MR. LUKE'S CLAIMS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVI, Issue 123, 23 November 1908, Page 3

MR. LUKE'S CLAIMS.

Addressing an al fresco gathering at Wadestown on Saturday evening, Mr. Luke said he supported the present Government on account of its progressive policy and its legislative achievements. But he did not believe in halting ; there was still much to do if the Dominion was to be kept abreast of the times. Our educationi system must be broadened till the poorest child who possessed exceptional talent found the road clear from the primary school to the university, and in particular our technical and agricultural schools should be encouraged. Country students should bo taught subjects that would enable them to get the best return from the) land, and the town boys should learn trades that would make us independent of imports from abroad. Already there were many articles imported that could be manufactured just as well in this country. Then certain reforms were needed in regard to our hospitals and mental asylums. On many of these subjects his long connection with the local administrative bodies enabled him to speak with knowledge, which he thought would ba useful when, they came up for discussion in Parliament. He had been actively associated with the life of the community for the last twentyfivo years, which, he claimed, justified him in seeking to represent the people in a wider sphere. He had received a substantial majority of votes last Tuesday, and he looked forward with hops and confidence to getting a still larger majority at the- second ballot. If he was returned, he could ass-ure the electors they would not find their confidence misplaced. After answering a few questions, Mr. Luke got into his motor-car and drove off to Kaiwarra, receiving a parting cheer as the car sped away down the hill.