanks and confidence. A resolution of thanks only was moved, but lapsed for want of a seconder.