THE POLITICAL ARENA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14825, 31 October 1911, Page 8

THE POLITICAL ARENA.

CANDIDATES AT WORK.

MR. ALLEN'S FIRST SPEECH.

GOVERNMENT CRITICISED.

[by TELEGRAPH. —IT.FS3 ASSOCIATION.]

Milton, Monday. Mr. Jamks Ai.t.kn addressed a la?«t»* nesting of '.'i f elector;?- -H ~J:.'i).~e at M .'on ' : >is evening. *«,. King (Mayor) being in the chair. Dealing with questions at finance, Mr. Allen said th.it if the Governmentdrew suspicion upon its head it was its own fault, because it refused information. The Opposition had asked for years for the cost and expense of raising loans, and they had had :/j .rt '.rn all this year, and when it- came it- dealt, only wit ft loans raised up to March 3.909. He (Mr. Allen) could see no earth .son why the cost of raising loans in W? was not laid on the table in 1903. The returns disclosed the fact that the increase in the loans raised was as follows: —190?. £2.022.015: 1908, £3.339,166; 1909. £4.298.195 ; and 19.10, over six and a-half millions. There was another curious fact, and that was that the premiums had fallen. In 1907 the premiums were £13.255 on £1.096.015 4 per cent, loans, whereas in 1909 the premiums were only £6535 on £1,647,695 4 per cent. lean/. Tiie speaker refuted a statement- that if in power his party would repeal a. greatdeal of the legislation on the Stat . Tv V;, and referred to a, misapprehension that his party never assisted the Government, instancing a great mass of legislation putthrough with the help of his party. The Government- had been too 'eve: in office, and this i"d tc .v.;.- which Wiv exhibited in tue omgiaal climates tor the A nek la»; d - Penrose, 0 hris tcliurch lio.ti ton, and Durtediu-Mosgwl vai ;•<»*.? duplications. These were ef.l-m.-ste-d "«> >vi -£2 K 'v, .X), but bv tk; ,-:k ; ii . 'a\ ' Pari-rwneKw i..;«! prov.-.fAV'd 200 for t-how v. . -vks. Tha a,r«ioi»riat.»>!n. would show which wet® election year? : and, further, it was fair to iifiv that- when increases in salaries were chiefly made in election years it was dona for a purpose. Continuance in office, and a desire to keep office, led to the use of undue infl:;nnce.. and it seamed to him. that the remarks of the Minister for Public Works (Hon. li, McKenzie) at Opunake, to the effect that if they wanted the railways they must, vote against the Opposition, .and the somewhat similar remarks made by the Hon. Tlios. Mackenzie at Balclutha must exercise an improper influence. Then there wrs the improper use of public money. The public works expenditure might be taker a* ii~i barometer of an ejection year. Referring to the evil effects ol' overborrowing, Mr Allen said that, according to the Prime Minister at Ashburton, ithad come U-- ibis: that- if they stopped borrowing it would affect trade right oft the reel, and irderast. would jump up. In hie ?j>eeeh on 'the Budget- this year. Mi. Ride) had said that the only remedy thai the had at the present momont for une-mploymeut- was borrowing money. He could not- believe that to be true, and in the hole course of his Parliamentary carreer he had said, anything so injurio'j. -o the credit of the country. The c'isseVv ~,v,is in the Cabinet were next referred to, and ?he resignations of Messrs. E«g£ and ftwldr, At the conclusion of his address, Mr. Alien received an almost unanimous vote of thanks and confidence. •

RAGLAN ELECTORATE. Mfy DROMGOOL AT PUNI. [ FROM our own correspondent. ] Peeekohe, Monday. . Mr. J. C. Dromgool, Government candidate for Raglan, addressed a well-attend-ed meeting of electors in the Puni Schoolroom on Saturday evening. Mr. J. Brown presided. / • The candidate spoke on the lines of his previous addresses, but his remarks on the mortgage tax evoked considerable interest. He declared that this bogey was a pure myth. Such a tax was unknown in New Zealand law; The so-called mortgage tax was the ordinary laud tax payable alike by all landed estates ovjr £500 in value. in the case of mortgaged estates the mortgagee who an ineome fic a the land by way of meet.est was called upon to pay his due share of the laud iix in ;.:eoportion ,fc !:'i interest in the 1 >T?<i .a,? objet, si he Oprswi.-"-fci {it relieve Un snorigi 3<-e oi this tai -J. Kfl ' cocid only -'■ -ioae by exempting htw, which would I .■ manifestly unfair- to neighbouring owners >vho, being unencumbered would pay their full quota of land tax. It would be equally unfair that the borrower should pay the tax, while the mortgagee who enjoyed the profits, of his labour should escape scot free. The candidate said he would maintain the licensing law as it exists at present; he would not vote for the abolition of the totalisator, but considered that a fixed proportion of the totalisator profits should be utilised to subsidise agricultural associations in order to provide prizes to encourage -the breeding of useful types of horseflesh. On the motion of Mr. Hill, seconded by Mr. . Graham, the candidate was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his able exposition of his political vie* - !.

MR. BELL'S OPENING SPEECH.

Notwithstanding the boisterous weather, there was an excellent attendance at the Puni school to hear Mr. Allen Bell deliver his initial • political address (telegraphs our own" correspondent). Mr. W. Brown occupied the chair. The candidate proved himself a capable platform speaker, and during his address of two hours held the attention of his audience. At the conclusion of the address he was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Mr. Allen Bell also addressed the electors at Tnakau on Saturday night. There was a large attendance, presided over bv Mr. Deeble. The candidate had a meet enthusiastic reception. ' Ho dealt exhaustively with land, labour, taxation, immigration, constitution of the Upper House, reform of public service, defence, and licensing questions. * On the latter, ho announced himself as a straightout supporter of the bare majority. In general politics he declared himself as an opponent of the Ward Ministry, which had lost the confidence of the country. At the conclusion of the address the candidate was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. » "

ADDRESSES BY MB. DUNCAN. [from our own correspondent. ] Mgakttawahia, Monday. During the past week Mr. Wm. Duncan, Government candidate for the new Raglan constituency, addressed good meetings at Rnapuke, Te Mat a, To Uku, Whatawhata., and Taupiri, and in each district he was well received. In every centre.strong committees were set up. At Taupiri on Friday evening, Mr. -Duncan had a particularly successful meeting, a -very large.and appreciative audience being present. A vote of thanks and confidence in Mr. Duncan as being a fit and proper person to represent the Raglan electorate was carried unanimously amidst great enthusiasm..

KAIPARA CAMPAIGN. MR. FIELD AT RAUPO. [BY TELEGRAPH.OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Dargavllle, Monday. Mr. E. T. Field, Opposition candidate for Kaipara, addressed a largely attended meeting at Raupo, on Friday. He declared that the members of the Government were opposed to the very spirit of Liberalism., He called upon everyone irn-

bued with the spirit of Liberalism, of patriotism, and of justice, to signalise their disapproval of such unworthy conduct of public affairs bv voting solidly at the coming election to oust the Government from office. The issue was perfectly clear cut. The present policy of wasteful extravagance and inept administration, if unchecked, would eventually lead to financial disaster. The Opposition proposed a complete system of reform, which would place the State in a position to weather any financial storm which might arise. .Air. Field discussed various planks of the Opposition platform, which, ho characterised as thoroughly liberal and thoroughly democratic. He was accorded a hearty Vote of thanks and a motion of confidence in the Opposition was oar: unam;uov*?\ -

W AIT 33 MAT A CONTEST.

MP,. ALISON AT NOUriICOTE.

Mr. K. W. Alison. Independent candidate Vu- Waitomata, addressed the large:,! meeting in • he 'piesc;campaign at Northcote last - lght. The Mayor of Northcote (Mr. si t'.\r?aew.) presided. The candidate recciv: i ;>ood hearing, his address being punctmtea by frequent applause He advocated a honoraria- for the Leader of il»" Opposition similar to the Canadian system. Replying to questions, the candidate favoured the three-tilths majority on national and local option legardiug the liquor traffic, and asserted that he tended to letain his independence as regards party till the next election, but ii' it was necessary to take sides lie would address the electors on the question. On the motion of Messrs. It. Van Veen and Arch. Campbell, a. vote of thanks and confidence was canicd unanimously

THE .MANUKA*? CONTI IT.

MB. STEWART AT OTAHI"HI\ A political address was ■ ■■■ivved in Hie Otalmlu' Hall last evcr.ing ir- -s. Ralph I). Slev-ait, Li'kt.il candidali tcr Mana--1 an. Mr. .John Brady nv'suitd own- % fair attendance, The candidate dealt. is it'i i.ho question of old age pensions, end workingraeri's liC'iPs. lie -vxv« - to - 1 -- yr ■ » V " <•.».•!&< - ■ tain.; i-. ..... -'i!, jsvrlsi-.rathr- : • •; , -I'd advooa? \:ii that a separate til bun:. should be pet up. Reference, was made to the tact that the Dominion's indebtedness amounted 'to £79,000.000. When the. present Government rami' into power '.lie indebtedness, was about ±!40,000,000, hut of this only 49 per cent, was interest-bearing, whereas at the present time 89 pe: cent, of the debt .war interest-bearing. Mr. Stewart was in favour of military training, tut considered that the territorials, when put out. of pocket in the pursuit of their military duties, should be reimbursed by the State. The speaker spent scrap, time ir acb'etsely criticising the Opposition. After answering *cv«iral questions, a vote oh th'tuk.s wa« a<v<'Hed to the speaker.

TATJBAWSA CONTEST. MR. K'Xn AT TE PUKE. [BT KaM;?MW COBRBSFOXDEST.] T« Pr«.*r, .MondayMr. King, Liberal candidate for Tau rtnga, addressed a crowded audience in the Public Hall here on • Saturday night. He received a splendid hearing. Mr. P. J. MeF'vm chair itsn of the R.«.'» JWil. presided. The candidate spoke for about an hour, and answered a number of questions. He declared himself as a supporter of the policy of the present Government. A vote of thanks and confidence was carried. The candidate will speak at different centres every night this week.

THE WAIKATO. MR. GREENSLADE'S CAMPAIGN. [BY TELEGRAPH.OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Hamton", Monday. Mr. H. J. Gleenslade, me' for Waikato, returned from Well in-. esterday, and will immediately com. e> on his electioneering campaign, in which ho is opposed by Mr. J. A. Young. A meeting to further Mr. Greenslade's candidature will be held to-morrow evening. NORTHERN MAORI SEAT. m _ 6 THIRTEEN CANDIDATES. [FROM OUR OWN* CORRESPONDENT.] DinOAViLLE, Monday. The following 13 candidates arc in the fatWi for the Northevn. Maori seat: —Dr. 'Hi.ek, Ehu Moetarj. (Hokianga), Huirua Tito (Tangitoyovia), Herepeti Rapihana (Mangonui), liiap.i Pohipi (Mangonui), Em Ihaka (Mangonui), Wiri Nehua (Whangarei), Urn Rewiti (Kawakawa), Reihana Netana (Kaikohe), Kipa Roera (Russell), Hare Te Rangi (Waitangi), Eru Mihaka (Aupouri), and Hemi Te Paa (Northern Wairoa). Various attempts have been made to induce some of the candidates to withdraw, but so far not one will give way.

NATIVE MINISTER'S SEAT.

A POSSIBLE CANDIDATE. [lit TKLKGKAFH.OWN* CORRESFONDEXT.] 1 GisnoßNi', Monday. A rumour is current that Mr. A. L. D. Fraser, of Hastings, who is at present in town, will be found contesting the Gisborne seat against Sir James Carroll. Several prominent local supporters of the Opposition party, on being interviewed by a reporter, stated their inability to deny the truth of such a possibility. Mr. Eraser himself stated that he is in receipt of strictly confidential communications from the heads of the Government, and he can at present eay nothing as to his intentions of seeking Parliamentary honours in this electorate.-

CAMPAIGN NOTES. Mr, IJr.'ca W. Alison, jun., will address the Waitemat-a electors at Birkdale this evening. Mr. Allen Bell, Opposition candidate for Raglan, will give an address at Mercer this evening. Mr. John Payne, Socialist candidate for Grey Lynn, addresses the electors at tho Richmond Hall on Thursday evening. Mr. J. S. Dickson, Independent, candidate for the Pain el I seat, will address the I electors in St. Aidan's Hall, llemuera, on ['Thursday night, Mr. C. H. Poole will open his election campaign by addressing the electors of Auckland West at Windsor Hull, Three Lamps, to-morrow evening. Mr. W. 11. Murray will deliver an address to the electors of-Grey Lynn to-mor-row evening at'the Richmond Hall. Mr. S. C. Brown will preside. The Hon. Geo, Fowlds will address tho electors of Grey Lynn in the East-street Mission Hall this evening. The chair will be taken by Mr. S. C. Brown. In connection with the campaign of Mr. Alex. Harris, Opposition candidate/ for Waitemata, the ladies' committee will meet this afternoon at Lane's tearooms, Devonport-, Replying to numerous deputations, Mr. James Horn (chairman of Vincent County Council) has consented to contest the Wakatipu seat in the Government interest. An address will be. given to the electors of Pamcll by Sir John Findlay to-morrow evening in the Newmarket Public Hall. Tho Mayor of Newmarket (Mr. P. Teed! will ures;4&

Mr. P. 11. Hid <ey, Socialist candidate for the Ohinemuri electorate, delivered political addresses at Karangahako and Pacroa on Friday and Saturday, and was accorded votes'of thanks. At a meeting of Labour representatives in Dunedin last evening (says a Press Association message) it was decided to take no part in the Dnnedin North contest, the Hon. J. T. Paul, M.L.C.. being unablo to accept nomination by tho Council. Mr. C. K. Wilson, Opposition candidate for Taumarnnui, is conducting a vigorous campaign in the back country districts, and had a most successful meeting at Aria on Saturday nirM Mr. V. flame, registrar of -electors for tho Jlagkn electorate, ha* completed tin-; main roil, which comprises 5899 names. The office of the registrar is at present located in th* Courthouse, Jiuntly. In response to th representations of a large cloputi.it'an, V 1 . C. 11. Elisor lias ■ v>-re".*.cd to staiid for Jiccarton as an Independent oppositionist, and stated that or, the question of a no-confidence motion he would vote against the Ward Government.