GENERAL ELECTION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 14 November 1922, Page 5

GENERAL ELECTION

THE NELSON SEAT MR H. ATMORE’S CANDIDATURE Mr Harry Atmore, M.P., addressed the electors in the Brook Street school room last evening, when Mi’ Guy was voted to the chair, and 81 persons were present. The candidate received an co• ihusiastio hearing and’ was frequently applauded. He showed the necessity for an immediate revaluation of land bought for Discharged Soldiers’ Settlement as it was impossible for the men to pay the charges on the inflated prices given for the land. He deprecated the introduction of strong party feeling, and said we really required the' best men irrespective of their party inclination. Party spectacles obscured the real issues and will) a national debt of nearly £219,000,000 besides hundreds of millions of debt owed by local bodies and individuals, we required strong men with a good grasp of economics, who would always put the national interests above the claims ol party. Mr Atmore dealt with many leading questions of the day and was warmly applauded at the conclusion ol his address.

Mr AlcDouagh moved and Mr V\. Milner seconded a very hearty vote of thanks to Mr Atmore, and one of complete confidence in him as their member. Mr Milner said lie had followed Mr Atmore’s Parliamentary career with great interest and in followhig the divisions as recorded in Hansard, he was particularly struck with the fact that their ineniher had always spoken and voted with a view to furthering the national interests. He had shown no party bias and Ain son could well he proud of Air Atmore, who was recognised throughout New Zealand as a brilliant speaker and a man with a splendid grasp ol economies, and he predicted that he would go far in the world of politics. (Loud applause.) They must admit that Air Gilbert had done good work in his own sphere, but nothing he had done would justify Nelson in displacing Mr Atmore, who had done better .work and who with brilliancy was thorough and always courteous to friends and opponents alike, the motion was carried unanimously.- Communicated. Mr H. Atmore, M.P., will address the electors at Tahujianui Public Hall to-night (Tuesday); at Mira (Happy Valley) schoolroom to-morrow, Wednesday 15th; Ranzati schoolroom Thursday, 16th, and Richmond Public Hall, Friday, 17th. Committee Rooms open every evening.

MR A. GILBERTS CANDIDATURE

Mr A. Gilbert continued his campaign by addressing the Richmond electors last evening at the Oddfellows’ Hall before a full house, and judging by the very few interjections, the was in sympathy with him. The candidate spoke for ever two hours, and a further half hour in answering questions, and the unanimous opinion of those spoken to after the meeting was that he created a splendid impression and that he answered all questions intelligently. Mr W. E. Wilkes, in taking the chair, stressed the fact that we were passing through strenuous times and that it behoved us to procure the best brains to carry us through. Touching on the strike, Mr Wilkes remarked that whatever serious trouble cropped up, Mr Massey always seemed to act - fairly and quickly. Mr Gilbert, in his opening remarks, said he made no apology for entering the contest, as he considered it his duty to come forward to support a Government who bad honestly attempted to do their best for the country, and win or lose, lie should have no regrets for entering the fight to assist the party. He further stated that as a family man, as a business man, and as a producer, he was in sympathy with legislation for 'the benefit of the people. Touching on the strike, he stated that it was a serious matter if we could not get our produce across the Straits, and he personally was doing what he could, and yesterday he had arranged for a boat to leave Nelson to-day with produce. The candidate dealt with taxation, State banks, proportional representation, immigration, and reduction in wages to civil servants. On the latter Mr Gilbert stated; “That Mr Massey could have waited till after the election before reducing wages, but he feared no one, as long as he did what he considered right. On political patronage the speaker stated' that the Prime Minister had removed this, so that we could have clean, honest service. The Government had increased salaries, miners’ pensions, and dealt with the housing question to every one’s satisfaction. Shop assistants’ working . hours had been materially reduced. Public works had been put on a business basis. Workers now am receiving far greater attention ( than formerly. The candidate also dealt with dental assistance, naval defence and the Government’s attitude to the health of children, and concluded with urging upon every elector to keep in office a sound and safe Government.

At the dose of Mr Gilbert’s address, which was listened to with perfect order, ami continually applauded, the chairman called for questions. Rev. Nelson asked; “Owing to so many abstentions of voters at elections, would I lie candidate make it compulsory fo>- everyone to vote”? Mr Gilbert replied that the question had been discussed freely, and although compulsory voting appears to be desirable, it was difficult to put into operation. It would bn bard to compel any vote, unless under a penalty of disfranchisement.

Mr Hunter askdd : “If you arc elected would you support legislation to enforce prohibition.if it is carried; also if candidate was. in favour of free dental service to our schools”?

The candidate replied that prohibition was on the Statute Book, and if carried lie should stand by it, if returned. He was in favour of free dental service to our children, and would support legislation.

Other questions wore asked and satisfactory and clear replies given. Mr Kirby moved that after listening to Mr Gilbert he had pleasure in moving a vote of confidence in the candidate. This was seconded hv Mr E. W. Win.

Mr Watsop proposed that-only a vote of thanks be given, as they should show their confidence at the ballot box. Air Gilbert at once asked that this was all that was necessary as the ballot box was the proper place to show confidence. The'mover agreed to this and it was carried with continued applause. Mr Gilbert proposed, a vote of thanks to the Mayor for presiding, and this was canned with acclamation.— Communicated.

Mr A. Gilbert, Government candidate, will address the electors in the Theatre Royal to-night (Tuesday), and at Clifton Terraco schoolroom Wednesday at 8 p.m,; Hillside, Foresters’ Hall, Thursday. at 8 p.m. ; Stoke Public Hall, Friday, at 8 p.m.

RIOCARTON SEAT' CHRISTCHURCH. This Day. Mr G. Witty, opening his campaign for Riccarton, said he had represented the electorate for 20 years. He strongly criticised the Labour Parly, declaring he would rather vote for Mr Massey. He quoted the Liberal record to show Hi at Mr Massey had never repealed any of its legislation except the Second Ballot Act. Strikes were wrong and would

cease if thejieads of unions and secretaries hacT to receive strike pay. Ho criticised the immigration and housing policies, condemned the military system and the money spent on the Chatham, advocating aeroplanes and torpedo boats. He favoured the nationalisation of the ferry .'service and its working as part of the railway system.

SIR JOSEPH WARD NOT TO BE A CANDIDATE

(United Press Association)

WELLINGTON, This Day Sir Joseph Ward has intimated to a; deputation that he is unable to become a candidate for Wellington North for health reasons. He states that he has practically recovered from his recent breakdown, but he feels that if he returned to politics he would have to take such an active part as might induce a return of the trouble.