MR. J. P. LUKE'S CAMPAIGN

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 135, 5 December 1919, Page 3

MR. J. P. LUKE'S CAMPAIGN

There are no signs in Wellington North of declining interest in the election campaign The sitting member, Mr J P Luke, faced a numerous audience in the Ohurchroom, Tinakorivoad. last night. Ho said he came before the constituency as a well-tried man, politically and municipally, ami he anticipated a steady support ot his candidature. On the subject of naval defence, he referred 'to Admiral \ is<:ount Jellicoe's report, which, he said, had not yet been discussed by Parliament, and it was still open for the public to discuss it from an unbiased point of view. His own opinion was (unless the experts said to the contrary) their experience was in favour, of a New Zealand navy, locally owned and locally manned That opinion was based on the experience of Australia during the war. It would cost Now Zealand a considerable amount, tut, he was of opinion that in all such developments the Dominion should closely cooperate with tha British Admiralty It was a tribute to the various organisations that the carriage of troops and foodstuffs from New Zealand to Britain had been carried out so successfully, and he urged that, with a.greater measure of responsibility, New Zealand would be in a better, position to carry out such duties. The Prime Minister of the Dominion should be closely connected with the Naval Board ot Advico, although ho fully appreciated! the extremely valuable work done by ..the Minister of Defence, Sir James Allen. (App;ause.) He remarked also that the coat to New Zealand would be considerable, but he contended it was the bounden duty of New Zealanders to find the money for the defence of their country. As to military training, ho said New Zealand did the right thing' in connection with the Military Service Act. Any people who objected to coming under that Act were not true New Zealander*. (Applause.) As to the future, lie said he was in favour of the development of the cade* system, taking in hand youhs felknvs up l« the (igo ,oC 21 years. The whols of a boy's train-

ing to the age of 21 years—physical and disciplinary—should be part of the educational system. As to the cost of living, he said it was the duty of the Government to grapple with the subject. If the Government did not do so the members should take the matter in hand. Turning to another subject, he said that if farmers could not, or would not, grow enough wheat for the Dominion the Government itself should grow it as a national concern. In the course of subsequent remarks, Mi1. Luke urged the paramount necessity of providing better and more open sites for city colleges and schools. At the conclusion of his address a vote of thanks and confidence was moved and seconded, but at that moment the electric lights went out and the meeting dispersed by matchlight.