THE HAWKE'S BAY SEAT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15613, 20 May 1914, Page 10

THE HAWKE'S BAY SEAT

MR. McMAB A CANDIDATE.

MEETING AT NAPIER.

ADDRESS BY SIR J. WARD.

[by telegraph.—press ASSOCIATION.]

Napier, Tuesday. Sin Joseph Ward addressed an audience of between 800 and 900 electors at the Princess Theatre, Hastings, this evening". Every scat was occupied, and standing room had to be refused to latecomers. Sir Joseph and Lady Ward were accorded <i great reception. Sir Joseph Ward spoke mainly on the lines of his open-air meeting at Christchurch on May 4. He repeated his previous remarks regarding the naval policy of New Zealand, and added that he would use every means in his power between now and the election to' induce people to protest against a. local navy being established. Dealing with advances to workers and cheap money. Sir Joseph Ward stated that ho had received letters from all parts of the country telling him of the difficulties facing borrowers in obtaining loans and complaining of the high rate of interest Since he had come 10 Hawke's Bay he had received' two such letters from persons who paid 8 per cent, and a procuration fee of li per cent.

Referring to the recent strike, he repeated his statement that the strike could have been settled in two- days. There were two Acts on the Statute Book which could have been put into operation, and which would have prevented the strike from spreading. Ho did not believe in syndicalism, and prior to last election he told candidates standing in the interests of the party now known as fedcrationists that he could not subscribe to their policy. The result was that at. the second ballot they voted for Reform candidates.

Dealing with the Hawke's Bay seat, Sir Joseph Ward said that during the last few weeks meetings had been'held with a view to crystalising the opinion <?1 the electors in the matter of the selection of a Liberal candidate. Delegates from all parts of Hawke's Bay assemoled to-day, and had unanimously selected Mr. Robert McNab —(loud cheers),who they considered had the best chance of winning the seat. Concessions had been made by_ other aspirants for selection who were entitled to consideration, and who by standing aside set a worthy example to candidates in other electorates. They had displayed a fine spirit, which would help the Liberal cause.

The following resolution was caried unanimously, and with loud cheers: "That this meeting conveys a hearty vote of thanks to Sir Joseph Ward for his address, expresses confidence in. his party, and congratulates him on his able leadership, and pledges itself to support the selected candidate at the coming election." '■•":•'