THE EDEN CONTEST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15767, 16 November 1914, Page 9

THE EDEN CONTEST.

MR. PARR AT EDENDALE. The Reform candidate for Eden, Mr. C. J. Parr, C.M.G., addressed a crowded meeting at the Edendale Hall on Friday evening, Mr. C. W. Harris being in the chair. The candidate said he was convinced that tlif party system of politics was out oi date, the' business of the Dominion was like any other business and should be conducted on businesslike lines. The spectacle of men sitting up all night till 4 a.m. engaged in a silly " stonewa.il" or fighting for some mere party advantage was surely a ridiculous anomaly in an age of political enlightenment. The interests of the country should bo put before the interests of any party. The best qualified men should be elected to manage the portfolios, irrespective of party. Personally he would place the interests of Auckland before those of party, and he would not hesitate to turn out any Ministry if it did serious injustice to Auckland. (Applause.) Proceeding, the candidate stated that one reason why he supported Mr. Massey was because the present Government was the first to deal out to Auckland justice in railway and other expenditure. South Island'members had neglected the North because they do not realise its growth and importance. With regard to the navy, Mr. Parr said the candidates who advocated a system of contributions to England failed to understand the subject. Australia and Canada had decided upon local unite, and this was a sound policy. The Australian Navy had saved New Zealand from disaster. Next time, he hoped, we would be ready to help ourselves*. Sir Joseph Ward's ideas about the navy were fossilised, and Mr. Allen's forecasts and policy had been amply justified by the events of the war. (Applause.) A vote of confidence .was carried on the voices. ,