MAIROA.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 107, 12 November 1908, Page 5

MAIROA.

(Own Correspondent). Mr Jennings addressed a meeting of electors in the schoolroom on Thursday afternoon. There was an excellent mnster, and Major Lusk was voted to the chair.

In introducing the candidate he referred in eulogistic terms to what Mr Jennings had done for the district in the past and hoped those present would show their appreciation by granting him a favourable hearing. In opening his address, Mr Jennir gs made reference to the great loss the Dominion had sustained by the death of Mr Seddon, and also referred to the coming retirement of the Hon. HallJones, who is to take up the High Commoissionership. The candidate claimed independence on political matters, and said that so long as the present administration continued with measures for the general good he would support them. He then vigorously defended the Government, quoting figures to show the great progress made since they came into office, and that such measures as the Government Advances to Settlers, Advances to Workers, Old Age Pensions, Factories Act, and other labour laws, were undeniably of great benefit to the country. Touching on the land question, Mr Jennings said he was a firm believer in the freehold, with limitation of area. He also favoured the granting of the O.R.P. to

the L.I.P. settlers at the original valuations plu-; the one per cent, difference in rent and the interest thereon.

In making reference to the increase of the public debt, the speaker justified that increase, as not only was the money spent in such a way as is beneficial to the country, but that our assets are increasing at a greater rate in proportion, and as long as the moneys borrowed were administered in this manner a country with resources such as ours could not go wrong. As for the present tightnes of the money market, he thought that a month or two would see the worst over. In asking for a continuance of .support from the electors he said he "did so in the knowledge that he had always striven in the interests of the ;'distritc and in attending to the wants of all, from the humblest to the highest, he had the satisfaction of having done his best. The address was frequently applauded, and after a few questions had been answered, a vote of thanks and confidence was carried unanimously.

It is quite evident Mr Jennings i 3 to receive strong support in this district, Avote of thanks to the chair concluded the proceedings.