WELLINGTON NORTH BY-ELECTION

Evening Post, Volume XCV, Issue 45, 21 February 1918, Page 3

WELLINGTON NORTH BY-ELECTION

MR. POLSON AT NORTHLAND

Theve were about a hundred persons present at Mr. A. N. Poison's meeting last night. Mr. George Gapes was in tho chair.

The candidate devoted his attention mainly to soldiers' affairs. He contended that the Government was adopting a wrong attitude in "turning down" soldiers' memorial clubs. These clubs should constitute a meeting-place for men and officers on their return, and would help to maintain the friendly spirit now existing at the front. There were great numbers of "Huns" in our midst, the candidate continued, and they had giveiv no demonstration of their loyalty. A few were interned on Somes Island, but there were numerous others at large. For a start, he thought they should take 25 per cent, of a man's property when they found he was so bad as to need internment. [A voice: Take the lot.) "If you put the National Government out we will." Concerning the cost of living, Mr. Poison said that the Government b establishment of the Board of Trade was merely a bluff, as the board was given no power to carry its decisions into effect. He believed that the produce of New Zealand should be sold to the public at export prices, and the balance exported. The export price for butter was Is 4d per lb, but the cost in the shops was Is Bd. Similarly with cheese, there was a big difference. Where did it po? Mostly into the pockets of the profiteers. With regard to education, Mr. Poison contended that there should be better payment for teachers, so that the best men and women might be obtained. Kindergarten establishments should be placed alongside the primary schools, and subsidised by the Government. Technical education was of the most importance for the future, especially when tho soldiers returned, when there should be schools of industry and agriculture.

Dr. Thacker, M.P., afterwards spoke briefly. He referred to the Waikaremoana hydro-electric scheme, urging that it should be brought into operation as expeditiously as possible. The doctor further urged the need for a general election and changes in the Administration.

At the close of the meeting a vote of confidence in Mr. Poison was carried without dissent.