MR FOWLDS' CALL TO ARMS.

Mataura Ensign, 1 November 1911, Page 3

MR FOWLDS' CALL TO ARMS.

AUCKLAND, Oct. 31. Hon Geo. Fowlds addressed the electors of Grey Lynn to-night. There was a large meeting and he received an excellent reception. Mr Fowlds referred to his resignation, which was caused principally by his desire to have a freer hand and thereby give a filip to the reform forces of the Dominion. If he had believed that his resignation would have resulted in the return of a majority of members willing to follow Mr Massey he would have felt it his duty to remain where he was. After quoting figures, Mr Fowkls said he believed that lie made out a convincing case for the first plank in his political platform, namely, an increase of one penny in the pound on unimproved land values. If the Liberal party were true to itself it would abolish the absurdity of minority rule on the liquor question. As a private member he had always stood by the democratic principles of bare majority. As a Cabinet Minister he was compelled to stand by the policy of the Government. He formerly ac-1 quiesced in the three-fifths majority | without much protest, believing that it gave a certain amount of permanency, to temperance reform when no-license was carried in any district. Another source of degradation almost as deadly \ as the liquor traffic was the existence, of slums and unsanitary dwellings. Immediate action ought to be taken by all, legal authorities to ensure the eliniina-j tion as soon as possible of any slum; conditions which had already developed in their district and to prevent a recurrence of these conditions in the future. The adoption of the proportional representation system was recommended. Mr Fowlds then dealt with the Legislative Council and local government reform. In conclusion ho said, "The people of. New Zealand have a splendid opportunity to strike a blow for freedom and justice, and I call upon you to rise in your might and help to herald in the dawn of a new day of human emancipation. If you respond your children's children will rise up and call you blessed. You will earn the gratitude and blessings of the children of the slums and gutters of every land."