MR. H. E. HOLLAND

Evening Post, Volume XCV, Issue 44, 20 February 1918, Page 3

MR. H. E. HOLLAND

The Methodist Schoolroom in Moles-worth-street was crowded to overflowing last night, when Mr. H. E. Holland delivered another address. Mr. P. C. Webb, M.P.. presided, and, in opening the proceedings, urged the electors to "strike a blow for liberty." Mr Holland said that, if elected, he would do what Mr. Luke dare not do —he would never hesitate to vote against tho Government when the time camo to vote against it. Speaking of the political position, he said that the men who sot themselves up as dictators and absolutists were not strong men. In all the National Government they had not got a strong personality. They were only strong in the wrong sense, in the way that they flouted the people's will. As to the Civil servants, he said that if they voted for the candidate of the National Government, they would get in future what they were gettting to-day. Speaking of the disabilities of the railway servants, he said that one of the things that Labour had to tackle in Parliament was 1 the system under which the Minister had the right of veto in cases on appeal. He aIBO pointed out the way in which the First Division received more favourable treatment than the" Second Division. Tho administration of the railway service simply reeked of class distinctions. The police had quite as many grievances as the other wageearners, and they could not benefit their position unless they voted with the Labour Party. Mr Holland went on to contend that Mr. Massey had not given an answer to any of the challenges he had issued since the campaign started, and ridiculed the idea that it would have any effect on the war if Mr. Luke waß not elected. He contended that soldiers should be paid the highest trade nnion wages, and that pensions should be paid

on the highest scale as of right. As it was, they had men returned from the front who were being treated disgracefully, and they- had also the gravest danger facing New Zealand that ever faced the country—the danger of venereal disease. In conclusion, he said that the sentiment throughout the constituency was right against the Government; they were satisfied that the MasseyWard Government must go. When the result of the election was known, it would be found that they had written in flaming letters on the flag of Labour the one word, "Victory." (Loud applause.)