CAMPAIGN NOTES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 30 October 1928, Page 9

CAMPAIGN NOTES

WITH THE CANDIDATES POINTS FROM SPEECHES "Does not the Government borrow money abroad lo pay interest charges on old debts?" a questioner asked Mr Bertram Uunn, Reform candidate for Manukau, at Penrose. "My friend,, you want lo wake up; wboever told you that?" the candidate replied, "My cook said so,"' said the intorjector. "'■ am afraid it is about, time ton changed your cook," .Mr Dunn advised, amid laughter. "The lady is leading yun astray." "The old drais thought il inadvisable to make women eligible for apnoiiilinenl lo Ihe Upper House," said Mrs H. Li. McCoinhs at Kaiapoi. She referred In the members of I he Legislative Council.

"Since 1913 over £60,000,000, equal to £4,000,000 a year, has gone out of New Zealand to buy motor vehicles," said Mr E. Walter at Stratford on Thursday night. ".Let us hope, we will soon find oil in Tarunaki and so save us from sending move money to America to buy petrol," he added.

The manifesto of the United Party said that secondary industries were to bo encouraged by the way of subsidies

rntlier than by tariff protection, remarked the lion. A. D. McLond, at .Masterton. Who would pay the luxes for the largo subsidies required? he asked. The answer must be the direct taxpayer of the country.

"Von have lost my vote, sir!" came a mournful voice from the. body of the hall, when Mr Hells Mason, United Party candidate for Manukaju, expressed doubt that, prohibitum would be a good thing economically Tor the country, in replying to a question at Oneiiunga. "Well. I am glad to know I 'did have your vote, even if only for one moment, was the candidate's smiling reply.

All adroit skill and not a little caution were displayed by Mr I!. 15. Speirs, Fluted Party candidate for Auckland West, in answering questions at a Ponr.oiihy meeting. "Are vnii in favour of summer time? he was asked. "Well, are there, any farmers present?" inquired the candidate. One hand shot up. "Well, I would like to take- a referendum of mothers before I answer," Mr Speirs then said. "After all, It is the mothers who are. most concerned, and if they favour it, 1 will vote for it."

As he did not expect to be Minister of Defence in the United Cabinet, Mr Speirs also thought it inadvisable to say 'whether be would take any steps toward providing another naval training depot ship to replace the condemned Philomel. On the Bible in Schools question be preferred to give an explanation of bis views at a later meeting. "I think that question and the one of prohibition are outside the. realm of legitimate politics," he added. "I would make it a criminal offence for the introduction of questions affecting the conscience of the people into politics."

'that the proposal to borrow £70,000.000 was not made by the conference of the United Party, held in Wellington to frame its policy, has been disclosed by Mr John Loudon, in a,further statement explaining his withdrawal from the Chalmers contest. Referring lo "the vital point of the I rouble," Mr Loudon said:—"Mr Wing (the provincial organiser) was as much worried as I was at not getting the party's policy earlier, and I saw him daily. The first manifesto we got was Sir Joseph Ward's speech in Auckland, published in the Press, and I got a great surprise when I saw his borrowing plank. I regarded it as the end of my chance and felt much upset, as 1 was certain that a large proportion of the Chalmers electors would bo up in arms against it. I am much opposed personally to the large borrowing, and feel that 1 would place the party and myself in a false position if I diil not take the stand I have done."

"For 17 years there has been behind the Be form' Party a powerful and sinister influence," declared Mr It. B. Speirs, United Party candidate for Auckland West, in. an address at Ponsonby. "I believe'that that influence has been responsible for the whole system of government by Order-in-Council," the candidate added. "That influence is representative of no constituency, and responsible to no authority; yet that influence is the final arbiter of the destinies of this country—the power behind the throne." A. Voice : Sir Francis Bell.

Mr Speirs: I am not dealing in personalities. Yes, Sir Francis Bell holds no authority; yet he is the final arbiter. I believe he was responsible for the introduction and maintenance of government by Order-in-Council. A Minister should bo responsible to the House of Representatives, and the members to their constituents. That is the democratic system, but it has been flouted. In picturesque and fluent phrase Mr Speirs recited the "sins" of the Reform administration. "The fabric that is being built into our national edifice is not worthy of the people of New Zealand," he ueelared in one oratorical passage. "The fabric that has been built into it in Hie last 10 years is, in my judgment, the least worthy in the short century of our history. There is one thing we can do — wo ca ',i. change the builders and get a new architect in command."

"Perhaps I should ho equally offended Willi another statement made by Mr Clavton," said the lion. K. S. Williams, Minister of Public Works, in an address at Tokomavu Bay, when referring to certain statements made by the United Party candidate for Gisborne, Mr W. Lissant Clayton. 'That is his allegation that only two members of the Cabinet have any brains. Perhaps he is right. The man with brains keeps clear of Parliament altogether and stays at home to find fault with those who are giving their services to the public. Those with a little intelligence are honoured by the electors, but the least intelligent of all are those who mistakenly imagine that, they are going to find their way into Parliament by getting on the platform and confining their policy to unfair criticism and personal attacks upon their political opponents."

One of the most frequent questions asked candidates is whether they are in favour of compulsory military training. Some of those supporting the United Party's banner have stated they are strongly in favour of its abolition, and a less costly and less arbitrary system introduced. At least two candidates have declared that the sum of something like £190,000 spent annually in this direction is waste. When question time came at a meeting addressed by Mr J. S. Dickson, Reform member for Parnell, lie was asked his view, and his reply was greeted with enthusiasm. "If a country's worth living in it is worth fighting for," he said. * * * *

Mr A. IT. Curtis, the Independent candidate for Marsden, describes himself as "The people's candidate." He considered party polities were a pernicious system ami that an independent was an ideal representative for the people, as he represented all the people. Dealing with the present parties in Parliament the candidate said the Government party had failed to justify itself. It had not given a sound land policy and had failed to give cheaper money so necessary to the development of the country. The candidate contended the electors could not afford to support that party as it was at present constituted. Regarding the Labour Party lie said, there was too much of a feeling of insecurity to place it in the Treasury benches. Its extreme Utopian ideas were too insecure. He thought it was better to keep Labour on the Opposition benches until it, was better known. The United Party was the old Liberal Party resurrected, together with a. few disgruntled politicians with the old leader at their head, said Mr Curtis. The only difference between this party and the Reform Parly was that, it wanted to borrow £2.000,000 a year more.

Labour members are in a majority on the Chrislehureh City Council. In a speech last, week-, Mr' J. W. Bennland, Reform candidate for Lyttclton, described their methods of conducting municipal affairs as a foretaste of Labour rule. "The Labour Party has levelled a

srond deal of criticism at the Reform Government on account of its doing so much business by Orders-in-Council," he said. "I have had a, good deal of experience on the Christchurcli City Council, but I have never known a city council conducted in such an unbusinesslike manner as the present council. "All questions for consideration by the council are. settled prior to the council meeting by the Labour caucus, and their

decisions are simply carried by the steam roller method which they adopt. The result is that the, opposition members have no chanco of conducting the business on recognised! municipal lines. When we realise that questions coming before the council for consideration liavo already been decided, and in some cases, work lias actually been carried) out before tenders have been accepted, "jut makes one loso ijailih in tho binles'ty. o| purpose of l,eadoi\s: " ' "t am in a 'position' to know theso things, and I say without hesitation that if the J labour Party captured the Government of this country, the same state of affairs would exist in regard to our national government as exists on the Chriskhurch City Council to-day."

Answering questions Mr 11. R. Jenr kins (United, Parnell), said he was in favour of prohibition, a two-issue ballot. paper, and the bare majority. He. would vote with Labour to put Reform out of office. Asked whether he favoured a. reduction in the number of civil servants, the candidate said, ho would like to see the number of members of Parliament reduced and the Legislative Council halved and made an elective body. Regarding land for settlement, the candidate said he would open unoccupied land rather than take over land which was at present producing. When there was no further suitable unoccupied land the large estates could be cut up for closer settlement.

Speaking at Masterton, Mr G. R. Sykes (Reform candidate for the district) defended the immigration policy of the Government. In taking some of the men and women from, the Old Country they were only doing their duty to the Old Country. They could not refuse admission to their own flesh and blood— Britishers of their own stock. At present they had closed down on the immigration scheme, owing to the slump conditions. A voice: "Many of the immigrants have died , since."—(Laughter.) Mr Sykes: "And. others have died during the past 50 years."

An interlude ■at Mr Charles Todd's meeting at Caversham :

The candidate (after covering a lot of ground in regard; to other matters): And now we come to the question of the health and happiness of the people; and that is the main thing, after all, isn't it?

A voice (plaintively): "How can a man be happy if you take away his beer?"

The candidate: "I've seen some pretty unhappy folk, the mqrning, after the night before." The voice (decisively): "Bad beer."

Asked if the Labour Party would vote with the United Party on a no-confidence motion against t,he Reforin, Party, Mr H. T. Armstrong ' (Christ'clmvch) stated that they would. Amidst laughter he added: "Then if th'e United" Party would not do what we wanted we would vote to put the Reformers back again."

There is a small boy on the Hauraki Plains who in after years will have reason to remember the Prime Minister (Mr J. G. Coates), and at least one piece of the legislation of the Reform Party. He has been named "Gordon," after Mr Coates, and his prospects have been made brighter by the Act of Parliament which conceals its beneficence under the sober title of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1927. How it came about is explained in. the following letter which Mr Coates has received fropi the. boy's father:—

"Dear Sir, —I wrote to you some months ago in reference to my holding, and since then the ranger has been to investigate my position, and after inquiries by tlie Ldnd, Board. I- have been, exempted, from rent for five years. Now, Mr Coates, words could not exr press the kindness you ihave done for my wife and six little kiddies. Anyway, the wifo has just had twins, a boy and a girl. We have called the boy Gordon, and I am. working long days, and, Sundays as well, to make the place a credit to your help. God bless you, Mr Coates, and a safe return. With the best wishes of Mr and family, and may success always be. with you."

"If I might make a prophecy, I should say that the Reform Party will be returned as tlie strong party in Parliament and, that the Labour Party will go back, a bit stronger than at present, while the United Party will be weakened."—Mjp 0. J; Hawken; "at El'tham last week. * * * #, "In the event of a motion of noconfidence, which party' would you vote'with?" was" a question put to Mr W. T. Lester, U'hted Party candidate for Lyttelton, at tfeathcote. "I would vote with the party I have just been condemning, the. Reform Party," was the candidate's answer. "I would never vote to put a parly in whose leader has openly advocated the cause of Revolutionary Socialism. I would at all times uphold the present Constitution."

"Far from being a burden on the resources of this country/' said Mr John Burns, United Party candidate for Wellington South, "the party's loan proposals are actually making for substantial relief. Here" is a simple problem anyone can understand. There are seven millions at present sunk in uncompleted railways, Interest on. this money is costing this country over £350,000 a year. Our loan proposals will finish the major portion of these works, namely, all the main lines, and thereby immediately lift this dead-weight load and make it revenue producing. Thus the new capital will produce not only its own interest, but save that £350,000 a year as well. That is what the United Party will do. We are out for business." » * * • "Good old Harry!" came a chorus from some "front benchers" when Mr V. H. Potter, Reform candidate for Eden, made reference to the Leader of the Opposition during a recent speech. "Half a minute, half a minute," pleaded Mr Potter, of the most persistent interjector. "You are not talking in your sleep, are you?" Then, later, he observed, "If Mr Holland came on to this platform and offered you a brick for a lemon drink, half of you would squeeze it." (Laughter.)

Tribute to political enemies was paid by Mr J. A. Lee, Labour candidate for Auckland East, speaking at Devonport in support of the Waitemata candidate, Mr A. G. Osborne. "Apart from political issues I have a good feeling toward Gordon Coates," he said. "I like him as a man outside the House. He is a likeable fellow, but geniality does not constitute political ability, I have always found Sir Joseph Ward a very courteous gentleman, but 1 have contempt for that party which has foisted ali the heat and burden of its campaign on the shoulders of a sick man. I have every admiration for Sir Joseph, but none for those people who unloaded this burden on him."

With the air of a man with something important to relate, Mr R. H. Grevillc, United Party candidate for Waitemata, told a Devonport audience that he would tell it about Mr Alex Harris.

"I will tell you how he got bis vote of confidence at Bayswater, which is regarded as my stronghold," he confided. "Mr Harris "brought a bus load of Takapuna supporters, and I wonder who paid for the bus. In addition he bad four car loads of friends. Only 12 out of the audience were Bayswater residents."

Mr Greville said his Labour opponent was a, self-admitted Socialist, and -"95

per cent, of Wailomata did not want Socialism." Air Grovillo said that Mr Harris .should proclaim himself the official Reform candidate, as ho had promised to vote on a no-confidonce division with Reform. * * * * "I am for politics before party, for freedom to express my convictions, and to represent; ty'ic electors without being tiod> and therefore'.! stand, as an. independent candidate," saidMr Albert IT. Curtis, addressing the Marsdch electors at' the Whaugarei Town Hall. i 'He said such candidates and such freedom was needed in the House if the country was to get sound and representative legislation. The present parties did not inspire anyone with a large amount of confidence. Reform had outstandingly failed in its land policy, butter control, unemployment, and Labour's objectives, in spite of some crowd tilings'in its platform, created a widespread feeling of risk and insecurity. Labour was better Icept in opposition till we knew them better. The United Party was a "shake-up" of resurrected Liberals, disgruntled politicians and others, chiefly differing from Reform in their readiness to borrow a few more millions; otherwise a vote for one was as good as a vole for the, other. The speaker set out his own policy of a vigorous opening up of lands, roading back areas, and practical assistance to enable settlement and development. . . . ■Replving to a question as to how he would vote on a no-confidence motion, the candidate said he would support the present Government till there was a better one in sight. # * * *

Sir Joseph Ward's avowed intention ,'of borrowing £70,000,000 called forth some scathing comment from Mr V. 11. Potter, at Mount Eden. Mr Potter admitted that Sir Joseph had been a great financier, but urged that lie could only be described as a "wasser" and, as such, was of no use to the country. It was impossible for .Sir Joseph to get money at 4* per cent,, •as that was less than the British (Government could get it for. In any 'case, even if it were possible to get money at such a low rate of interest, it certainly could not be reloaned at 4f per cent, with only a-quarter per cent, maro-im It would take at least 1 per cent? to cover the expenses. With that £70,000,000 at its disposal, the United .Party would certanlv make liberal advances to settlers. 'Land values would be forced up. and another slump would result Under Reform administration, New Zealand was undeniably prosperous as could be shown by the totahsator 'figures, and the amount spent annually on tobacco and beer. "Fabulous sums of money are going 'through the wrong channels," commented Mr Potter.

"I've thought and voted Liberal all my life," said'Mr Charles Todd, Reform candidate for Duncdin South, "but I reco"iiise there are now only two parties. It is a case of Labour v. The Rest, and I'm one of the Rest." Mr Todd added that the United Party had no right to claim successorsliip to the Liberals; Reform was just as Liberal as the Umteds. Atyer the election there would be only two parties, -anyway.

"It is time," declared Mr W. Manhire, Reform candidate for Christchurch South at his meeting on Tuesday, ' that we had a system whereby the people could be called together and settle some of the questions themselves- that are now settled bv their representatives in Parliament. We want a much better and superior form ofjocal government than we have to-day." * * * *

"In some directions we are getting too much industrial union control, and too little common-sense control, said the Hon. J. A. Young, speaking with reference to apprenticeships at Hamilton the other night. He said he was in fa.vour of some modification of the system to make it easier for boys to get employment as apprentices m the various trades. » » * *

"One day you hear the of the Government criticising borrowing proposals on the grounds of increasing expenditure, and the next day they are advocating the construction of a bridge costing thousands of pounds,' said Mr J. Linklater, M.P., at Rongotca in pointing out the inconsistencies of tlie critics of the Reform administration. * *-•••# •it-

Mr D. McDougall United candidate for Malaura in at least two instances at the opening of his campaign, suffered the indignity of being a politician unable to deliver an address, says the Southland Times." The first shot was scheduled to be fired at Brydone, but on account of the attendance consisting almost wholly of newspaper reporters (it was stated that farmers were too busy at this season to attend a seven o clock meeting) the candidate decided to reserve his heavy armoury until next day. A meeting at Edendale arranged for later the same night htid been previously postponed on account of the impossibility oi securing a hall. It therefore devolved on Mr McDougall to first state his case at Dacre, but a couple of ' '..Southland Times" reporters who attended could discover neither candidate nor.audience. Inquiries were made, at a nearby farmhouse, and it was learned that .Air McDougali had been informed that it was unlikely that any electors would attend and he had gone on his way.

Referring to the Government's policy in regard to potatoes, the Minister of Agriculture (the Hon. O. J. Tlawkcn) declared in the course of an address that he did not believe there had been any serious shortage. He believed some merchants had held stocks for higher prices, and he was not going to break down the Government's system and help one group of merchants against another He' did not think the customers would have derived any benefit by relaxing the regulations. * * * *

"The habit of approaching candidates to try to get them to make various pledges is 'growing in tips country, said Mr H. M. Campbell, M.P., Reform candidate for Hawke's Bay, speaking at Hastings. "I get requests from as far away as Auckland. 1 have not answered them yet, but I am going to and I am going'to tell them all that I won t bind myself in any way. If I am not fit to go into the House as your representative and be trusted to act m a reasonable way—well, you had better get someone else." * * * *

The mass of the people would rather have a man they can trust without bonds than one, who must be bound upon everything, comments Hie Post. There is as we have many tunes emphasised, a further difficulty in pledges: that thev may actually misrepresent public opinion. Suppose, for example, a candidate is pledged upon six issuesall quite distinct—how can it be said that any one of his pledges has been responsible for his election 7 It may be that most electors have, regarded only one pledge—the adherence to a party, mid this is the only pledge, which is normally justifiable. The majority of voters may have differed from him upon all other points and yet considered the party pledge to outweigh all others. Yet •ill the pledge seekers would count his return as one vote towards their mandate.