FIRST SHOTS IN THE INVERCARGILL ELECTION BATTLE

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7294, 2 August 1930, Page 7

FIRST SHOTS IN THE INVERCARGILL ELECTION BATTLE

Both Candidates Open Fire ATTACK AND DEFENCE OF GOVERNMENT Per Press Association. INVERCARGILL, Last Night. Mr. Vincent Ward opened his campaign in the United interests in ’the Invercargill by-election to-night addressing two meetings on tho outskirts of the electorate.

Ho said ho did not seek a sympathy vote, but regretted the causo of his facing tho electors as much as anyono else. It had been his late father's wish that ho should fulfil Sir Joseph’s obligation for the rest of tho present term. Traversing the railway difficulties tho candidate said that tho losses during tho past five years had exhausted tho reserves and last year the Government had found it necessary to advance £150,000. This year a loss of £120,000 was anticipated, and it had been decided to reduce the expenses by cutting services which would save £360,000, while £90,000 would bo produced by increased rates. The past Government had committed itself to the erection of four large railway workshops estimated to cost £1,600,000, but which would actually cost £2,250,000. It was considered by various authorities that the expenditure of £200,000 would have provided all that was required. As it was, there was sufficient plant and equipment for tho whole of New Zealand and the Commonwealth of Australia as well. Unemployment was a serious problem facing the Government., At the end of last year £150,000 had been spent in providing relief works. Tho Government had investigated tho position earofully and at present a Bill was before the House aimed at placing a tax on males in order that a fund to provide a sustenance allowance might be established. A great deal had been done by the United Government since it came into ofiico to assist settlers and workers. Reform had practically ceased operations in the State Advances. Since tho present Governmut had come into office 8756 applications for financial assistance had been dealt with, and loans of £8,930,000 had been granted. The Government met tho requirements of the country with a bold land policy providing land for settlement on terms which would enable settlers to develop their properties into good homes. After also dealing with other questions, Mr. Ward said the Government was not seeking popularity, but was anxious to make tho country’s condition sound and prosperous. Bad times were being experienced all over the world and New Zealand was suffering from an adverse trade balance, but with safe and sound Government the position would be materially improved and the country led on towards prosperity.

The candidate hoped tho United Government would be allowed to carry on for a number of years as it was anxious to do everything possible for tho people according to the Liberal principle "to do the greatest good for the groatest number." Tho candidate was accorded votes of confidence at both centres. Reform Candidate’s Address Per Press Association. INVERCARGILL, Last Night. Mr James Hargcst, Reform candidate, addressed a well-attended meeting in the Civic theatre this evening. He referred to the record of tho Reform party and said its eclipse in the 1928 election was due to its refusal to lead tho country away in a wild orgy of spending and speculation. Since the United party took over office it had borrowed £10,000,000, tho major portion of it in this country. Instead of bringing cheap money in it had gons to tho Post Office where money was lying at 4 per cent. It had paid 54 per cent for it over the counter in every Post Office in New Zealand and it had lent this money out not at 4J per cent, but at 64 per cent with one per cent sinking, fund added. Referring to taxation the speaker mid that to get money tp carry on the country’s affairs the Government proposed going in for an orgy of taxation. He pointed out that the Customs tax was increased during tho last two years by nearly £1,000,000. Mr Forbes admitted that this year lie was going out to get somewhere about £SOO,OOO additional from the Customs —and that from a party which was to reduce and eventually abolish Customs taxation. Taxation was inevitable and the people of the country would accept it provided they felt that economies were being effected. After referring to the feeling throughout the country against the proposed increase in the petrol tax the candidate said: "I think tho time has come when the country should take over the handling of supplies of petrol. Nearly everything brought, to our doors is brought by means of consumption of petrol gas, and it is a dreadful reflection on the business ability of the people of this country that wc are entirely in the hands of three or four companies who charge us what they will. I have a suggestion to make—that tho Railway Department import the supplies necessary for tho Dominion and that a fair tax be imposed against private importers. The Railway Department could still sell in bulk to distributors who in their turn would put it into the bowsers. Instead of the exorbitant profit to overseas firms the country would get what profit there is. Instead of half a dozen wagons rushing round supplying petrol of various brands one or two lorries could do the work. It would make no difference to the vendors of petrol. They get little enough out of it now. Its effect would be undoubtedly to give them greater prosperity, reasonable profit and greater consumption of petrol, and it would help tho Railway Department in finding work for its staff." The speaker put forward two schemes

for the assistance of the unemployed. He called one for the want of a better name a "farm betterment scheme” and suggested that a body like the Land Board undertake the work of supervising the betterment of farms. Another scheme ho suggested was that in all provinces of Hew Zealand public works be undertaken with the idea of developing the wasto lands. Mr Hargest said he stood for sane Government with no special favours to any class of the community, development works of a productive naturo to relievo unemployment, current wages on these development works, a graduated poll tax and integrity in Government. The candidate was accorded a vote of confidence. ONLY TWO NOMINATIONS. Per Press Association. INVERCARGILL, Aug. J. 'The nominations for the Invercargill by-election closed at noon to-day. There were only two received, Mr Vincent Ward (United) and Mr James HargesL (Reform). Mr William Hinchey, Independent Ensionist, withdrew at the last moment.