GENERAL ELECTION

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 12, 9 October 1928, Page 6

GENERAL ELECTION

OTAKI ELECTORATE

MR. J. PURCHASE A CANDIDATE

An announcement that he intended to contest the Otaki seat at the coming general elections as an Independent Labour candidate was made by Mr. J. Purchase, chairman of the Wepington Suburban Farmers’ Association, last night. “I have come to this decision as a result of my dissatisfaction with the Coates Administration,” said Mr. Purchase, in an interview with a “Dominion” representative. "Three years ago Mr. Coates made a definite promise —two nights before the House rose—that in the event of our going out and getting our man, Mr. Field, in, he would straighten up immediately matters in connection with tlie nearby farmers and the Wellington City Council. "After three years’ continuous fighting,” Mr. Purchase added! “we find ourselves in the same position, which is practically a stalemate. It is impossible either as chairman of the organisation or an individual citizen to continue this fight any longer. Therefore I have decided, in the best interests of all concerned, that direct representation of the nearby.farmers on the floor of the House is the only means of settling this grievous question.”

MR. M. F. LUCKIE’S CAMPAIGN

In spite of the inclement weather last evening there was a large attendance at a meeting of Mr. Luckie’s Island Bay committee, St. Hilda’s clubroom being filled. Mr. J. C. Shorland, chairman of the branch, enlightened the meeting as :to the results of canvassing undertaken by members, which was of a satisfactory nature.

Mr. Luckie gave a short address on political questions, in which he pointed out the manner in which the Reform Government had improved the finances of the country, which were now in a sound condition. It was satisfactory to know, he said, that our exports now exceeded our imports by several millions. This was a most healthy sign, and under stable government there was every possibility of a further increase in this direction. One of the best things done by the party in the late Mr. Massey’s time, said Mr. Luckie, was the lending of money to the extent of 95 per cent, in value, which had done more to assist the labour community than anything else. After he had dealt with several other matters, a vote of thanks and confidence was carried in the candidate. Arrangements were made for a canvass of the Island Bay and Berhampore sections of the electorate by members of the committee, who would report to the central committee. LABOUR CAMPAIGN FOR HAMILTON SEAT. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Hamilton, October 8. Mr. F. W. Schramm, the Labour candidate for the Hamilton seat, opened his . campaign on Saturday night at Frankton. He attacked the Reform Government and outlined the Labour platform o'n . orthodox lines. He said that the Liberals andv. United LiberalLabour candidates were conservatives at heart. He specially criticised the Protestant. Political Association. A vote of thanks and confidence was accorded the speaker. WELLINGTON SUBURBS. . The Minister of Education (Hon. R. A. Wright) will meet the electors of Wellington Suburbs at Ryan’s Store, Vogeltown, to-morrow night at 8 o’clock.