POLITICAL CAMPAIGN

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 292, 7 November 1928, Page 2

POLITICAL CAMPAIGN

LABOUR PARTY’S RALLY.

CRITICISM OF OPPONENTS

Speaking in the Opera House last night, Mr J. Thorn, of Wellington, vice-president of the New Zealand Labour Party, maintained that the only real alternative to Reform was the element he represented, and he predicted an ultimate fusion between the Reform and United interests, which ho criticised throughput practically the whole of his address. He outlined the attitudo of the United Party on a no-confidence motion, .and deajt with tho financial proposals of his opponents. Tho Mayor. Mr A. J. Graham, presided. Mr Thorn, who some years ago, contested tho Palmerston seat apologised for the absence of Rev. J. K. Archer, the Mayor of Christchurch and president of tho New Zealand Labour Party, lie having been detained in Canterbury' by electoral duties. This election, ” he continued, “is being contested between three political parties for power to govern the country, but there is only one issue. That is between Labour and Reform. The only, real alternative to Mr Coates’s administration is the party which we represent. Between Reform and United there is no essential difference land a vote for the Intter is in actual effect a vote for Mr Coates. It is very difficult, in. deed, to ascertain from tho pronouncements of its candidates! where the United Party really stands, although some are definite enough. Down in Wellington Mr Wilford, the recent, leador of the Liberal Party, declared that, on a vote of no-confidence in the Government, ho would vote for Mr Coates against Labour. A voice : Quite right. “In that case where is the need for the United Party,” retorted Mr Thorn. “The United Party candidate for the Wellington Suburbs seat, replying to tho same question, stated definitely that he would vote for Labour against Mr Coates. This is occurring right throughout the Dominion and the right title for tho United Party is the ‘Dis-united Party.’

THAT NO-CONFIDENCE ISSUE

“Their conflict among themselves on tho no-confidence issue reminds me of ono of the greatest characters in a great English literature work,” proceeded tho speaker. “The author is John Bunyan and the name of the book is the ‘Pilgrim’s Progress.’ The character represented bv the United Party is called Mr Face Both Ways—a shifty and undependable individual. A sham fight, is deliberately being staged to divert the attention of the masses of the people from the issuo which really counts, and tho votes of the United Party in the House of Representatives during the last fifteen years absolutely confirms that view. On every issue of fundamental importance raised bv Labour in the past 10 or 15 years, the Liberal or United element invariably voted in the same lobby as Reform. If you want a further statement there is the declaration made by Sir Joseph Ward at Invercargill during the 1925 election and I agree with him. The fusion of tho two parties is inevitable sooner or later and that will prove our assertions. That Mr Coates has the United Party securely in his pocket will be demonstrated if it votes for the Government on a no-confidence motion. It is a case of Tweedledee land Tweedledum—tho pots calling the kettle black. I don’t know what tho attitude of Mr Loughnan is on the question of no-confidence, but I have a shadowy recollection of a reply which was a very misty and delusive affair. The United Party have wriggled so much that they can hide behind a corkscrew. There is only an affectation of difference between United and Reform, and if Palmerston North wants the real alternative it, will vote solidly for Mr Bromley.” (Applause.).

“A FAVOURITE THEME.”

Borrowing was a favourite theme with tho Reform and United Parties, continued the speaker. One stood laghast at the other’s borrowing propensities when in power, while the other worked itself into paroxyisms of rage over the same reason. Just before the election, Sir Joseph Ward stood in the House — A voice: As a man.

Mr Thorn: I am riot criticising him personally. He is as good a man as I am.

The voice: Yes, he is. It was a disgrace, continued the speaker, that the United Party should exploit a man over 70 years of age. Sir Joseph Ward had been appalled at the Reform borrowing, and then he delivered his speech in Auckland, enunciating a policy which he had formulated himself, 'and which had impelled the Chalmers candidate in tho United interests to withdraw from tho contest. The Unßed-Party did not know its policy until it was proclaimed from the house-tops. It was a game of “ins and outs.” Reform and United each denounced tho other for what thev proposed to do themselves. The Labour Party was oppqsed to tho essential principles on which the other two had concocted their policies. It stood for a new system of government and threatened certain interests represented by the other parties. Its object was to elevate to a higher level of importance the public well-being as against the well-being of any individual section. Analysing the United Party’s proposal to borrow £70,000,000 without imposing additional taxation, tho speaker said that took a bit of swallowing, arid they would bo simpletons-xif they absorbed that without difficulty. THE £70,000,000 PROPOSAL.

Sir Joseph Ward had indicated, said tho speaker, that the present taxation system would be revised, reducing the maximum amount of, income tax make tho tax equitable. That was very vague. He had promised to reduce the company taxation as a preliminary to its repeal. After that, he had said the Customs tariff would he based on a reduction in the cost of living, following up that statement again with the pronouncement that he was prepared to pay subsidies to New Zealand industries instead of maintaining protective tariffs. That was remarkable. Ono question would knock the bottom out of that edifice —where was Sir Joseph Ward going to get the money from to run the country ? Interjections became fairly frequent at this juncture, and the speaker retorted: “Leave Sir Joseph Ward to me. By the time I have finished with him lie won’t have a feather to fly with.”

A voice: What is your policy ? Wo don’t want criticism.

Mr Thorn: All the same, I am going to criticise. , . • The speaker them turned his criticism in the direction of the Reform Government, stating that the United Party was a dying political organisation. There was now no room for the third party and people were realising at last that the real issue lay between the Conservative and the Labour elements. That' had been -proved in Britain. A voice: And in New South Wales? THE 1925 ELECTION.

All would remember the glittering promises made by Mr Coates in the 1925 election, continued , Mr Thorn, when “Coates and Confidence” was the catch-cry. Prolific promises made by the Reform. Party, he added, had not

been carried into execution. Where was Reform’s land settlement policy ? There had been no development of secondary industry, no solution of the unemployment problem, and thero was not the slightest justification for assisted immigration, alleged the speaker According to the la6t Year Book, tho total land* area in cultivation in New Zealand had declined during the Coates regime by 44,674 acres, and the number of holdings had decreased by 349, while thero had been a reduction of slightly under 10,000 workers employed on the land in the last three years. In addition, Mr Poison (president of the Farmers’ Union) • nad estimated that 100.000 acres yearly had reverted to secondary growth. During the period 40,000 immigrants entered tho country and many were drafted on to farm lands. ■ The Government, proceeded tho speaker, had taken the credit for the Industrial Conference, the calling of which was forced by pressure from Labour representatives. Mr Coates had not adhered to his promise to enact legislation dealing with matters approved of by the conference. Concluding the speaker attacked. the Government’s house building policy. Tho action of tho Government in connection with tho payment of interest on largo Post Office Savings Bank deposits, and in regard .to the Rural Intermediate Credits bonds. Tho Labour. Party’s policy was to defend the Public Trust and it proposed to co-ordinate the activities of that institution with thoso of the State Advances Department and Post Office Savings Bank, lifting all restrictions, and giving power to control the credit of tho country.

MR BROMLEY SPEAKS

Mr W. Bromley, the ‘Labour candidate for the Palmerston electorate, briefly addressed the meeting subsequently and offered to expound any part of tho Labour policy on which information might be requested. The Labour Party, he .said, had not two policies and its printed platform was available for inspection by all. It had been accused of altering its policy, just like the designs of cars, political objectives had to be brought up-to-date, and policies improved in the light of experience. He disclaimed all connection between tlio Labour Party and tho Communist movement as had been informed by the Reform candidate. Replying to a questioner, Mr Bromley said he favoured a reduction in the size of classes, and the remodelling or old schools, being thoroughly in accord with the proposal to retsore the salaries of teachers in tho leading primary schools. He was in sympathy with the movement to provide specially at schools for mental retardecs He was absolutelv opposed to the political censorship of literature, and did not support tho importation of coal. .1 he Labour Party had advocated a chronic invalids’ pension for years. On tho motion of Mr J. Hodgens votes of thanks were passed to tho speakers and a resolution of confidence in Mr Bromley was carried. Mr Bromley received a telegram from Mr Archer regretting his inability to be present at the meeting. A vote of thanks was accorded tho Mayor for presiding.

MR NASH AT MILSON. Mr J. A. Nash addressed a meeting of electors at Mi bon last evening. The chairman, Mr E. Lalev, in introducing tho candidate, referred to the great interest he had taken in securing a school for the settlement, also his general work on behalf of the electorate. Mr Nash dealt fully with the proposals of the United Party, giving Hansard reports of speeches made by the leader of the party condemning the Government for borrowing, while he had now brought forward a proposal to borrow seventy millions. Educational matters were fully gone into, also the position of tho railways, their present activities, .and what was being dono in connection with the new station for Palmerston North. Mr Nash had a splendid hearing and at the conclusion of his address was accorded a vote of thanks, a similar compliment being paid to the chairman.

MR LOUGHNAN’S CANDIDATURE

There were over forty people present at Longburn last evening to hear Mr C. A. Loughnan, who carries United s banner for the Palmerston seat. The sneaker dealt principally with land settlement, relief of unemployment, taxation and electoral reform. JNli Loughnan also spoke in justification or the proposed loan to be raised by the United Party. At the conclusion of the address a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence was carried to the SP TTiero' was a good attendance last night when a meeting of Mr N ash s election committee was held. Routino business was transacted, and everything was reported to be going well.

MANAWATU SEAT

Addressing the electors at Taikorea last evening Mr J. Linklater, Refoim candidate for Manawatu, received a good hearing. Mr Linklater s address followed along the lines of previous ones and was attentively followed by the audience. A number of questions were answered, and tho speaker was accoi tied a hearty vote of thanks and confidence. Mr J. B. Bennett was cliairmMr P. J. Small, United Party nominee for Manawatu, spoko last night at Rangiotu to an excellent audience, Mr H. Simmons being in the chair. The candidate gave a comprehensive account of the party’s platform, criticism of the Reform administration, and at the conclusion of his speech answered a large number of questions. A vote of thanks and confidence, proposed by Mr Buckeridge and seconded by Mr Robin was carried unanimously. Last evening Mr H. J. McManaway, Independent Reform candidate for Manawatu, addressed the electors at Tialcitahuna, receiving an attentive hearing. The speech followed on the lines of previous addresses, and at the conclusion a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence was carried.

OROUA ELECTORATE

Mr J. G. Cobbe, United Party candidate, spoke to a large and attentive audience at Umutoi on Monday night. Many electors travelled long distances to hear him. An enthusiastic committee was formed to further the interests of Mr Cobbo in the election.

There was a particularly good attendance at Raumai last night, presided over by Mr D. Balmer, and Mr Eliott was given a very attentive hearing, frequent applause punctuating his remarks concerning licensing and Bible-in-schools. At the conclusion of the address, a motion of thanks, and also thanke for the services rendered as member during tho past three years w<is moved by IVIr R. McDonald And seconded by Mr W. Howell, and carried with loud applause. Not many questions were forthcoming, the main questions having reference to Sir Joseph Ward’s proposals, Bible-in-schdols, and members’ honorarium.

POLITICAL MEETINGS. *

Mr J. A. Nash, official Reform candidate for Palmerston, will address tho electors in the Coronation Hall, Terraco End, to-night, at 8 o’clock. Mr C. A. Loughnan (United Party) .will

givo an address to elector? in tho Hokowhitu Hall, to-night, at 8 o’clock. Mr Walter Bromley, Labour candidate, will speak at tho corner of Ferguson and Fitzroy Streets at 7 o’clock and in tho West End School at 8 o’clock to-night.

Candidates will speak on Thursday as follow:—Mr C. A. Loughnan (United Party) in the Kelvin Grove School; Mr J. G. Eliott (Reform) at Valley Road,*Kimbolton (School) at 2.15 p.m. and in Kimbolton Hall at 8 p.m.; Mr P. J. Small (United Party) at Bunnythorpe; Mr J. Linklater (Reform) at Shannon; Mr Walter Bromley (Labour) at tho corner of Cook and Ferguson Streets at 7 p.m. and in the Takaro Church Hall at 8 p.m. Mr H. J. McManaway (independent Reform) at Moutoa at 6.30 p.m. and at Foxton Theatre Royal at 8 p.m. Where no time is stated, tho meeting is at 8 p.m. MR ELIOTT AT FEILDING TO-NIGHT.

There is every indication that tho Drill Hall at Feilding will bo crowded to-night when Mr J. G. Eliott, official Reform candidate for Oroua, makes his principal speech in Feilding. Mr Eliott has practically completed a-com-prehensive tour of tho electorate and to-night he will reply to the criticisms levelled by his opponent.

SIR JOSEPH WARD

VISIT TO SOUTH ISLAND

Per Press Association

CHRISTCHURCH,

Nov. 6

Looking remarkably fresh and vigorous, Sir Joseph Ward spoke to an appreciative audience on the Christchurch railway station this morning for nearly three-quarters of an hour. Ho delivered a strong extemporaneous speech which was frequently interrupted with cheers and applause and cries of “You’ll bo Prime Minister.” When tho boat train * arrived, Sir Joseph was met by tho Christchurch executive of the United Party, United candidates for Parliament and a number of supporters totalling about 50. As soon as he commenced to speak, a crowd assembled, over 200 being present. In his address, Sir Joseph scathingly criticised the policy of the Reform Government in respect to land settlement and put forward his own plan on the subject. Loud cheering marked the end of tho speech, followed by the singing of “For lie’s a jolly good fellow,” and requests that he deliver an address in Christchurch before the election.

In referring to his proposed loan of £70,000,000, Sir Joseph said that his opponents had raised a cry that the money could not ho obtained. He had obtained it 30 years ago and the Dominion had been obtaining it ever since. Now they had the consummate audacity to say that money-lenders did not like lending money to be re-lent in the Dominion. “Human beings mako tho country,” added Sir Joseph. “What is the use of standing by, knowing that next winter we shall have 30,000 or 40,000 men unemployed. Are we going to tolerate the system which denies work to these men who want work, not charity ? They want work at the current rate of pay. In the policy I have laid down and which has been supported by my party, these men will have homes and they will have work; they will bo-on the land.” In describing details of his land settlement scheme, Sir Joseph said that he would set aside blocks of 25 acres not far away from the railways. Ho would make it possible for settlers to obtain needed money at a low rate of interest. “ ‘Back to the land 1 should be the-cry,” declared the speaker, amid applause. They should bo settled on smaller areas than ever before ; they would be able to support themselves and families and have their own homes. Tho other people would not require assistance and they should not complain because his scheme would not cost them anything. Unemployment would be stopped and the productivity of the country increased. If another 50,000 people went on the land, the increase in tho productivity in the aggregate would be great.

REpEPTION AT INVERCARGILL.

INVERCARGILL, Nov. 6. Sir Joseph Ward’s return to Invercargill this evening was the occasion for a remarkable demonstration at the railway station, where he was greeted by three bands and cheering crowds of wildly enthusiastic citizens. The leader of .the United Party received a tremendous ovation as he stepped from his carriage and it was with difficulty that he was escorted to a waiting motor car from which he spoke for about 15 minutes. Sir Joseph said that on Thursday night he would remove the existing delusion about tho loan which he considered was the only way to get tho country into a stable condition. Those who objected to it were not friends of tho people. From what ho knew of New Zealand, tho United Party was going to be victorious. He drove away to the accompaniment of further cheering.

CHALLENGE TO SIR JOSEPH

WARD

BORROWING PROPOSALS.

INVERCARGILL, Nov. 6,

Air S. Mo re 11 Macalaster, Reform candidate for Invercargill, has issued the following challenge to Sir Joseph Ward: (1) To show that there will not be a large annual loss on the money to be borrowed for the State Advances Office (nearly £60,000,000) on the terms lie proposes and lent out at 45 per cent. (2) To show how he can make up even the loss admitted by him out of sinking fund payments and interest thereon and yet have adequate sinking funds for the loan.

(3) To say whether the sinking funds on the loans for the State Advances Office should not be adequate to repay the loans on maturity and borrowed for the same term as which the money is lent out at, seeing that the borrower from that office will pay sinking fund payments to tho Government.

(4) To show that his suggestion that sinking fund and interest should be taken into account in making up tho loss in the annual charges would not, if divulged to London investors, seriously damage the credit of the Dominion.

(5) To say whether, as what ho terms the sinking fund is to bo available to make up the losses in the annual charges, such fund can in any sense be properly called a sinking fund.

PRIME MINISTER AT WANGANUI.

Per Press Association,

WANGANUI, Nov. 6. “What was that?” inquired tho Prime Minister when speaking at Wanganui to-night and then went on with his speech. Nobody was going to tell him that an elector of Wanganui had been so impolite as to throw an egg, which had passed over the Press table and smashed against the wall in the orchestral well. The Prime Minister was subjected to continual heckling by a noisy minor-, ity and his good temper in replying to interjections made a favourable impression, as did his ability to score off the interjections. Mr Coates spoke on the lines of other recent speeches, no new matter being

introduced, excepting that he said that insofar as the dispute between Mr R. Masters and himself was concerned, he was absolutely in tho right and MiMasters absolutely wrong. At the conclusion of his address a vote of thanks and confidence was moved, to which there was an amendment that it be one of thanks only. Thero was a fine effort on tho part of the minority to shout the majority down, but a show of hands proved the Prime Minister to have won by four to one. There was loud cheering at the mention of the name of Mr Lewis, the .Reform candidate, whom Mr Coates warmly advised the electors to return to Parliament.

SPEECHES BY MI HOLLAND

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Nov. 6. Mr H. E. Holland, Leader of the Opposition, spoke to-night at Petone and at Lower Hutt. At Petone, he was accorded a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence by a crowded audience in tho Labour hall and in the Town Ha}] at Lower Hutt a vote' of thanks was recorded. No questions were invited at either meeting. At Lower Hutt a vote of thanks and confidence was also passed. Any vote for the United Party, he said, would be a vote to keep Reform in office. Tho United Party stood to hold Mr Coates in office. Tho programme of the Labour Party represented the view not only of the industrial organisations, but the view of the de-mocratically-minded farmers of New Zealand. Labour was the only possible alternative to the .present reactionary and conservative Government and was tho only party seriously fighting • the Reform Party. Mr Holland covered no new ground.

FINANCE POLICY

BORROWING SCHEME CRITICISED

Per Press Association. INVERCARGILL, Nov. 6. The Minister of Finance . (Hon. W. Downie Stewart) addressed a large meeting at Goro to-night. In dealing with the dissimilar views of the three chief parties in tho field, lie said that both Reform and Labour were quite opposed to tho policy put forward by the Unietd Party. Nothing had impressed him so much as the criticism of the United programme levelled by Labour. The Minister referred to criticism levelled at the Government in respect to land settlement, but claimed that tho Minister of Lands was doing everything possible. The position in that respect was difficult in all parts of the world. After dealing at length with the borrowing proposals of Sir Joseph Ward, the Minister said: “I roly on the voice of the peoplo of New Zealand to keep our borrowing within such normal limits as tho business man would consider reasonable, having regard to the’ 4 ' proper development of this fine estate. If it be the hall-mark of high statesmanship largely to increase our annual borrowing, lend money at less than cost price and burden the taxpayer with a deficit, tlieD we must admit that the United Party has a statesmanlike policy, but if It be the test of sound government that borrowing should be kept within such limits as will not adversely affect our national credit, but be adequate to complete, with businesslike promptness, our public works, land, finance and housing, then I claim that the Reform Government has answered to this test.”

NORTHERN MAORI SEAT.

TAU HENARE’S RETURN ALMOST

CERTAIN

(By Telegraph.—Special to Standard.) AUCKLAND, Nov; 6. There are seven candidates for the Northern Maori seat as follow:—Tau Henare, the retiring member, Government ; Hone Heke, Independent Government; Tamalio Maika, United Party; Parairo Paikea, official Ratana candidate; Louis W. Parore, Independent Ratanaite; Ripi Wi Hongi, official Treaty of Waitangi Party; and Henare Ivingi, Independent Treaty of Waitangi candidate. Of these the strongest man is Tau Henare who lias always had a clear majority of over all his other opponents combined. The highest possible Maori vote is estimated at 4300 of which Tau Henare will poll from 2000 to 2500 so his return is practically certain. Thero is some discontent with him among the younger men who would prefer a more active man, ono who would take a greater part in the debates. These mostly belong to the “Treaty of Waitangi” Party, whose platform seems to demand that the Maoris shall have all the privileges and none of the responsibilities of British subjects. The strongest opposition factor is the Ratana Party vote which is estimated at from 1000 to 1100 and is likely to go fairly solidly to their official candidate, Paraire Paikea, Ratana’s secretary and an ex-Methodist minister.

CAMPAIGN NOTES

Mr W. Lissant Clayton, United Party candidate for Gisborne, was asked at a recent meeting whether he would support.the Religious Exercises in Schools Bill as propounded by Mr Holland. “I have been waiting for that question for a long time, and my attitude is distinct,” retorted the candidate. Ho believed in every boy and girl receiving religious instruction, but felt that it was not right to obtrude his religious views, and insist, for example, on a Mohammedan paying for his son to bo taught from tho Bible instead of from tho Koran. Although tho average man or woman might not send in an application for llis or her children not to be instructed, lio was confident that many would resent it bitterly. All had to pay for education, and they should get what they paid for. He would never be a party to interference with the religious views of any other section of the community. (Applause). “Thousands of people are supposed to bo walking off the land,” said Mr Flesher at Papanui. “The statement is simply not true, as page 409 of the last Year Book will show anybody who takes tho trouble to study the figures. Anyone who studies tho position without prejudice will come to the conclusion that it is l a wilful misstatement.” “My United Party opponent, Mr R. \V. Hawke, has described liis party as a combination of political beliefs. Well, I shall call it the zoological party —the party comprising various specimens,” said Mr Flesher, Reform candidate for Kaiapoi, at Papanui. “This so-called United Party is not very united now. Candidates are withdrawing, and others are decrying the policy of their leader.” Mr E. J. Howard, Labour. Christchurch South, was making a favourite point of liis at tho Addington Workshops at lunchtime on a recent day. 'We bought a battleship,” he said, “and we’re stil paying £2,000,000 interest on it every 20 years. But the ship’s at the bottom of tile sea.” “That was a real sinking fund,” remarked a man. Speaking at Papanui. Mr J. A. Flesher, candidate for Kaiapoi, dealt with the record of tho Advances Department under the Government. “They call this a farmers’ Government,” ho said, “but in the matter of advances for homes the workers have been treated just twice as well as the man on tho land.”

Stating that he did not believe ini

the present income tax law, Mr Wilford (United, Ilutt) declared tha.t it was not founded upon any principle, ,and was frequently unjust m its operation. The exemption of big holders of farm lauds from income tax while the holders of land in cities paid both land and income tax was unable to be logically defended. The man with £SOOO per annum did net feel the Customs taxation and his rat© should bo higher than it was to-day, while the rates on the lower incomes should be reduced. The principle of income tax, in his opinion, should be founded on ono basis only, and that was a gradu 7 ated taxation on income derived from whatever source, steadying the highest rate so as to prevent an unjust capital levy. He was satisfied that justioe was not now being done and that a readjustment would be in the near future bo forced upon whatever Government might be in power.

“You ought to be with the Labour Party,” said an interjector at a meeting at Shortland, when Mr Samuel (Reform) was sympathising with some fishermen affected by the depletion of Gulf supplies. They would not have me and I would not join them if they would,” said Mr Samuel, “for the very excellent reason that the Reform Government can do more for labour in New Zealand than i4s own party.” Mr O’Brien, Labour candidate for Westland, declared at his meeting at Greymouth that if it came to his turn on this occasion to get the casting voce of the returning officer, ho was not going to accept it. He would go straight back to the people. He did not want any judge or returning officer to put him into Parliament. “Somo say I am not noisy enough, but I may add that it is not the noisy ones down ‘there’ that do the most and the best work. The one who works quietly achieves the most.”—Mr E. Walter, M.P., Reform candidate for Stratford.

“Sir Joseph Ward led the old Liberal Party into oblivion, and any sensible person knew that there was not the least shadow of doubt that ho would do exactly the same with the United Party.”—Mr J. Whittle, La-bour-Socialist candidate for Palriatua. At a meeting in Kumara, Mr T. Y. Seddon (United) was asked what position ho would take up if Sir Joseph Ward, with the assistance of the Labour Party, defeated the present Government. Mr Seddon replied that no member of the United Party would tolerate holding office, if they could do so only with the support of the Labour Party. “There is too much disposition on the part of people to-day to lean on the Government and local bodies,” declared Mr J. A. Flesher (Reform) in an address at Papanui. “There would be less unemployment if the present generation had something of the spirit of the early settlers about them. “This year the Main Highways Board will have a million pounds of South Island money, and they are committed to an expenditure of only £300,000 within six years. They have half a million of Canterbury money, and should spend it on good roads instead of hoarding it up.”—Mr J. A. Flesher, Reform candidate, for Kaiapoi.

Mr D. G. Sullivan, Labour candidate for Avon, making a vigorous attack on the Reform Government in a speech, said that Labour’s aim was to put tho Government out. ‘ ‘You have attacked . the Government, and right so, I think,” said a questioner, “but how do you reconcile the statement of Mr J. K. Archer, president of the New Zealand Labour Party, who told his audience that if they could not vote Labour they should vote Reform?” “Dan Sullivan has enough sins of his own,” replied Mr Sullivan, “and I “can’t carry Mr Archer’s sins.” “He has far more than you Dan,” came a voice from the crowd.

“Will the candidate tell mo how Sir Joseph Ward if returned to power is going to become the head of the Government in view of liis serious illness?” was a question asked Mr McLachlan, United Party, Riccarton, at a meeting he addressed. Mr McLachlan replied that ho had denied again and again the senseless political bogey put .about by opponents of the United Party that Sir Joseph was suffering from bad health. The candidate stated emphatically that the party’s leader was as fit as ever and would be just .as keen to get back into harness if the leadership of the Government fell to Iris lot. “I have been in the country 36 years, and tho Reform Party still impresses me as being the best,” said Mr Walter Seavill, Reform candidate for Raglan, at a meeting at Glen Massey. The Reform candidate for Grey Lynn, My P. B. Fitzherbert, had to face a running fire of interjections at his meeting at Point Chevalier the •other evening. The heckling was mainly good-natured and the candidate replied to it as such, although there were one or two occasions when a more serious note entered in the discussions between the platform and the body of the hall. The candidate eventually carried the day. It was worthy of note that £107,000,000 of the public debt had been raised in New Zealand, which meant that the interest and sinking fund both remained in tho country, said Mr H. V. Potter, when speaking at Epsom (Eden electorate). A large proportion of the money spent on nonproductive works had been spent in building schools and in prosecuting other essential public, facilities, and even the most ardent opponent of the Government could not say this expenditure could have been curtailed.

“I thank Mr Parry for asking his supporters to make this fight a clean one, and one worthy of the Labour movement,” said Mr W. C. Hewitt, United Party candidate, in opening his campaign for tho Auckland Central seat. “I heartily reciprocate that wish, although I may hit hard.” Sir James Gunson (Reform candidate for Auckland Suburbs) was asked why the meetings in some city areas were conspicuous for “drivel” and cross-talk. He replied that the explanation lay in the fact that the seats were not held by Reform members. If Reform candidates were returned in those cases tho entire tone would bo altered and personalities would not occur.

The member for Dunedin Central. Sir Charles Statham, lias a good opinion of his home town. In a speech to his electors ho claimed quite seriously that Dunedin was tho most progressive town in the Dominion. With the development of irrigation it would go ahead by leaps and bounds. It was now the leading industrial centre of New Zealand.

“I shall not bo standing again,” said Mr W. H. Field, who represented Otaki in the last Parliament, at his Weraroa meeting. “You will only have me for thred years more.” Mr F. C. Roe: Five years, isn’t it? Mr Field: I have always been in favour of four-year Parliaments, and if there is a chance of voting for that I shall certainly do so. Mr Field added that lie believed he was going to be returned by a handsome majority. Ho had grown old in the service of the electors, but he had sufficient energy to serve three years more.

Tho work of the Speaker is tedious and hard,” said Sir Charles Statham during- an address . at Mornington, Dunedin. “Sometimes a member stands up at two o’clock in the morning and says that he will not detain tho House, but I know very well that he is going to speak his full time. Members come to me and tell me that they are sorry to keep me in tho chair. I tell them to go ahead. I always remember that every member has free-

dom of speech.” The candidate said the Speaker was actually able to do more for his constituency than a private member, because the Ministers realised tho position in ■which he was placed, and met his requests as far as thev possibly could. In tlie language of the hunting field, an interjector at a meeting addressed by Mr H. L. Tapley, Government candidate for Dunedin North, came a “cropper.” In an insistent voice he inquired why Mr Tapley had voted against Mr Holland when tho Leader of tho Opposition advocated raising tho old age pension to £1 a week. “I did nothing of the kind,” replied Mr Tapley. “You did,” vehemently asserted the interjector. “I am afraid,” rejoined Mr Tapley, “that you have been misinformed. As a matter of fact, I was in the Old Country when the discussion you refer to took place.” Tho interjector pursued tho subject no further.