GENERAL ELECTION.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 10740, 10 November 1928, Page 6

GENERAL ELECTION.

WHAT. REFORM HAS DONE

MR W.' .D. LYSNAR EXPLAINS

AT TE HAPARA

A; CONVINCING ADDRESS

Electors of Te Hapara assembled in force last night to hear Mr W. D. Lysnar, Independent Reform candidate for the Gi shorne seat, enunciate his policy in furtherance of his campaign. Fully. .75 attended, the schoolroom being packed to the doors, while several listened to tho speech from the passage-way, The candidate was accorded a very attentive hearing though he was subjected- to heckling when he assailed Labor. Mr O. V. Church presided.

Tho advantages derived by this 'district during the Reform Govern- . ment’s administration were enumerated by the candidate who referred, with , pride, to the formation of the Gisborne-Napier main highway, and also to the improvement of the secondary routes via Hangaroa ami Mangapoike. Ho declared that the Government, had recently voted sufficient funds for the formation of a distance of bridle track and also the erection of bridges on the Mnngapbike route,, which he considered would he tho main outlet from the district in the future, as experts considered that tho gradients were much better as were also other features of the route. The Prime Minister was also complimented bv Mr Lvsnar on tho development of hvdro-electric power resources at Waikaremonna, now nearing completion. The scheme would ho n lasting monument to the Hon. Mr Contes. The profits from the development of hydro-electric sources would, he claimed, he retained to the peonle of the Dominion. The efforts mado bv the- Government to attract tourist. traflTe to the Dominion were praised hv Mr Lysnar, who said that, since the, Reform Government had occupied the Treasury Benches, roads to tourist reBorts had been imnroved, and good accommodation had been constructed and additional work was planned for the future. The route of the (uisborne-Wairon railway was discussed hv the candidate. who claimed that, the line should he built on the inland route. Ho claimed that the - Ro.torua-Tnupo railway, now being prosecuted, should he extended and should ioin up with the Gishorne-"\Vairo-°- railway going inland at Hangaroa. Thus the large Government afforestation areas and the virgin Urewera country Would he tanned, and that all the products of that large tract of countrv would naturally gravitate to Gisborne and Wairoa- He had been accused by Mr Clavton of delaying the construction of this end of the East Coast line, hut he strongly refuted this and asserted that there was only one party opposed to the building of this line, that being the United party He based this view on the announcement of Mr G. W. Forbes, member for Hurunui. in the House; therefore, if the electors wanted the railway stopped they should vote for Mr Clavton. Mr Lvsnar reminded the electors of the debacle which Sir Joseph Ward, now the leader of the United Party, met with on a huge borrowing policy which he presented to the electors, after '-matting the National Government in 1919. Now Sir Joseph had presented a similar programme to the electors, hut tho United Party’s policy did not embrace,any proposals not offered by the Reform Government beyond the “borrow, boom and hurst loan” scheme, and he ventured to predict that the result would ho similar to the verdict mna. years ago. ... The .relief afforded to the people hv reductions in taxation during Reform’s tenure of office was commented upon with satisfaction by Mr Lvsnar, who advocated further reductions which, he claimed, would accomplish much in the direction of solving the unemployment problem, as it would enable the farmers to employ more labor. He also referred to the liberalisation and extension of the • pensions system- and also, to workers’ compensation. He also dealt at length with the immigration policy on the lines lie previously traversed.

At'-question time the candidate was asked if it was a.fact that he ha’d appealed to Mr Coates to speak in this electorate on his hehalf.

Mr Lysnar (emphatically): “No.” “Than the telegram received hy the Herald that Mr Coates was not particular about the Gisborne seat is a forgery”. asked the questioner. “I have no knowledge of it”, replied Mr Lysnar. “Mr Coates had stated he was satisfied with the sneaker and would not back anyone else. Several people offered their services to Mr Coates and were turned down.

“Will you deny that such a telegram was sent to the ‘Herald’ ? persisted- the miestioner. “It wouldn’t be published” ho added. “I- have no knowledge of it except what you say”, replied Mr Lysnar. Asked why similar methods could not be applied to all State undertakings to make them show a profit as was suggested would be made out of Waikaremoana Mr Lysnar pointed out that, in the development of power resources, nature had made a gife to -New Zealand of water energy which it was only ripht should he harnessed and controUed hy the Government. It was not possible to apply this to every industry. Questioned as to how he proposed to deal with the unemployment problem, Mr Lysnar said he would reduce taxation, particularly on land, which would thus allow farmers to employ more labor. The position would be gradually alleviated as the exports stabilised the country’s financial position. Asked how the worker would fare until such time as the farmers were stabilised, Mr Lysnar said that the Government was providing £1,000.000 annually for works and had increased the number employed on lelief works to about 12.000.

In reply to another ouestion, Mr Lysnar upheld the purchase of Te Wera, and contended that once the prica of produce became stabilised it would be taken up and would pay. He suggested that eliminating the bush, which required felling, but which could not he undertaken by farmers at the present time, the property could he run successfully now,;-: - -s, > •. 1

A hearty vote of thanks on the motion of Mr H. Cave, seconded by Mr Dunstan, was accorded the candidate for his address, there being only a few dissentients. : MB. COLEMAN. AT KAITT. CLAIMS TO BE ONLY CA WT)T DATE WHO HAS NEVER TWISTED. FURTHER ATTACK ON WEL- ,, t .FARE. LEAGUE. "Mr. D. ,W,',Coleman, Labor candidate for the Gisborne seat, completed his tour of the Various districts'of the e'oetorate by addressing e'gathering of about 80 at Kaiti school 'last evening. Mr. A. Hay presided. V ' ',’V~ Mr. Coleman said that.at a Farmers’ Uniqn conference in Taranaki, a statement concerning land transfers w.a« considered and a resolution passed that the. conference viewed with alarm Vf 'the high eo'kts. incidental thereto': ,that thev considered that stamp duties.®should be reduced and that more use : should be made of the Public Trust Office. In dealing with finance. Mr. Coleman VagaiVi referred to . lihe .meeting v Hild .' pnder Die. auspices of the :. Ac- ” cbhptahts’ , Society,... whereat resolu-

Lions opposing State interference with private, enterprise were passed. “I am not accusing. dentists of opposing tlie dental climes,” he added, “but I do say that the lawyers are attempting to use every section of the public to combat State enterprise and they are endeavoring to make the dentists believe that the clinics are harming 'their business. I feel sure that Gisborne dentists are far " too sensible to be'ieve that, but it shows to What lengths the lawyers and kindred interests go in attempting to secure their ends. War is being made on the Public Trust Office and the State insurance offices, for they are interfering with private business and giving the people cheaper facilities.”

Commenting on the Government’s remission of taxes, the spea,ker said that many small farmers had been very jubilant over the removal of the income tax, hut, in their joy ; they forgot that they had never paid any and, therefore, the concession did not benefit them, but only the wea'thy landowners who could best afford to pay it. The same concession had been granted to companies whose profits had increased enormously. It was no wonder, said Mr. Coleman, that these wealthy men and companies were ready to contribute to Gift Reform Partv funds to pay for full-page advertisements, showing photographs of Mr. Cpates. “the man who got things done.” (Laughter. ) “ ‘Didn’t we reduce taxation?’ asks Mr, Lysnar. Of course they did and put it back on the shoulders of those least ab'e to bear it.”

Mr. Coleman said that Labor would restore the. wages of civil servants to the 1914 standard and establish it reasonaWe basic wage. They wou'd also improve pension- conditions, introduce a system, of invalidity pensions, and a form of reciprocal pensions with other countries. Regarding family allowances, Mr. Coleman said: “The Act is a good one, hut it. is l (idly administered. Labor would see that all mothers obtained the benefit of the Act.”

Dealing with immigration and the housing problem, Mr. Coleman blamed the Government, and the shipping companies to some extent, for the way in which the immigrants had l>oan deceived as to New Zealand conditions. “There is no such thing ns the Welfare League,” he said, “though I see Mr. Lysnar still maintains there is, hut could not mention one gentleman on it. Other parties have to pay for publicity at 5s an inch, hut Reform gets it through the Welfare League by letters to the papers.” After quoting extracts from the ’inok’efc. “New. Zealand, the Britain of the Southern Seas” and emphasising one section dealing with artisans’ wages, Mr. Coleman added: “That portion obviously means that the pay ranges from £? 10s to £ll 10s weekly, hut the Government are now trying to .twist out of it. Anyway, the fact of the Welfare League’s interference in this is clear proof of I'heir connection with Reform. Such statements are criminal and the hook is full of untruths.” Pointing out that thousands of Labor followers had fought in the war and that the member for Auckland East, whom." he alleged. Mr. Lvsnar termed one ! of the unpatriotic leaders, had been awarded the D.C.M.. and had lost an arm in active service, Mr. Cocrnan warmly defended Labor’s patriotism, and added: “Mr. Lysnar denies that he locked up his wool from the Government, hut I saw it locked up in Peel street. Not only that, hut he toured New Zealand and urged the farmers not to let the Government take their wool until a certain price wrs reached. The Government conscripted human life—a mother’s only son had to go when the call came. Yet wool-- was locked iip and-Mr. Lysnar went round urging the, farmers to do it. Mr. Lysnar mav deny ■it till he is I:Jack in the- face, but I say that his wool was locked up in those Peel street sheds.” A voice: “It’s a web-known fact.” “T notice that the Times referred to Mr. Clayton as a twister,” continued Mr. Coleman, “but I can well remember when Mr. Lysnar was an out and out Liberal. At a deputation once, in answer to a question, Mir. Lvsnar said that he waa too good a T ibera l to contest the sent against the late Sir Jhme.s Carroll—but he did. If Mr Clayton has twisted, then so lias' Mr. Lysnar. They have changed places. Labor is the only candidate who hasn’t-twisted—l am stb'l a staunch supnorter of my Party’s principles ” (Great applause.) Mr. Coleman (-Vised his address with a defence of Labor's ability to govern and a definition of what they ji o.'l definitely pledged themselves to effect within three years of taking office.

No questions ware actual 1 v_ asked, but, replying to, two- put to him, during the * day, the candidate stated that pensions for soldiers whose injuries had onlv Became apparent veers after the war avoidd he covered hv Labor’s invalidity pension scheme, and that he favored all school childre”. whether at State schools or otherwise having the benefits of the de”tal clinics. _ fin the mb Hon of Mr. C. E. Bickford, seconded hv Mr. S. J. Pearson, a motion of thanks and _ confidence rn Mr. Coleman as candidate, was carried by acclamation.

HON K. K. WILLIAMS AT OPOTIKI LARGE ANT) SUCCESSFUL MEETING. (Specia] To The Times). OPOTIKI, Nov. 9. There were about 400 electors to hear the Hon. K. S. Williams’ address at Opotiki to-night and the Minister for Public Works ha.d an excellent reception. The chair was occupied by the Mayor (Mr G. S. Moody). Mr Williams, who was ' received with applause, and was not troubled by hecklers, dealt, first of all with the Labor Party’s claim that a State Bank should be „ established and said it could not possible be the success that Labor claimed it would be. The Advances Department was carrying out much of what might be done by a State Bank. As to the Dominion’s financial qredit, Mr Williams read extracts from the remarks of noted British financial journals to show what a good name New Zealand bore on the London money market. He went on to deal with the unemployment problem, pointing out that there was less unemployment here than in other parts of the Empire. Touching on the vexed question of the cessation of work on the Taneatua line, Mr Williams said the, responsibility was his.—(Laughter and cheers.) He gave reasons for not continuing the' work and said that if the trial survey now proceeding would show tb--tlie line could lie built more cheaply the Government would go on with the line to 'Opotiki before very long. Mr Williams apologised for not having been able to visit the district more often. The fact was, however, that his Ministerial duties took him all over the Dominion. He had,- however, always done h’s best for the district and. if re-elected, would continue to do so.—(Loud app ! m.‘(. V After a number of questions had been put; Mr J. T. Tnbb moved, and Mr D. Irwin seconded, a hearty vote of thanks to the candidate. Mr J: Luttrell proposed a.s_, ari amendment that a vote of "thanks should bp given, but it should be indicated to" the Minister that they wp”ld' not support him. • . , There wa§ no seconder , to the amendment, which was laughed out and the motion was carried unanimously.

LABOR LEADER IN OPTIMISTIC MOOD. BAIT FOR CIVIL SERVANTS. (Press Association.) GREYMOUTH, Nw-.. 9. Mr. H. E. Holland addressed a crowded audience in the Town Hall last night, receiving a most enthusiastic hearing. He dealt - with various matters already reported. He said his campaign tour had convinced him that right throughout the Dominion there was a tremendous swing over from the Reform Party to Labor, and that whatever else happened the Labor Party would return from the polls with a remarkable accession of strength. The change m public thought was quite as much in evidence in the rural centres as in the cities. The method of admission by ticket to meetings addressed by the Prime- Minister was clear evidence that those at the head of the Reform Party recognised the Government’s widespread unpopularity, and were not willing that their leader should face any but gatherings that were carefully packed with their own supporters. In some centres, he said, the schools had even been invaded for the political purposes of the Reform Party, and lie severely _ condemned the l idea of bringing partisan politics into, the schools, and said the Labor Party would alter the law so as to make an improper procedure impossible in future. He contrasted Mr. Coa tes’ _ meetings with those addressed by himself, and contended that the receptions accorded himself were due to the fact that in no single case was the packing of any of his meetings resorted to. They had thrown the doors open to supporters and opponents alike. The system of admission by ticket to meetings addressed by public men contending for the suffrage of the people would not commend itself to any section, nor yet would the method of personal attack resorted to by the Prime Minister and other Government candidates. Mr. Holland said that if the P. and T. employees desired to have thenwages and conditions fixed by the method of arbitration they should not be denied a • right which was conceded to the workers outside the Government services. He further expressed himself in favor of a minimum wage for officers of the Public Service of 21 years of age and upwards.

Referring: to Public Service salaries generally, Air. Holland said that the cost of living was now more than 60 per cent, above tile pre-war level, while the average increase in salaries was only 35 per cent. The cost of living bonuses granted to public servants in 1920 was based on an increase in the cost of living of 62 per cent., and he contended that the salaries should now be restored to the 1920 standard. He charged that the Government had broken its promises to, the public servants in this connection, and further that the Prime Minister had repeatedly misrepresented the position relating to the Public Service salary reductions.

At the conclusion of bis speech a vote of thanks and confidence in the Labor Party was carried unanimously with cheers for Mr. Holland and the Labor candidate for Westland. Mr. Holland also addressed a largely attended meeting at Cobden, being accorded a unanimous vote of confidence.