WELLINGTON EAST

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 105, 30 October 1925, Page 7

WELLINGTON EAST

MR. A. L. MONTEiTH AT KENT TERRACE

An audience of some 100 parsons was addressed at the New Century Hall, Kent terrace. Mr. D. Griffin presided.

Mr. Monteith quoted what Conservative papers had said adversely of Ballance and Seddon as an example of the ridicule and contumely directed at all progressive forces. Much of what was launched against the Labour Party to-day was in the same strain. He characterised appointments to the Upper House as an instance of political- patronage, and suggested that the country would save money by abolishing it. He emphasised the unfairness of tho Government 's ■ proposals for. altering methods of franchise, in proposing different systems in city and country, to counteract the weakness of its position in the cities. Proportional representation had proved a fair method in Christchureh municipal elections, but, as it the-Dforo gave Labour tho preponderating voice, it was recalled. He taxed tho Government with remitting considerable amounts to wealthy taxpayers, instead of passing humanitarian lop '-''on to reduce tho —t of living. Fusion was refused by tho Rcf-nu Party simply in order that £3,"'V000 reduced in taxation to the big in on might continue to be so. The wages in New Zealand were tho lowest in Austral, asia, and the three and three-quarter millions might well be devoted to increasing them, reinstating the Civil Service and other cuts, or in education. Mr. Monteith crit:"ised the policy of large land holdings, which, if continued with the immigration programme, would mean only congestion and poverty in tho cities. He accused the Reform Government of broken promises, notably tho Workers' Compensation Bill. If they hoped for humanitarian legislation from the present Government they would be disappointed.

A vote of thanks .•-•n<l confidence was passed at tho close of the meeting.