Mr. James Godber at the Sydney Street Schoolroom.

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 124, 15 November 1902, Page 13

Mr. James Godber at the Sydney Street Schoolroom.

Mr. James Godber addressed a large meeting of the electors on Wednesday evening at the Sydney Street Schoolroom. Mr. M. Murdoch presided, and in introducing Mr. Godber spoke of his good qualities, and also of the respect and esteem that gentleman had earned during his long residence in Weilington. Before opening his speech Mr. Godber referred to the wreck of the Elingamite, and said he was sure that all present would sympathise with those who had lost friends or relatives. Mr. Godber said that the opposition twitted the Government with having no policy, but at the same time the only policy the opposition had seemed to be a wish' to turn the present Government out, and see if they could not do the work as well. Mr. Godber supported the land policy of the present Government, but would like to see the lease in pepetuity put aside in favour of the perpetual lease. He was an advocate of the Old Age Pensions, and did not see why it should be looked upon as a charity. He considered that the people were entitled to it, and approved of the Government opening up foreign markets for New Zealand produce. He hoped to see the Main Trunk Bailway pushed on as quickly as possible, and the Hutt Line straightened without delay. He did not see why jurors on civil cases should only get 10s. per case, and would certainly support a Bill giving them 10s. per day.

In reply to questions, he said he was in favour of abolishing all exemptions re Land Tax, excepting in cases where the Commissioner of Taxes was satisfied that it would cause hardship. He was in favour of a Fair Eent Bill. He was not in favour of a State control of the liquor traffic. Several questions of minor importance were answered by the candidate. Mrs. Player moved that a hearty vote of thanks and confidence be given to Mr. Godber. This was carried with only one dissentient. A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the proceedings.

During his address Mr. Godber read the following correspondence : — November sth, 1902. To His Grace Archbishop Redwood. Reverend Sir, — I extremely regret that you were unable to see me this afternoon as I wished to contradict certain false statements that have been circulated that reflect on my personal character The Right Hon the Premier informed me last night that it had been stated to, and believed by, a large number of the members of your Church, that I had taken the chair and assisted one " Slattery" at his meetings here some time since, also that I had given my countenance to another of that class recently, and in consequence of such misstatements, not only my character, but my business had suffered I beg to assure you on my honour that it is absolutely false in every particular, for I never was present at any of their meetings, nor countenanced them in any way. I have neither time nor sympathy for such mountebanks. As a matter of fact, my sympathies are in the other direction, as a proof of which I have m my employ twelve who are members of your Church, two of whom I have such confidence m that they have the run of the cash in my establishment, and I am sure they would bear testimony in my favour. I have only to add that, although I am a candidate for Parliament, I am not writing this for electioneering purposes, but to clear my character, which I value more than everything else, feeling sure you will believe the word of an honourable man, and make known that I contradict those statements. — I am, Reverend Sir, faithfully yours, JAMES GODBER,

Wanganui, November 7th, 1902. Mr. James Godber, Wellington. Dear Sir, — I am sorry that stress of business connected with my departure for "Wanganui rendered me unable to see you on the sth inst. In regard to the misstatements referred to in your letter of the sth mat., I beg to say that no one ever informed me that you had taken the chair for one Slattery at his meetings, or that you had countenanced any other of that class. I fully believe you, when, on your honour, you declare to me in the aforesaid letter that such charges are false in every particular. If I hear such charges against you I shall contradict them absolutely. I am, dear sir, yours faithfully, f FRANCIS REDWOOD, S.M., Archbishop of Wellington.