THE WAIRAU SEAT.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLV, Issue 215, 18 September 1911, Page 5

THE WAIRAU SEAT.

MR McGALLUM AT MIRZA

On Thursday evening Mr R. MoCallum visited the camp of the- railway workers at Mirza, where some 150 mien are now located. A meeting was held in Mr Searle's dinmgrooms, Mr H. J. Jenkins presiding. Mr McGallum stated! that he was before them as a straight-out Government candidate. He did not believe in the catchpenny cry of the i-nap--1 pendent Member. A man should definitely state how he stood if he was to gain the confidence ot tie ! electors, and he considered that the district was a Government seat, although represented at present by an Opposition Member. He considero-l that the change had been wrought not by any change m the political views of the electors, but by lack cf organisation. Thero was nothing more certain than the return ,oi the present Administration with a f^^l majority to that at.present held. He instanced the recent by-eloctions as evidence of the continued confidence reposed in the Ministry. This was the true handwriting on the wall, and he. unhesitatingly pinned his feuta on Sir Joseph Ward and his party: He considered! that the. present Prime Minister and the late Sir Julius Vogel might be compared, and Tit «vas policy such as theirs which had mado New Zealand what it was to-day. With regard to the Education Ac, he was in favor of its continuance en present lines. Religious teaching was not a duty of the State; the clergy and1 parents should be responsible tor this branch. He was opposed to any inquisitorial inspection of any institution, religious or otherwise, .unless that institution were in receipt ot grants of money from the pul)lio fundis. . . j, •»,■ Speaking of the retirement of Mr Robert MoArtney, Mi- McOallum said that at a meeting of the paa-ty Mr McArtney's supporters had unammously agreed to combine with his committee and1 do their utmost to ensure his return. Amongst other questions put to the speaker was one asked by Mr J. Derine: "If elected, would you be m favor of'calling Mr Jones (Farmprs 1 Union) to the Upper House,.or to tho ..post^of Miniater.forTublic Worlvsi." , Tfei» considered!- that Mr Jones hiad1 evidently sufficient knowledge of public works for the position. Mr McCalluitf replied emphatfoaitfy in the negative. He considered that Mr Jones's statements were mocrt mLsleadling, and had done much to set up a strong antagonism. Mr J. Devine proposed, and! Mv Burgees'seconded, a hearty vote of thanks to Mr McCallum for hj& address, and confidence in the present Government, This was earned unanimously. The candidate returned thanks, and a vote of thanks to tho chairman and to Mr Searle for the use of his room W£« carried. Those present then formed themselves into a committee, with Mr H. J. Jenkins cs chairman, to organise for the coming election.