PLATFORM POINTS

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 114, 11 November 1919, Page 3

PLATFORM POINTS

"'What is the difference between Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward?" asked a member of the audience at Mr Dunbar Sloane's meeting'at Johnsonville last night.. "'Well," replied Mr. Sloane, "one difference is this. Whereas Sir Joseph Ward will propound -a policy with definite ideas, Mr. Massey will proipound a policy of generalities. Then, with Sir Joseph Ward, you frequently get a spark of political genius not shown by other people."

In giving a resume of the, social reforms which he had been instrumental in bringing about since the last election, Mr. T. M. Wilford, M.P.. at the meeting of bis supporters at Petone last niglit, laid special emphasis on the work done in amelioration of prison conditions, and the improvement in the working of the judicial system. Educational instruction in the Borstal Institution at Invercargill has wonderfully improved the boys. Many who could not write are becoming proficient. "I have provided a law for the establishment of separate institutions for young girl offenders, by which they may be kept separate from hardened offenders. I drafted and carried through Cabinet the Payment of Jurors Bill, which is novv law, to provide for reasonable pay to jurors plus their travelling expenses." The member mentioned also the Bill giving the right of appeal in all criminal cases.

"There are many men standing as independents in this election, but the independent, to my mindj 'cuts noice,' " sakl Mr Dunbar Sloane, the Liberal candidate for Wellington Suburbs when speaking at Johnsonville last night. "After all, there are only two lobbies in the House 'of Representatives, one for tlie 'Ayes' and one for the 'Noes.' When the Division Bell goes ,a member must <*o one way or the other, and therefore I think every candidate should declare himself to the electors. I say straight out that I am a supporter of* the New Zealand Liberal Party."

Mr G. R. Sykes, who is contesting the Masterton seat as an Independent, spoke at Masterton last night, when he made an explanation regarding his severance from the Be form Party. He had had eight years of political experience, during which ho had many times been obliged to vote against his inclination. He was now determined to cnt himself adrift from party politics by offering himself as an Independent candidate. Should he have to vote on a confidence motion affecting the three recognised leaders, he would vote for Mr. Massey, but this would not mean that he would follow that leader blindly. He would always use t.ho liberty of an Independent in the best interests of the people.