THE COMING ELECTIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12931, 29 July 1905, Page 7

THE COMING ELECTIONS.

MR. POOLE AT PONSONBY. Me. C. H. Poole, who is a candidate for the Auckland West constituency, delivered am address at the (Ponsonby Hall last evening. There was a large attendance. Mr. S. C. Brown presided. Mr. Poole explained that lie was a Liberal in the truest sense of the word, holding that the democratic character had been responsible for the best governed countries in the world. He assured his hearers that he would always act straight and plain, avoiding rubber-heeled tactics. He had not a second motive in presenting himself as a candidate, but that of being actuated solely by the good that he could do. The new policy to which ho inclined was administrative rather than legislative. The educational system of the colony was by no means complete; but it was an improvement on that, of some other colonies, the young moil of New Zealand' being pretty well catered for when compared with the opportunities open to them in other parts of the British dominions. He favoured the best development of the educational system of the colony. Ho was a believer in close settle-' ment, endorsing the policy of the present Government in that respect. At a later date lie would express himself oil the land question. He strongly supported old age pensions, . also the various superannuation schemes now under consideration. He strongly supported the absolute majority. Taxation should be adjusted by reducing Customs duties 011 necessaries of life, and the introduction of the graduated land tax. The labour policy of the present Government met with his entire-approval. He strongly favoured the referendum. He was there to advocate and maintain the people's entire control of the liquor traffic, and was 110 railsitter——in this matter, but was ready to stand or fall upon the prohibition, question. To the supporters of the liquor traffic he would say that lie had 110 card in his hand to play to win the liquor vote. If his hearers were going to be logical in their opposition to monopolists, they could not overlook the liquor traffic, and must tight those who represented the trade in their Legislature. He favoured 1 the introduction.'of a Bible text-book into the schools, a book that should be free from subjects of common controversy. He was convinced that the Government had neglected Auckland to the advantage of the other part? of the colony, and the only remedy for that was to return men who would see that Auckland got: justice. A Government would be as good as its members. (Voice: "Yes, and a great deal worse.") Mr. Seddon would right enough if the people sent the fittest representatives to Parliament. He would place himself in their hands as an Independent Liberal, and if sent to Wellington he would do his utmost to keep one man straight, and that was C. H. Poole. Mi'. R. French will address the ©lectors of Parnell-in the Oddfellows' Hall, Parnell, on Thursday evening next.