Prime Minister's Successful Tour

Horowhenua Chronicle, 23 November 1931, Page 6

Prime Minister's Successful Tour

NOT ALLOWED TO REPLY TO LABOUR DUNEDIN, Nov. 21. The Prime Minister has completed a ' very successful visit to Otago- and left to-day for the north. Mr. Forbes adaressed several meetings in support of the , Coalition candidates and was at every centre given a good reception. It was apparent that the impression I made upon the people with his direct and earnest appeal for support in time of the Dominion’s stress won for him the firm confidence of his hearers which will make- itself evident on election day. The prospects of the Coalition candidates in this part are bright and the demonstration made on Friday nigut against Mr. Forbes is only taken as an indication that his opponents are already smarting under the feeling of defeat. Mr. Forbes expresses regret that the people of Dunedin were prevented from hearing his reply to Mr. Holland’s claims, but is convinced that Dunedin’s opinion of the noisy meeting will be expressed on election day in the return of a solid body of Coalition candidates. Enthusiastic Meeting at Oamaru OAMAEU, Last Night. The Prime Minister addressed over 1000 electors at the Opera House last night. The meeting was enthusiastic with a total absence of rowdyism, any interjections being of the good-natured bantering type, Mr. Forbes joining in the occasional general laughter. The Coahuonist candidate, Mr. J. A. Macpherson, also spoke. Mr. Forbes outlined the circumstances leading up to the Coalition and in asnwer to Mr. Holland’s contentions that imported coal was causing distress on -e West Coasts he showed that coal importations had dropped from 313,000 tons in 1925, to 40,000 tons last year. This latter quantity was imported on Mr. Forbes’ instructions in view of the threatened mining trouble on the Coast, as a necessary precaution to keep running the huge railway transport system. In reference to the cut in charwomen’s wages mentioned in the addresses of Mr. Holland, this was the alternative to wholesale dismissals. The Government took a less drastic course. Mr. Forbes surveyed the position of the railways, justified the setting up of the Board and detailed Mr. Sterling’s position. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks and confidence.