TUAPEKA ELECTION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIX, Issue 14681, 12 May 1908, Page 9

TUAPEKA ELECTION.

[Pep. Press Association.] DUNEDIN, May 11

Tlie Clyde correspondent of the “ Star ” savs that matters in connection with tlie Tuapeka electorate have considerably straightened out, mainly through the efforts of the organising secretary of tho Liberal Federation, and that the Liberal Party in the electorate will loyally stand by whoever ia cliose-n. The “Star’s” Alexandra correspondent telegraphs that Mr James Horn has definitely announced himself, so that it may be taken for granted he is the chosen nominee of the Government.

Mr James Horn, Bannockburn, announced himself to-day ns a candidate for the Tuapeka seat. This is interpreted to mean that he has been selected as the Government candidate. LAWRENCE, Mav 11.

I)r W. A. Chappie made the first of a series of addresses to tho electors of Tuapeka County .at Lawrence to-night. Tbero was a large attendance, and tho Mayor (Mr James Robertson) occupied the chair. Referring to immigration he said that if city toilers were encouraged to come to New Zealand from the Old World it would be disadvantageous, hut they must make a selection and encourage the farming community to come out. Sir Joseph Ward had pointed out the disaster that might ensue from a Japanese invasion, but there was no use tilting at or speaking contemptuously of tho Japanese. The only reply to an alien nation knocking at the door was, “ You are not wanted here,” and New Zealand should, by encouraging tho right kind of immigrants, have an army of natural defenders. The graduated laud tax for the first time in the history of the dominion was becoming an effective measure, and the use made of the Land for Settlements Act would gradually dwindle down. Referring to taxation, ho believed taxes

should bo born by those best able to bear them. Customs duties were a method of taxing the poor; direct taxation was, generally speaking, a method of taxing the riche Nearly three million pounds were paid by people for Customs duties. If they put a tax of 10s in the £ on a millionaire did lie go without salt in his porridge or fruit at his table,? No. But even a small tax pinched the poor. The Arbitration Act was an act of Liberalism of which any country might bo proud, but tlie representatives of tlio parties, ostensibly experts, wore not more entitled to sit by tlie Judge than anyone else. Conciliation Boards were unnecessary, and could be done away with, if the disputants could select their own assessors. Mo supported the absolute majority vote at elections. As to Socialism, if it meant State ownership of all means of distribution and exchange there was not one Socialist in the Ministry. The Socialism of this country fostered State enterprise along lines that could not be adopted by private enterprise, and to the advantage of the community as a whole. He rejoiced to find in the Ward Administration an honest endeavour to promote the interest of the people, to correct injustice, to bring about reform and to develop tho resources of the country. Dr Chappie was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.