THE PAHIATUA SEIT.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2474, 14 October 1922, Page 5

THE PAHIATUA SEIT.

MR RANSOM OPENS CAM-

PAIGN

A FORCEFUL ADDRESS

(Per Press Association.) DANNEVIRKE, Last Night,

Mr E. A. Ransom, who is the official Liberal-Labour candidate lor the Pahiatua seat, opened bis ©lection campaign at Mataman last night. Mr Ransom declared himself opposed to party' government, but did not think an independent attitude was satisfactory. Thereforo, while there were only two lobbies in the House he believed a member should attach himself to the party' which came nearest his ideals. Conseauently. he would support the Liberal Party'. At the end of his address the candidate said he would support principles before party' and measures before men. The candidate emphasised the fruits of the past Liberal legislation and declared that Liberalism was not down and out but very much alive. He claimed that Mr Massey in 1911 sought the support of Labour to oust the Liberals and he condemned the Premier for dragging the Union Jack into politics, stating it was a dastardly' act. Both official Labour and Reform feared the Liberals. He criticised the vast increase in the country’s expenditure and suggested that experts should investigate to effect reforms. He advocated the railways being removed from political control and placed under a board. Ho thought an improved system of immigration was needed so that now arrivals could be settled upon waste land and instructed in farming, thereby becoming useful farmers and increasing productivity. New industries should be encouraged, also more intensified and scientific farming, and a uniform system of herd-testing. The present naval expenditure was necessary', but he thought the Dominion’s contribution should be made in kind and not cash. For every' pound we gave the Imperial authorities should reciprocate by the purchase of stores. A vote of thanks and confidence as a fit and proper person to represent the district in Parliament was carried.