THE EDEN ELECTORATE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15769, 18 November 1914, Page 4

THE EDEN ELECTORATE

GOVERNMENT CANDIDATE.

MR. PARR AT KINGSLAND.

The Government candidate for Eden, Mr. C. J. Parr, C.M.G., gave a political address at the Jubilee Hall, Kingsland. last evening. Mr. T. Hodgson presided. The hall, was crowded, many being unable to gain admission. A small section of the audience made noisy demonstrations at intervals and endeavoured to interrupt the candidate by interjections. Mr. Parr's ready retorts and unfailing good humour, however, created an excellent impression. In the codrse of his speech the candidate dealt with the various political questions he had touched upon in his previous addresses. He remarked that if Sir Joseph Ward came into power again he would have to rely on the Social Democrats every time. A Voice : What rot! Mr. Parr: 1 object to the Social Democrat being the tail that wags the dog without having any responsibility. (Applause.) The candidate proceeded to quote figures telling against the Ward Administration in 'various Departments when a member of the audience interjected: How about thou© pigeon-holes? Mr. Parr • I am -giving you some of tho pigeon-holes now. (Applause), ♦v. After outlining his policy for opening up the count™ by means of railways and so settling the land, the candidate made reference to the progressive measures that had been put on the Statute Book by -the Massev Government. Referring to the,question of State Socialism, the candidate said that workers could be assisted in various and better ways than by such a system, and he advocated that there should be more scholarships and bursaries open to the .-aildren of the workers. In two months time he would be advocating this as Men a ) representative in Parliament. (Oheers.) In answer to questions, the candidate announced himself in favour of the Bible in schools referendum and the 55 per cent, majority on the liquor question. He also replied to numerous other questions. On the motion of Mr. A. Smith seconded by Mr. W. Hetherington, a resolution of thanks and confidence was carried by a large majority, and loud cheers were given for 'Mr.. Massey and Mr. Parr. A small section of the audience gave counter-cheers for Sir Joseph Ward. Mr. Parr addressed the electors at Waitnkere on Monday. He said that a favourite charge levelled against the Massey Government was that it had throttled the State Fire Insurance and Public Trust Offices. As a matter of fact, the exact contrary was the case. The profits of the State Fire Office under the Ward Government for the two years preceding its defeat were £16,248, whereas the profits under the Massey' Government for a like period were £38,331. The Public Trust Office profits in 1911 amounted to £11,241, while the profits for 1914 nad reached a total of £29,222. The official figures, therefore, proved that both of these offices were flourishing under the Massey Government as they never flourished before. The people, he maintained, had more confidence in a strong Government than in one which had to " kow-tow " to the revolutionary Socialists. Hence the progress made 'by these State offices. (Applause.)