POLITICAL ADDRESS

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVIII, Issue 70, 24 March 1914, Page 3

POLITICAL ADDRESS

MB McGALLUM AT SEDDON

.:» XJonsidefiiig the state ;of; the. weather, a fair number of peojile,. including a fair sprinkling of ladies/ turned out to hear Mr McCallum's address in the Seddon Town -Hall" on. Friday evening. Mr J. G. Armstrong pcoupied the chair. ; l Mi" MoCJallum," in his opening |ie^marks, a-eferred at some length, to the financial position of the Dominion, and explained that when the Mackenzie Government went, out of office it left considerably over/ a million of money in the Treasury for its successors, and not a depleted Treasury, as was generally supposed. Mr McCallum severely, criticised, the Massey Government for having increased the national debt to the extent of eleven millions. He also blamed the Government for its apathy im dealing with the late strike, and ventured to say that had he been in Mr Herdman's shoes for a few days at the commencement of the strike he would have settled .the differences that v existed without having to bring' farmers' to Wellington to act as special ooristables. He said he had no sympathy whatever .' \nth law-breakers, ana would assist to uphold law and order every time.

Touching upon local matters,r Mir McCallum ridiculed the' small vote that had been provided for continuation, of the South Island Main Trunk Line, and hoped that a much, larger vote would l>e placed on the Estimates next session. He also referred to the need for better communication between Blenheim and Hanmer Springs, and would strongly recommend the Minister for Public Works to have placed 0n..-this,.year's'..Esti-mates a substantial vote lor the improvement of the road. Mr McCallum also dwelt at some length on the necessity of. opening up the Wairau Valley Road to join the West Coast road. Such a connection would, he said, be of much advantage to both trie West Coast and Marlborough people. '

Mr McCallum was listened to. attentively. throxighout the meeting, and on ro&uming his seat was < loudly applauded. Questions were , invitW; without response. . A hearty vote of thanks Avas passed to Mr McCallum To*- his address, and Mr McCallum thanked those present for the cordial "reception given him. After passing ; the usual vote of thanks to the chair, the meeting, which was an orderly •one throughout, came to a close.