MR PEARCE AT TOKAORA.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue LXVIII, 2 December 1914, Page 4

MR PEARCE AT TOKAORA.

'From Orn Own Uohrbspovtjrnt.. On Tuesday evening the electors met at the local schoolroom to hear Mr G. V. Pearce, Mr J. Finlay being voted to the chair. The gathering was a large one for this district, the sexes being about equal. Mr Pearce spoke for an hour and a half, and dealt scathingly with what he termed "the Flying Squadron," his remarks being vigorously applauded by those present. The speaker also dealt with the Bible in schools question, the right cf entry, etc. At the conclusion questions were asked and answered, touching the Opu-nake-Te Roti-Eltham railway line, the Ohawe reserve, etc. One elector asked the question: "It is asserted here by some Tokaora settlers that the ■■freehold would not have been granted had it not been for Sir J. ,G. Ward? Is that correct?" Mr Pearce: Sir Joseph Ward addressed the M. to Z. Committee for halt an hour against granting leaseholders the right to convert. He has always been against Lands for Settlement tenants being granted the freehold, and if Sir Joseph Ward and party were m power there would be no freehold in Tokaora. (Prolonged applause). On the motion of Mr Fred Mills, seconded by Mr B. Duffill, it was proposed—"That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded Mr Pearce for his able and explicit address, and continued confidence in him and the party he represents." There being no amendment, the motion was carried unanij mously with loud approval. The candidate proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman. During the evening large photographs of the Reform party were on view.