“ Smashing up Reform ”

Horowhenua Chronicle, 27 May 1931, Page 3

“ Smashing up Reform ”

HEATED EXCHANGES AT ELECTION MEETING. A clash between the leader of the Opposition (the Eight Hon. J. G. Coates), supported by Mr. F. Waite, M.P. for Clutha, and representatives of the Country party', occurred at an election meeting at Clcvedon on Saturday night. Before the meeting concluded there were some sharp exchanges. Mr. Coates, in his speech, referred to the Country party’s electioneering methods, reports the New Zealand Herald. “Certain attacks have been made upon me,” he said. “When you hit me you hit the party, and I know that some of my critics believe this is the easiest way of smashing the Eeforni party. This seems to be the method adopted by the Country party at the present time. Statements are made which their originators know are not cricket. -Country party supporters &ere are not responsible for them. They' are written in an office, not for the purpose of painting a correct picture, but for the purpose of gaining a political advantage.” Some Lively Moments. Mr. Coates held up for his audience to see a pamphlet issued by the Country party for the Hauraki by-election campaign. “This is the sort of stuff 1 mean,” he said. “The whole of this, page by page, is directed to a denunciation of myself and also my party. Now, fair play is bonny play. I just draw your attention to these methods.” A lively scene developed when Mr, Waite was answering a question which certain people in the audience thought should be answered by Mr. Coates. Mr. Waite was heartily counted out from the back benches. He stood his ground. “The chief can have a go in a minute,” he said. “But it is strange that these people who believe in free trade do not believe in free speech.” (Applause.) The questioner rose again, but he was then counted out. A brisk argument developed between Mr, Munro, a prominent Country party supporter, and the platform speakers. Mr. Munro read the party’s tariff objective. _ “Where do you stand on the arbitration question?” asked Mr. Waite. “Do you favour optional arbitration?” Mr. Munro: ‘ ‘ Yes. ’ ’ Mr. Waite: “Is it in that paper?” Mr. Munro: “No; this is only a sketch. ’’ Mr. Waite: “You are hiding it.” Mr. Munro: “We are hiding nothing.” Arbitration Policy. Mr. Waite; “Well, why not publish it? What is your policy on the arbitration question?” Mr. Munro (reading): “That the moral and equitable right of primary producers to be represented upon all Courts making awards which fall on the primary producers shall be recognised.” Mr. Waite: “That is only a hundredth part of it. You are side-step-ping, and you know it. The unanimous decision of the Farmers’ Union conference twelve months ago was to press for compulsory conciliation and optional arbitration. I moved it. The Country party is side-stepping the great problem of freeing the primary producer from the harassing restrictions of the Arbitration Court.” Mr. Coates; “I will challenge Mr. Munro or anyone else to prove that the Country party has in any publication ever declared itself for optional arbitration where it concerns the farmers.” Mr. Waite: “Is it in their latest pamphlet?” Mr. Coates: “It is in none of them. This is information to the Reform party. Now we know where they stand ’ ’ Mr. Munro: “The Country party is not ashamed of its platform. We have not seen a Reform platform for some years. ’ ’ Mr. Coates: “You have seen hundreds of them, and lately, too. I shall post you one immediately. Here it is (holding it up). The trouble with-the Country party is that they publish a little and leave out much.” COUNTRY PARTY’S CANDIDATES. The following Country party candidates at the forthcoming General Election have been announced:— Bay of Islands: Captain H. M. Rushworth. Rotorua: Mr, D. R. F. Campbell. Tauranga; Mr. F. Colbeck. Hauraki: Mr. A. A. Ross. Waikato: Mr. S. N. Ziman . Franklin: Mr, H. O. Mellsop.