AUCKLAND EAST SEAT.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XI, Issue 243, 18 October 1921, Page 5

AUCKLAND EAST SEAT.

OPENING OF CAMPAIGN. CANDIDATES’ ADDRESSES. Auckland, Oct. 17. The by-election campaign has opened. Mr. Loe (Labour) outlined the party’s platform, on proportional representation, nationalisation, pensions, and other subjects. As regards iiousing, he blamed the Government for blundering by competing in the open market, he urged a bold policy of expansion instead of panic and’ retrenchment as the best solution of unemployment. criticised expenditure on defence, saying that £250,000 spent on the Chatham would finance the Arapuni scheme. The Territorial system should by abolished, as tho expenditure was an unnecessary burden. The candidate received a vote of thanks. Tho Hou. G, W. Russell (Liberal) also delivered a speech. He said that since April tho Government had had £16,500,000, and ho would like to know where tho money had gone. He advocated proportional representation, Contending that the Government was in power on a minority vote. He favoured a decent contribution to the Navy and a reduction in home land defence expenditure. Aviation should be developed, and we .should help the Motherland with submarines. In telling why tho National Government disbanded, Mr. Russell said that shortly before Sir Joseph Ward and Mr. Massey returned from the Imperial Conference, a most disastrous condition of things existed in connection with the finances of the soldiers’ settlement scheme. A total of £2,500,000 was owing, and £5,500,000 more was required before the end of tho financial year. He declared that ho could give sensational facts, but refrained from doing so. Sir Joseph Ward not having boon consulted regarding the finances of the department, would not accept the responsibility, and in consequence retired from the Government. Mr. Russell was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence.

MR. FOSTER EXPLAINS. Auckland, Oct. 17. Replying to Mr. Statham’s statement, Mr. Foster says be had resigned from the new party solely because of health reasons before there was even a rumour of any vacancy pending or possible in Auckland. Feeling himself better, and not forced to take an extended trip, he decided to enter the contest. He deemed it unfair to approach the new party to overlook his resignation or to support him. The suggestion of treachery in “leaving them at the post” was utterly uncalled for.