THE BY-ELECTION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CVI, Issue 12551, 12 July 1901, Page 3

THE BY-ELECTION.

MR TURNBULL AT THE THEATRE ROYAL. There was a, very good attendance at the Theatre Royal last evening, when Mr A. H. Turnbull, one of the candidates for the Ohristchurch seat, addressed the electors. Mr H. Peaxce, Mayor of Linwood, occupied the chair. Mr Turnbull, who was warmly received, said it was with great diffidence that lie came ■ forward as a candidate for the seat vacated by Mr C. Lewis. He had no ends to gain, but only desired to serve the country of which he was proud. If elected, he would, not consider himself merely as a delegate to represent any particular portion of the community. The area of vision in politics was gradually growing smaller, and he believed that New Zealand was destined some day .to become a, nation. The legislation of the past ten years had been of a very liberal character, and it was rather a good thing that there had been no strong and organised Opposition, to prevent a fair trial being given to the. Liberal legislation. Criticism was good, and the next ten yea,rs would be occupied with an intelligent criticism of. those measures. The old .Conservative Opposition was extinct, but there was a danger in members discontented with the present Government allying themselves with the remnant, of the Opposition still in the House. He then dealt with the finances of the colony, quoting figures to show that although the public debt had increased, the amount of interest on the debt had decreased. He thought this .was a very good answer to those who stated that the colony had been galloping to ruin. A great deal of the money had been spent in land settlement and the opening of railways, and he thought the "Government Was entitled to the credit for the sound financial position of the colony at the present time. (Applause.) There could be no doubt that the prosperity of the colony was more general now than it had ever been. (Applause.) He next dealt with the seizure of the Sinking Funds, which was probably justifiable, under the circumstances at the time. The marine scandal inquiry had shown that though the. Minister had been • guilty oi carelessness, the trouble was caused by the treachery of a subordinate. (Applause.) The Public Revenues Act should never •have been placed on the Statute Book ; the " £4O steal'" could not be defended, ard was a breach of trust by the members to their electorates, who should have been consulted before the salaries were increased. (Applause). There could be no objection to the increase of Ministers' salaries. The Government was entitled to credit for the Old Age Pension Bill. -(Applause.) Those who were receiving the advantages were justly 'entitled. to them. The weak spot, however, was that the pension was subject to an annual vote, and should hi put on a more permanent footing, and the age should be reduced to sixty years. In dealing with the Pensions Bill, the Government mighxconsider how far they could go in assisting" the Friendly Societies, who did a great amount of good work. (Applause.) The Government had -boldly,faced the crisis in connection with the Bank of New Zealand, and should be extolled for their prompt action in connection Svith the South African war, which showed Continental nations that the colonies had to be reckoned with, and the bill for the Contingents should be cheerfully met, .as. it had insured for years the- immunity of tli-s flag. (Applause.)- As an eld Volunteer himself, he was proud 1 oil our ycung men who had volunteered for the war, aaid the Volunteers deserved, more consideration. The Defence Department should be reorganised, and the forces should be better equipped and properly found with arms of precision-. (Applause.) Mr Turnbull quoted the remarks made by him on the Conciliation, and Arbitration Act when he wag chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, and he held that the Act had done go:od .to both employers and employed. (Applause.) The views he held then wer-a those he held now. The Conciliation Board was-a very necessary adjunct to the Arbitration Court. The Act was a beneficial one to employers, as now they had to work on the same level, and could not undersell each other, as was previously the.case. Union amongst employer.? was as desirable as union.amongst the workers. (Applause.) Passing on to the settlement oi lands, credit must be given to the Hon W. Rolleston: for his initiation of the policy. (Applause.) But to the Government was due the credit for having framed H\q necessary machinery and.put it into operation. No Government had done more for the settlement of the people en the land than the- present one, and the result justified the means. (Applause.) Credit was also due to tho Government for the changes in the incidence of taxation. As for the< future, the; country demanded a progressive policy, and he hoped the policy cf the Government would be a forward* and a vigorous one. (Applause.) Speaking of borrowing, he considered, it was justified when the money was'spent in the prosecution of public works, more especially - cxi the railways, and it would be

a good commercial speculation to purchase them at their present valuation of £17,000,000. Ona of tho most important works was the completion of the North Island Trunk Railway, which, when completed, Would pay well, if only for the timber to. be got out of the country through which it would pass. (Applause.) Then there was the Midland Railway, to which .they Vere entitled, and tho Premier was deserving of'thanks for the manner ! in which ho .stuck to his guns over the dispute. (Applause.) There was the Wai-pa,ra-Cheviot line, which should be pushed through much faster, as it would pay this city and assist the settlers on the Government land. The' Loans to Local Bodies Act should be pushed on. Mr Turnbull repeated his remarks o.n finance, on the acquisition of the South Sea Islands, the Commonwealth Federation, reciprocity of trade with the Australian colonies, and preferential trade with Great Britain. With regard to the proposal that the colony should possess steamers of its own, he thought it would be better for the Government to keep a check on freights, which it was undoubtedly entitled to do, rather than spend millions in steamers, which, in some seasons, might become white elephants to the colony. He did not believe in he abolition of the Legislative Council, but it should bei elected en the Hare system. Mr Turnbull said there was one matter to which ho would like to allude before sitting down, and that was tho education question. His opponents had said that he was unsound on this subject, and sought to make capital out of it. They could make what capital they chose, but he did not wish to conceal his opinions, nor did he wish them distorted. He therefore craved their patience a few minutes longer to enable him to explain fully and explicitly his views. He would not, under any circumstances, disturb the present system of education as a principal system, that was free, secular and compulsory. But he deeply deplored the lack of religious teaching which existed, and without Bible teaching the British race would never succeed in its destiny. In large cities the school accommodation was taxed now to its utmost, and where isucli conditions prevailed—and only where such conditions prevailed —he would like to see extended, to any religious .denomination building, or having its 'schools, or even to private, schools, which passed their scholars through the standards demanded by the Board of Education, financial assistance in the shape of capitation allowance, in proportion to the scholars so passed. It did not matter to him what denomination it was, provided it -was Christian. The religious intolerance of older countries would ne\'er, trader any circumstances, ' prevail here. But they did want, and urgently needed, more religious training than waa provided, or was available, under the present isystem. Those were his personal opinions, and in giving them they would understand that he realised it would be impossible for him in any way to interfere with the present system. For any extension or amendment the matter should be referred to the people. He was aware many did not share his opinions, bub such as they were he adhered' to them, and, to •his mind, they were cased alike on necessity, justice and liberality. (Applause). In reply to questions, Mr Turnbull said he was in favour of State coalmines. . The Stato should not lose control of anything that was necessary to the advantage or the comfort of the people, otherwise they might have trusts, like America. He had always been in favour of the reduction of the weight of cornsacks. He 'had been one of the first to advocate the change, as he knew the evils attending the lifting of such heavy weights, which was quite inhuman. He was in favour of the colony subsidising mail lines only which sailed under the British flag. There should be Government inspection of drink, as well as of meat. • As to the licensing poll, hie would like to see it extended to five or six years, not to nine, as had been stated, as he ■ considered that there should be at least one election in six years on purely political matters, as prohibition had been drawn across the scent of politics as a red herring; and had reduced the interest in general politics. In reply to a lady, Mr Turnbull said he was not in favour of an Elective Executive. Mr A. Kaye moved a hearty vote of thanks to the candidate for his address. This was seconded by both Mr T. Gapes and Mr T. E. Taylor, and carried by acclamation, and. on Mr Turnbull's motion, a vote of thanks was passed to the chairroan. MR G. J. SMITH AT ALDINGTON., Mr G. J. Smith addressed the electors ' in the- Selwyn Street School last night,' under the presidency of the Mayor of Sydenham. There was "a good attendance. Mr Smith's address covered the topics on which he has spoken at his meetings elsewhere, but incidentallv he held that a r representative of an i/pcrorate. should be able to represent all the electors,_ and not. erne class alone. He said he had been accused, in the correspondence columns* of the "Lyttelton Times" with being_ a bitter opponent of the old age. pension scheme, and with wanting the pauper and the capitalist to go up for the-weekly 7s dole: That, he s-aid, Avas the .crux of the .question. He did not'want any old people to be stigmatised as paupers, but that every man and woman who fulfilled the conditions of age, residence and character should be able to draw the pension as a right, and not as a pauper's dole. It was the Progressive Liberal -Association that initiated the scheme, and he was one of them. Mr' Smith indicated the many directions in which progressive legislation was necessary before the colony could afford to rest on its oars. After answering- questions Mr Smith received a vote of thanks and confidence. MR C. TAYLOR AT KNIGHTSTOWN: Mr Charles Taylor addressed the electors at the Knightstown Library last night. In the unavoidable absence of the Mayor (Mr T. H. Davey), Councillor Newton presided, and there was a good attendance,' Mr Taylor advocated the universality of the old age pension, and that the age qualification should be reduced to sixty years for underground workers, and the amount increased to ten shillings per week. He also dealt with the Shops and Offices Bill now .before Parliament. Reform was much needed in this direction, and there were far too manv exemptions in 'the Bill. In answer to. questions Mr'Taylor stated that he was,in favour'of the re-purchase of all lands already sold, until the. lands of the colony became State property. He would also ds in favour of a Betterment. Act, ; to secure for the people all increased gabies accruing to private lands from local pr colonial public works. Mr Taylor also stated that he would be in favour of the nationalisation of the mining industries of the colony. At the close of the address the following motion was carried:-" That m.the opinionot this meeting Mr Taylor is, from Ins long connection with labour orgamsatum and the wants of the .workers, eminently qualified to represent,their interests and the interests of this constituency in Parliament. THE NOMINATIONS. The nominations for the vacant Christchurch seat closed yesterday, when three candidates were, nominated. _ Air a=onre John Smith was nominated! MX by Messrs J A. *% I E Salter ana a. - • -. . ' Mr Charles Taylor s nommators. were Mbirs VV. "Newton, A. Keay and I. Hughes Turnbull was_ncmi. noted by Messrs!'. Gapes and A. F. lalbot. The ' m rolls have i „,,v-i!eted and show a. total of S&STotSt ■4b83-le» than at the the electors at the Mcr vale Schoolroom this evening. _ Mr ? Taylor will addret« he electors in Cathedral W^J^L^JH B^!^

s.s%*>* » et *• Wl "*"' s ' 50le agents. "': :

Addington on Monday; at Waltham on Tuosday, and 1 ill Cathedral Square on Wednesday. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—l was pleased to read "A Sydenham Woman's" letter in your issue of Wednesday. I would like to read a letter in a similar strain from a woman in each of the other portions of the electorate, I Addington, St Albans and Christchurch. I have no doubt but that the women electors will have a big say in the coming ejection. They should be' just as much interested in the election as the men workers. I hope, to see the wives, sons amd daughters ofl the workers rally round our candidate (Mr Charles Taylor) and put him at the bead of the poll, more especially .now that the Government have dared to interfere with the election, and are going to give their support to Mr Turnbull, and the licensed victuallers likewise. This is another instance why we should trust nobody but one of ourselves to look after our interests. " rL . is an object lesson. What should b; an incentive to us workers to cast aside on- petty differences' just now is the in'ult given to tire electors at large, th« Govcnnwent's interference and the statement of tho licensed victuallers that Mr Charles Taylor, if elected, would have no weight nor influence in the House. Just fancy us working men, no intelligence., no influence, no.weight. Let us take tho hint from the decided Labour victories m the recent Federal States' elections, and do likewise next Thursday. All the eyes of the workers in other parts of the colony are watching us to see if we will be faitnful to the trust reposed in us. ,Which shall it be: honour or dishonour? I am thoroughly in touch with " New Zealander's" remarks of Saturday last. Because Mr Charles Taylor has not sat in the Hnuse before, and is not a Mr Reeves, that is no reason or argument against his candidature. . Everything has a beginning. Mr Reeves had his when he wrote his articles and pamphlets en " Socialism,' and even he did not get the undivided support of the unionists. It is against human nature to expect either Mr Smith or Mr Turnbull to, represent, the interests of the masses the same as Mr Charles lay or could do. It stems to me that Mr Charles Taylor is a man of no mean ability, _ a foeman worthy of his opponents otherwise whv did' the other two candidates come out 9 ' Mr Charles Taylor was the first in the fHd, and the adverse criticism from some quarters least "g; f" TO THE EDITOR. Sir —During the past few days a fair -hare' of your correspondence columns has Deen taken up by anonymous effusions intended to have, the effect of dmdmg the Labour vote at the approacmng by-election. Professing Unionists have written, under various -non de pinnies, urging that the Unions have not had an opportunity of deciding as to the claims of Mr C. laylor with (regard to the Labour vote, and that he is therefore, not the properly accredited choice of the Unions. Although not a member of the Trades and Labour Council, I claims to be intimately acquainted with its action in connection with 'Mr Taylor's candidature, and, with your permission, should like to reply to some of these anonymous writers. ■ _ It will be in the recokection of the majority of your numerous readers that it the "last general election the Council, after due deliberation, a candidate chosen from he ranks of the workers, and accordingly it. took steps by issuimj invitations for nominations to the various affiliated Unions to «™«^.^ e of candidates. Several were nominated and *he Council next proceeded to take a ballot of the Unions to decide a choice. . As a result MrC. Taylor was chosen The election was fought,. and _ at tne deck, ation of the poll the position occupied bj MrTavlor. was one which fully justified the Council in. its determination *o run a Labour candidate. Since that date Mr Taylor has done nothing to forfeit the confidence of the 6000 doctors who gave him their pledges, and it is therefore not singular 4nat when another opportunity was afforded, tho Council should reaffirm the result of the previous ballot. But the Council did n-ot do this'without again, consuming the Unions through their delegates representing them on the Council, as further nominations were received, and another ballot was taken by the Council delegates, which again resulted in Mr C. Taylor being chosen. I think 1 have said sufficient to convince all those open to conviction that everything in connection with that gentleman's candidature has been "fair and square," and I trust we shall hear nothing further from pseudo Unionists' in this aspect of the election. 'An'attempt has also'been made to give tho impression that Mr Taylor is to be .run by the Council entirely in the interests of organised labour. A little thoughtful consideration of this charge will, 'L am sure, enable the most shallow mind to prove its absolute fallacy. What organisations, I'should like to know, have done such good work for unorganised workers as the Trades and Labour Councils of the colony? Have .the conditions of unorganised labour heen improved during the past few years? And if so, has not this been largely due to the persistent, and untiring efforts of organised labour in the form of Unions s nd Trades Councils? . The hope of the workers • outside the Unions rests almost.entirely upon the maintenance of an organised Labour Party both outside and inside Parliament. It is scarcely likely therefore, that the Trades Councils will so' fall awav from their high traditions as to attempt*to secure the representation of one section of the workers only. This is. only an election bogey intended to divide the votes of the workers, but will, I feel sure, not have the wished-for effect. There is absolutely no division in the ranks. ot the "Unionists over this matter. There m% no doubt are—a few individuals who-call themselves Unionists who will not be prepared to endorse this view No man or combination of men can please everybody; but I am confident I express the opinion of those best able to'judge the feelings of Unionist?, and 1 appeal to all workers and friends of the Liberal cause to support Mr C. Taylor at the. ballot-box on Thursday next.—l am, eU " • t F. C. GERARD. TO THE EDITOB. gj r> Curiosity impels me to ask if the Mr d. J. Smith who, according to a paragraph, is ■ said to have gallantly escorted forty footballers on a recent Suiidsy morning to the Sydenham Wesleyan Church, is identical with the Mr Smith who: is the partner of Bowron Brothers, the firm lately figuring in the Arbitration Courts. If so, it" is to be hoped' he will be supported by every Labour Union in the electorate, as more Christian members are greatly .needed in tho House—l am, etc., RVKJ)E TO THE EDITOB. Sir,---Permit me to reply to a letter in your'uaper of Wednesday, signed G. Barty.* Generally speaking, I approve and admire his forceful and logical style, but j upon this occasion I believe ho has ai-

lowed his zeal to outrun his discretion, and the result is a most illogical "hash." His experience as a youth having to -work afc six years of age for 4d per day, of course is the lot of thousands ini that "Land of the free," and Mr Barty, -with ana, has deployed the faot many times that those so treated fawn upon and cringe to, .and even go so far as to return them to Parliament, thus giving those so treating them an'opportunity of perpetuating the system which permits such a state of things, and which he, I be'lieve, honestly deplores". Mr Barty states that he has nothing against Mr C. Taylor, except that he refuses to tell the people where they are likely to find him, and the very next sentence' remarks, " He says he is standing in support of the Government, hut is not going to be a dumb dog." Surely there is us©thing indefinite about that statement, and Mr Barty is not the man to object to another because he chose to express his opinions in his own language. Mr Barty thinks the Unions have made a mistake in their selection. He, of course, is at liberty to think rind say so, hut the mistake/ if any, is not because ef Mr Taylor being " "half and half man." Just fancy, the Union having chosen either of the other candidates, as suggested by him! There would have then been no half and half about that. I can imagine the indignation, of Mr Barty' had the workers chosen Mr Turnbull, whom ho accuses of being "the nominee of the liquor partv," and there would have been the same indignation, and rightly so, had they. chosen Mr Smith, as being the nominee of the prohibition pa.rty or the Employers' Association. I am confident the workers have done the right thing in nominating Mr Taylor, who has every necessary qualification, except that of verbosity, and, of course, if he possessed that quality wo wotild'be told this was his only qualification. Anonymous correspondence is not usually worth replying to, and I do not intend to reply except in so far as "Sower " is concerned, and to him I wish to say that I do not think another than himself could bo found in. Ohristchurch to.again repeat such baseless uocustations against Mr Taylor, statements which he made at a meeting of the Liberal Association prior to the genera", election, and which were disproved' to the entire satisfaction of that organisation—l am, etc., 5 J. A. M'OULLOUGH. Riccarton, .July 10.. TO THE EDITOR. Sir—There is a very great divergence of opinion regarding the merits of the opposing candidates in the present byelection. The goodies want their man, a shining light in tea fights .and bun scramble?. He has been tried before,' He claims .to be a Liberal, but, according : to "Hansard," he was merely a 'lieutenant to Mr T. E. Tavlor.' He'slavishly followed him in his ■ abuse of ■ every thing and everybody that was not prohibition mad. Yet they were both Radicals and Socialists on the hustings. Mr Turnbull is untried, hut 1 believe"he is no faddist.. Tnat is something in his favour, for they are the bane,of all progressive legislation. Mr C. Taylor, is also untried, but he is at least one that a large body of his fellow-workers have every confidence' in. As for your contention that Labour, as represented by the Trades Council, an. organised body, has no right to nominate one of their own body to represent them, it is monstrous, and a complete' volti face,—l am, etc., (We have never questioned the right of the Trades and Labour Council, or any other body, to ir.ominaite candidates. Our ■suggestion to'the Council was that it was unwise to make it appear that it was cc-ncerned only for the interests of labour.—Ed. L.T.) ' TO THE EDITOR. : gir._We'" have two prohibition candithough Mr C. Taylor does not make it so exclusively prominent. And Mr Turnbull Avould 'give aid to the Roman schools. Now, can you tell me ■whether, if I went to the poll-and erased all the. names on the ballot paper, if that would be sufiicient to keep my name from baing struck off the roll?—I am, etc., WANTING THE REAL M'KIE. (Yes.. If the elector obtains a" ballot paper he is supposed to have voted.—Ed. L.T.) TO THE EDITOR. <g: r; Tho following was submitted by me to Mr Turnbull at his meeting in. Knightstown last evening, and answered to. my satisfaction: The Premier is reported to have said, "We must break down monopolies," and hinted at acquiring vessels to compete in tho carriage of produce, etc. If elected, wculd you endeavour to induce the Government to bo consistent;, and set an example

by doing away with a gigantic monopoly they hold l in connection with the carrying" business between Christchureh and Lybtelton, and' vice versa, by reducing all rates,and so give Canterbury (who built the line, and if my memory serves me rio-ht,' also paid for it) her just rights? ■° - ■ I should like to hear the other candidates' views on this question, hut am unable to attend their meetings. Perhaps they would not mind enlightening flic public through your columns.—l am, etc., OHRISTCHURCH NATIVE. ';