CAMPAIGN NOTES

Hokitika Guardian, 21 November 1931, Page 2

CAMPAIGN NOTES

THE’ LABOUR PROGRAMME. “To present a programme which is mainly Liberal, while holding another which is truly socialistic, is political trickery. That .is what the Socialist Party is trying to .dq today,”—Mr Will Appleton, official Coalition 1 candidate for Wellington South. “I looked at Air Forsyth’s speech to see if there was anything I could reply to. It is as free from principle as a frog is from feathers, and that is not saying much, is it?”—Air R. Semple at Roseneath. CHALLENGE TO DEBATE. Air A. J. Stallworthy, the Coalition cnn-didiiite for Eden, lias answered a circular of the Independent Reform candidate, Air R. Glover Clark, in which the latter declares that Mr Stallworthy broke bis election pledges. The ex-Minister challenged Air Clark to a debate on the hustings. “SNARE AND DELUSION.” “I believe that the average elector in New Zealand has had his eyes opened during the- last few months.” said Mr AVill Appleton, official Coalition candidate for Wellington* South, speaking at Newtown last evening. f‘lf I am any judge, it is realised by even the most ardent supporters of the Socialist Party that the scheme propounded by Mr Holland is only a snare and a delusion." HONEST, WOT?KATANLIKE PROGRAMME.

“The Coalition Party has an honest and workmanlike programme to meet the position,” said Al,r AVill Appleton, official Coalition candidate for Wellington South, in his opening election address at Newtown. “The Coalition Government docs not baulk the issue, blit states quite candidly that heavy burdens have been laid on the people. At . the same time it brings out the point that relief must be given at the earliest possible moment and that, in the meantime, economy must be practised and a sound policy of reconstruction brought into effect.”

PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT; REASONABLE PAY.

In his first election addres's fit Newtown Mr AVill Appleton, the official Coalition candidate for Wellington South, said thiit people today were not so much concerned wren high-sounding economic dissertations. AVhat the average man and woman wanted was . permanent employment with reasonable rates of pay. That could only be brought about- when people had confidence and were prepared to risk their capital.

NATIONAL WEALTH. | It had lien said there was no money ,in the Dominion, said Mr R. Semple, .Labour candidate for AA 7 ellington East, !at Roseneath. A’et there was 13* | millions more money in the Associated Banks' in 1931 than in 1925, while the private wealth of New Zealand bad increased from 285' millions in 1914 to 729 millions in 1929. There wa.s no shortage of food or money or natural wealth in New Zealand, and no shortage of the things mankind could shape into his own use for the common good of all.

THE FLAX WOOL PACK. Mr 11. Semple devoted some-time last evening to a vonlpack made by a young N*jw Zealander from New Zealand flax. Tie said ho had it from Bradford representatives that if New Zealand could produce that wootpack, which contained no vegetable matter that was so injurious to the wool and reduced ns Value, it could capture the Australia market, worth five millions a year, The residue of the flax, was converted into engine waste, of which New Zealand imported £30,000 worth a year, 'and also, with a mixture of the lowest grade of wool, into a substitute for kupoe, that was of a much better and healthier nature. The young man had also produced a material which would make an excellent for the tarpaulin cow-cover. If the flax industry was property developed, lie said, in a few years it would employ 50,000 people or more. AIR SPEAKER’S CAMPAIGN.

In view of the position lie holds in the House of Representatives, the Speaker, Sir Charles St-atham, is morally bound to -refrain fiom party electioneering during the campaign. However, tile position in New Zealand is not the same as in England, where the Speaker is given a. free run during an election. The Coalition has decided not to oppose Sir Charles this year, but the Labour Party has put forward a

candidate. In spite of the fact That the party agrees with the other sections of the House that the present Speaker is one of the most capable in the Parliamentary history of the Dominion. Those who have sat in the 'House under Sir Charles Statham for the past three Parliaments agree that his defeat would mean a great loss. In view of his position, Sir Quarles ha.s decided to contest the election ,as “Mr Speaker. ’ This means that he will be unable to enter into .party politics, but members of all' parties will welcome his return for the reason that h’s wide of intricate procedure arid his impartial guidance will be invaluable in the new Parliament.