MOTUEKA ELECTORATE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 25 October 1928, Page 2

MOTUEKA ELECTORATE

MR R. P. HUDSON AT WAKEFIELD Mr R. P. Hudson addressed a considerable gathering of electors, including a number of ladies, in the Public Hall, Wakefield, on Tuesday evening. Mr E. W. Hodgson was in the chair and in introducing the speaker paid a warm tribute to the highly satisfactory way which Mr Hudson had represented the electors for the last 14 years. Mr Hudson, on rising to speak, was j w r armly applauded. He said that the reputation which he had earned during the last_ 14 years, be. it good or bad, spoke far more than he would be able to tell them to-night. Mr Hudson then dealt with the political parties m the House and on the lines of his previous addresses. In the matter of finance he justified tbo Government's action in increasing the National Debt; and pointed out that although this debt now reached £251,000,000, at least £81,000,000 was directly attributable to the war and that a'further £31,000,000 was for State advances, which money was lent out and was interest-bearing. Also, that of the remainder, a considerable amount was indirectly attributable to the war. In reply tft criticism from political opponents, Mr Hudson pointed out that rather than increase taxation the Reform Party had reduced taxation. In regard to the petrol tax, he said that he had no hesitation in supporting,.this measure. During the last three years the, money spent on the main highways had increased from £sl per mile in 1925 to £lll per mile in 1927. This additional money had to be found and lie thought that motorists would agree to the fairness of the tax, even if it were raised to 6d per gallon. He was of opinion that it would be raised to 6d and possibly to 6d per gallon. Mv Hudson dealt lengthily with taxation and the actions of the Government in this direction. At the conclusion of his address he answered several questions. Mr E. S. Hoult, in moving a, vote of thanks, spoke of the valuable assistance which Mr Hudson had rendered to the Nelson electorate by working in harmony with the member for Nelson. Mr E. R. Piirkes seconded the motion, which was carried by acclamation.

A vote of thanks to Mr Hodgson for presiding concluded tho meeting.

AT TASMAN

Mr R. P. Hudson addressed a keenly interested meeting of electors at Tasman on Monday evening. Mr John Dicker was voted to the chair, and in introducing the speaker, made reference to the wide political experience, tact, and absolute impartiality of Mr Hudson, in dealing with .political matters. As a member of the Reform Party Mr Hudson bad taken bis full share of the war-time and post-war responsibilities and had been especially interested in the welfare of the fruitgrowers, who were much indebted to him for bis practical and capable help. The welfare of a country depended in no small degree on the. charactor of the men who represented it in Parliament, and Mr Hudson had been a worthy member of a party which would always be regarded as straightforward and sincere.

Mr Hudson said In? was proud of his association with the Re form Party and still more proud to bo able to affirm that throughout their sixteen years of office, no opportunity had been afforded , for the finger of scorn to be pointed at a single member of the .lieform Cabinet. Referring to the present election, Mr Hudson gave details of the four political parties seeking the suffrages of the Dominion, and contended that the real fight would lay between Labour who lind a definite policy of its own. and the three other parties who were, for all piactical purposes, the same. Sir Joseph Ward had stated that when he returned to Auckland it would be as Prime Minister, but Mr Hudson held the opinion that the real objective of Sir Joseph Ward and l his' allies was to oust Labour from the leadership of the opposition. Touching on the National Debt, the speaker asked what Government could have come through the War and its aftermath without increasing the National Debt? Mr Hudson explained the increases that had taken place in the income tax, and in seeking to justify the action of the Government, pointed out that New Zealand stood to-day as one of the lowest taxed countries in the British Empire, while her position on

the money market was second to none. Mr Hudson doalt with recent criticism i.:' (in; Government in connection with public service increases, SUto advances, roads, and railways, and claimed that on all these points the Government had done all that a sane and reliable government could do with the resources at its disposal. He concluded by asking those present to carefully weigh the policies submitted IV: their consideration, and to vote, not for men and individuals, but for sound, honest and straight forward administration. A number of questions were asked and answered, and Mr Hudson was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks on Ihe motion of Messrs I). S. Turner and F. E. Noitage. A vote of thanks''was also accorded to the chairman.

Mr R. P. Hudson will address meetings as under: —Motnpiko, 8 o'clock this evening. Friday: Korere at 3 p.m. ; Tophouse at 7 p.m. Saturday: Stanley Brook at 11 a.m. ; Pokororo at 3 p.m. ; Ngatimoli at 8 p.m.

MR G. C. BLACK Mr (!. C. Black will speak at Tadmor tip's evening at 8 o'clock. Other meetings are: Saturday: Korere 11 a.m., Tophouse 3 p.m. ; Tapawera 8 p.m. Monday: I.'ovc dale, 11 a.m.; Thorpe 12.30 p.m i Stanley Urook 2 p.m.; Ngatiit'ol! G p m