THE ELECTION

Evening Star, Issue 20020, 10 November 1928, Page 5

THE ELECTION

PREMIER'S BUSY CAMPAIGN [Per United Press Associates.] D ANNE V HIKE, Novcd Out 9. Mr Coates addressed a meeting in the Town Hall to-night, about 1,300 people being in the hail and many outside. The Premier, Mrs Coates, and party were heartily applauded on entering the hall, rud tho presentation of bouquets to Mrs Coates, tho mayoress, and Mrs Smith (wifo of the Government candidate for Pahiatuu) formed an interesting preliminary to what proved a good-humoured meeting throughout with a fair number of interjections from the same few individuals.

Mr Coates said ho made no excuses for addressing a Danncvirko audience. He believed he could still servo New Zealand, and that ho would do so after the 14th. (Applause.) After considering the criticisms and declamations of the Opposition, tho fair inference was that the present Government was about as nearly perfect as any that bad ever existed The Government had a big majority, but nobody could say it had abused it. T t had legislated for the people as n whole, without, consideration of class interests. He defended the sliding scale of wheat duties. Replying to an interjection, ho said he would never agree to the fanner paying two taxes. Either ho must pay land tax or income tax. They must give an incentive tc men to go on tho land, as primary production was the great standby of this country. Ho said that Sir Joseph Ward's statement in Christchurch that next winter wo would have between 30,000 and 40,00 unemployed was exaggerated. No responsible man in this country ought to make such a statement. Sir Joseph's railway programme was about as silly as anything ever proposed, being weak, ill considered, and uneconomical. Ho loundly condemned Sir Joseph Ward's statement that he proposed to bring into the country 300,000 to 400,000 people in the next four years. This did not seem to him to bo logical It was ill considered. 'What would they do with the 400,000 people? A Voice: Put them on the land. Mr Coates replied that ho would have nothing to do with that. Tho best farmer was tho young citizen of the dominion, who should have a show, Jeremiahs and croakers had blamed the Government for the past depression, and surely tho Government was entitled to claim credit for having pulled the country through that degression. Replying to an interjection about champagne, Mr Coates said ho knew a whispering campaign was going on. A Voice: Do nob take any notice of it. „ TJ , •‘I don’t,” said Mr Coates. Its the same old form of attack.” He knew that the people of Now Zealand i ~; as anybody else in knowing where it started. There was no man in New Zealand fitter than he was, or who worked at higher pressure Ho was working all the time, and never slackened no if he had a job to do; and he could not do that unless he was pretty abstemious. In response to a call, three cheers wore given at this stage. Mr Coates, after defending the Government’s policy on the lines of earlier speeches, concluded amid loud applause The meeting carried a hearty vote of thanks to the Prime Minister for his able and convincing address, and expressed confidence in him and the present Government. There were Vw dissentients.

THE WELLINGTON SEATS DULL TIMES AND LITTLE CHANGE [SPiCUL TO TUB 1 Sail.'] WELLINGTON, November D. Electioneering conditions in the Wellington area give little indication _ or change. In fact, tho general quietness is giving some concern to local political leaders, who aro left anxiously wondering, in tho absence of clear evidence, what is going to happen. Particular!v devoid of signs an.d poxtents is the licensing position, though the reduced activity of tho “ dry advocates causes them to run seiions risk of lessened support in Wellington area, which includes Wellington East, Wellington South, and Wellington Suburbs. three constituencies where tho local restoration issue is the subject of decision. The most likely constituency to make a change is Wellington East, where Mr Forsyth, tire retiring Reform-member, is faced with his ex-chairman of committees, Mr J. J. Clark, an unofficial Reformer. This split is likely to make a gift of.the scat to Mr Semple (Labour), and will bo a case of reversion to its original party allegiance. Wellington South has a three-cornered contest, actively pursued by Mr M'Kecn (the retiring Labour member), Mr Luckie (senior city councillor) standing in the Government interest, and Mr°J. Burns (United). Though Mr Luckio’s good campaigning will make him the runner-up, it is probable that will bo the best he can do in so safe a Labour area. Another “ safe” Labour seat is Central, which Mr Irase.r has carefully cultivated by much local effort between polls. Mrs Young (Independent Labour) is not taken seriously, while Mr A. D. Sloan '(Reform), though on a losing hazard, is doing good parly service by keeping so experienced a Labour candidate as Mr Fraser tied up to tho district.

A few weeks ago Wellington North was regarded as the open event, because Sir John Luke (Reform member) lias a straight fight against Mr Chapman (Labour). Tho retiring member lost a large block of votes through boundary changes, and it remains to be seen how the many public servants in the constituency will express themselves over a grievance carefully fostered by Labour, relating to the Government's failure to restore the cuts made in salaries during the last retrenchment. There is a fairly large .Reform vote in the area, and f?ir John Luko is said to be carrying support from the liquor interest. Thus, he may win, though nobody appears confident. His opponent has not been impressive on the platform, a factor which makes Sir Jonn’s chances more hopeful than at the commencement of the campaign. Platform work is Mr Wilford’s strong point in Hutt, where he faces Mr W. Nash, national secretary of the Labour Party, a well-informed but uninspiring speaker. Mr Wilford should hold his seat, and can take credit in this event for winning it by hard campaigning. Thus the Wellington position reduces itself to one possible Labour win at Reform’s expense, the remaining seats being unchanged. There are no suggestions of change in the country areas of the province, Mr W, H. Field (Government) being likely to retain Otaki, and the Hon. A. D. MLeod should again win Wairarapa by a good minority.

OAMARU ELECTORATE [Per United Press Association.'] OAMARU, November 9. At tho Opera House to-night the United Party candidate, Mr A J. MacPherson, delivered his main address to the electors of the Oamaru electorate, receiving an attentive hearing from a largo audience. His criticism was mainly directed against tho Government’s land settlement policy, and he enunciated the proposals of tho United Party. There wore only two interjoctors, one of whom was removed by tho Police. Mr MacPhcrson received a vole of thanks and confidence. THROUGH THE ELECTORATES SIR JOSEPH WARD TO-NiQHT There was a large attendance at. Mr J Robinson’s meeting at tho Methodist Church Hall last evening. Tho candidate, in dealing with the question: “What shall wc do with onr boys?” spoke at length on the difficulty parents are experiencing in placing their hoys at suitable occupations. As Now Zealand was cliicllv a primary industry country, tho Labour Parly would make provision for the training of lads in land occupations. If the country was to progress, closer settlement would have to bo odeeted, and in order that the best possible re,suits should he obtained from the land it was essential that Ihe Education Department should train (be boys to become practical farmers. At the close of his address Mr Robinson was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence. Sir Joseph Ward, Loader of (ho United Party, speaks in His Majesty’s Theatre this evening

Mr J. Robinson, Labour candidate for Dunedin Central, is advertised to address tho electors on Monday in Alacandrew’s Bay Hall at 7 p.m., and in Glencairn Hall, Tomahawk, at B.ld p.m. On Tuesday _he will speak in the Cameron Hall, Silvcrtou street, Anderson’s Bay. Mr J. W. Munro, Labour candidate for Dunedin North, _ addressed a crowded and enthusiastic meeting ot electors in the Foresters’ Hall, Albany street, last night. Ho strongly criticised tho Reform Party’s administration and pointed out how its socalled achievement had certainly achieved at least ouo thing, and that tvas it had fooled tho electors. If unemployment, stagnation in business, and liigh cost of living, ho said, were things to bo proud of, then Jic would give the Government credit for its achievement. Mr Munro then went on to deal with tho United Party, characterising its promises as “ dope.’ Mr Munro was accorded a vote of thanks by acclamation, with enthusiastic cheers for the candidate and the Labour Party’s success. The schoolhouso at Pino Hill was well filled last evening, when Mr 11. L. Tapley (Reform candidate for Dunedin North) gave an account of his stewardship and an exposition of the Reform Government’s legislative enactments over the past three years. Tho candidate dealt at length with tho Rural Credits and intermediate Credits Act, and said that small farmers had received very material benefits under these Acts. Discussing pensions for invalid returned soldiers, Mr Tapley said he thought it was unfair for tho Pensions Board to reduce a pension where 1c was shown tho recipient was also receiving an allowance Irom a Iriendly society. Mr Tapley claimed that a soldier’s pension should not be affected as tho result of any income bo might receive from any other source. • Dealing with civilian pensions, Air Tapley said one of his opponents had made a statement to tho effect that he (Mr Tapley) had said that old ago pensions should bo increased to £3 a week. Ho denied having made this statement. Ho had said that whilst ho would like to sco old ago pensions raised to £3 a week ho realised it would bo too big a burden on the taxpayer. His £3 a week proposal was for unemployment insurance, a totally different thing altogether. After answering questions a member of the audience said he wished to thank Mr 'Tapley for attending so promptly and efficiently to a private matter for him. A unanimous vote of thanks and confidence concluded the meeting. Mr Charles R. Smith, the United Party candidate for Dunedin North, addressed a well-attended meeting of electors in the Opoho Public Hall last night. The speaker gave a lengthy explanation of matters relative to the land question, education, universal scheme of superannuation, and electoral reform. Several questions were asked and answered, apparently to tho satisfaction of the majority of those present. At the conclusion of the address tho speaker was accorded a hearty vote of (hanks. Mr Harvey occupied the chair. ‘ A QUESTIONNAIRE. In pursuance of its efforts to secure a more regular and frequent steamer service between Melbourne, _ Hobart, and tho Southern ports of New Zealand, the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce lias communicated with all parliamentary candidates in Canterbury, Otago, and Southland asking whether they will support tho following proposals:—(l) That the Government be asked to approach tho Union Steam Ship Company or some other, company to establish a : regular and more frequent service between Alelbonrno, Hobart, Bluff, Dunedin, Lyttelton, and Wellington and return. (2) That the

Government bo urged to grant such subsidy as may be necessary for ■ the establishment of that service (subsidy to be shared by tho Victorian and Tasmanian Governments). The following candidates bavo replied stating that they are in accord with the proposals, arid, if 'elected, will give them their support (favourable replies are also expected from other candidates); — Messrs C. S. M'Cully, G. H Thompson, E. J. Howard, E. 11. Andrews, il. W. Hawke, the Rev. Clyde Carr (Canterbury), C. R. Smith, J. W- Munro, J Robinson, J." A. Macphcrson, W. A. M'Laehlan, B. Harrison, R. W. Hall, G. S. Thomson, H. L. Tapley, C. Todd, Sir Charles Statham (Otago), S. M. Macalistcr. W, C. Denham (Southland). ELECTION BREVITIES KERNEL AND HUSK “ People have told mo tho women won’t vole for me because women are jealous of each other.”—Mrs L. Paterson, Independent candidate for Grey Lynn. “ If parliamentarians wore paid hy results,” commenced Mr J. Stallwortliy, il cancUlate tor Eden——“ Yon would not 'get much,” interjected one of ais audience. -* X * tr Mi- J. W. Mnnro. at Albany Street, last night: “Sir Joseph Ward,-the new old wizard of tho United discards of the Reform and Labour Parties, judged by his promises as appearing in tho l’rcss, evidently thought his party’s only hope was to promise any old thing. He' seems to think tho people have taken so kindly to, and become to used to the Reform dope, that ho is determined to out-dope the doper.”

Speaking at Kilbirnic, Air T. Forsytif, oiih-ial lieform candidate for Wellington East, said that Air Semple was always criticising the Government for importing Australian coal for tho railways. Yet, ho added, when Air Semple set up in tho coal business, tho names of two Australian coals wore painted at tho top of his signboard. * ft «■ “Ladies and gentlemen,” began Air V. H. hotter, Reform canidato for Eden, at his Kitigslaud meeting—and then someone advised him to tako his hands out of his pockets. “ No fear,” retorted Air Potter, “ not when there are suspicious characters at my meeting.” * *• ft * “ I detest certain points in tho Reform poicy just as I do in the Labour policy,” said Air T. M. Wilford at Moera. A Voice; “Then, why do you support tho Reform Government? ” Mr Wilford. I alwavs support it when Air Holland moves a uo-confidcnco motion, because I’d sooner have Reform in power than Air Holland.” (Loud applause and some dissent.) *• ft •>; * “ I describe a pessimist as a man who sees an obstacle in every opportunity, and an optimist as one who sees an opportunity in every obstacle, and that is what tho Government is doing,” said tho Hon. J. A. Y T oung, at Otahnhu. He added: “ Our pessimists can dispel their pessimism, because the future is hopeful indeed. » * » * “ You’ll do me, me bov. I’m a sailor ami a supporter of Sir Joseph Ward,” s’*id an unsteady individual at Air Hewitt’s meeting in St. Alatthcw’s Hall (Auckland), as lie advanced towards the platform. In his hand was a bunch of white flow which, amidst laughter and applause, ho persisted in the candidate accepting, Ho shook Air Hewitt by the hand, and then walked unsteadily hack—not_ to his seat, but into the arms of a waiting policeman. * * * “I have full sympathy with Sir Charles Statham, because lie has so little to offer the electors,” said Air J. Robinson at his meeting at Caversham Inst night., “ Summed up, his political sL k-in-trado consists of his title, his wig. and uw dmuiu, i /oii-ind, however, docs not need neutral politicians, but men who can express their views on tho floor of tho House on tho questions of the day, and record their votes in accordance with their principles. Dignity and neutrality are of little service to tho country in a House that is ruled by votes.” Before beginning his speech at Alocra (Wellington), Air T. AI. Wilford, United Party candidate for Hutt, asked the pardon of his audience if ho sat down at times, since he had hurt his leg recently. Voices; “Sit down now. Tommy.” Mr Wilford; “Well, I’ve got iny seat all right, and it will take something to shift it.” (Wild applause.) 'X * * “ The workers aro fools to themselves, because they aro cursing the employers,” said Air V. H. Potter, Reform candidate for Eden. “The workers want to crush tlio big employers. As soou as they do they crush themselves. 1 am not concerned with the incomes made by individuals as long as they employ their money Here, and employ men and pay goad wages.” ft » ft " “ When people heard that I was standing for Parliament they asked me if I could keep awake in the House at night. Of course I could if the men can do it. Didn’t we used to walk tho floor with them when they were babies?” (Laughter.)—Mrs Paterson, Independent candidate for Grey Lynn.

"Why have you not .explained the United Party’s policy to-night? asked one of the audience of Mr 1. -VI- '* nford at Moera (Wellington). "There are,” replied the candidate, “4,000 people in this electorate who for over twenty years have been toting for it. (Repeated and incredulous "Noes.”) Yes, it’s the same old Liberal policy. Our policy—Liberalism—is for the whoio of the people; you stand for class We decline to recognise class at all, and think a man who stirs up class hatred is an enemy to his country.” (Applause.) « • * *. "Come one, come all,” cried Mr J. S. Fletcher, using the words of cur Walter Scott to invite questions at Point Chevalier Hall (Auckland). “ Good old Roderick Dhnl” famo the voice of another devotee of " Ihc Lady of the Lake.” " Yes, and like Fitzjames and Roderick Dhu, 1 will put it oyer on you," retorted the candidate, his burr thickening as ho spoke. “ Fitzjames defeated Roderick, and as King of Scotland, united the country, and gave it such prosperity as it had never known before. That is wbat the United Party is going to do.” Cheers greeted the candidate’s prompt adaptions of the quotation. • * » * " Tho Labour candidate, Mr Semple, asked at the outset for an intellectual contest with no personalities,” said Mr T. Forsyi.il, official Reform candidate for Wellington East, at Kilbirmo. “ Heaven knows wbat he meant by an intellectual contest.” A voice: "No, you wouklu (Laughter.) Mr Forsyth; “At his very first meeting, Mr Semplo departed from this. Tho reason why Mr Semplo desires an intellectual contest at the present limo is simply this: It is a well-known fact that ho stands for a party which lor years past has advocated direct action rather than an appeal to reason and intellect. Every candidate has his own record, and the electors much judge as to whether past actions agree with present electioneering ideals.” (Applause.) * » * » An argument about soup kitchens, carried on between the candidate and a talkative member of the audience was the chief feature of Mr P. B. Fitzherbert’s meeting in St George’s Ha.ll, Kingsland. The Reform candidate lor Grey Lynn devoted a great portion of his speech to the "inadequacies” of Sir Joseph Ward. “ If Sir Joseph hasn’t got a show, why do you epend so much time on him?” was a pertinent question from the back. "Oh, I know you don’t like listening,” retorted Mr Fitzherbert. “ But Sir Joseph Ward is not tho only man!” "He’s better than your maul” Mr Fitzherbert said it was unfair that noisy people at his meetings should have made up their minds which woy they were going to vote, when they had heard only two sides of the _ question. They were not giving the third party, the Reform party, a chance. " You are a very unfair jury.” “Oh, we’ve heard you before! said a young man. “ I heard you when you stood for Labour!” “ You’re a twister!” shot out another man. “ Yes, I did stand for Labour, and I stand for Labour now,” replied Mr Fitzherbert, coolly. “Lay, down, Fitz!” rumbled a deep voice. “ Aro you still going to win by a nose ?” screamed another man. * “ I’m going to win by half the course 1” * * * * Members of Parliament find correspondence a big call on their time, especially when Hie House is in session. At Mr Tapley’s Pine Hill meeting last evening he said his mail ran into hundreds of letters a week, and it was no small task attending to them; but it was a pleasure to hear from constituents and others, as it showed a real live interest was taken by the community in politics. This brought forth a statement from a gentleman In the audience to tho effect he had written Mr Tapley re a private matter, received a prompt reply, and had his request satisfactorily fixed up, which was pleasing to him, and he thought it was his duty to let electors know that Mr Tapley did work for constituents. Further evidence of Mr Tapley’s work for his constituents is contained in a letter from the borough of West_ Harbour expressing appreciation of bis services in securing the borough a grant of £2OO and consistently attending to its interests.