MR. BELL’S POLITICAL DEATH WARRANT.

Northland Age, Volume 23, Issue 48, 24 March 1924, Page 6

MR. BELL’S POLITICAL DEATH WARRANT.

(Contributed) On Tuesday, the igth Feb., the Slavia Hall, Waiharara, was well filled, the seating accommadation being taxed to its utmost, to hear Mr M. J. Savage, M.P. for Auckland West. Mr Jim Steed was in the Chair. The Chairman, in his opening remarks, reminded his audience how in 1911 they, the electors of the Bay of Islands were politically betrayed to the Massey Party, then, again, at the last election, when the m ijority of the electors once again declared against the present Government and when the political hangman had the rojie adjusted, in steps the present member for the Bay of Islands and locks the bolt, thus preventing the death drop of the Reform Government. Now the miners of Hikurangi and other Labour stalwarts in this constituency say, never again shall wc be made the dupes and marionettes of any political opportunist who dubs himself Independent, Progressive, Democratic, Reform, anti-Labour Member of the Allen Bell type. Mr Savage was accorded a great ovation on rising to speak. The speaker dealt mainly with the Labour Party’s land policy, taxation, National Debt, and land values. After speaking for over an hour and a half Mr Savage explained the Labour Party constitution, and finally made a strong appeal to the gumdiggers to form a branch of the New Zealand Labour Party in Waiharara. A number of questions were asked the speaker, and answered to the satisfaction of the large audience. It was proposed and seconded that a branch of the Labour Party be formed in Waiharara, and on being put to the meeting this was carried unanimously. Mr Jim Steed was appointed Secretary, pro tem. A hearty vote of thanks to the speaker for his able address and the usual vote to the Chair concluded the most successful political meeting ever held in Waiharara. Execution takes place next polling day.