RECORD OF REFORM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20074, 11 October 1928, Page 13

RECORD OF REFORM.

SIR J. GUNSON'S SUPPORT.

THE UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEM. LABOUR REMEDIES FAIL. Now Lynn, the roputed stronghold of Labour in the Auckland Suburbs electorate, was invaded by Sir James Gunson, the Reform candidate, last evening, when an audience of 150 gavo him an attentive and enthusiastic reception. Mr. W. L. Titchener presided. The candidate cast his speech on similar lines to his opening address at Henderson, making special reference to unemployment and transport problems, and generally examining the record of Reform to demonstrate the achievements of the last three years of office.

Answering those who contended a Labour Government would have attacked the unemployment problem better than the Coates Government had dono, Sir James quoted the position in New South Wales under tho Lang Government. When Mr. Lang camo into office in Juno, 1925, the unemployed in Sydney ofiicially numbered 10,500. Two years later, when Mr. Lang went out of office, the number had grown to 12,500. "I know this is a difficult, problem to solve, and I do not blame Mr. Lang becauso ho did not solve it," said the speaker. "But it is worth remembering that Labour could not solve tho problem when it was put into office for that express purpose. Tho Labour policies in Now South Wales and in New Zealand aro cast on precisely the same lines. Is it reasonable to expect then, that a Labour Government in New Zealand would have dono any bettor? It is a problem that cannot be solved by a public man or by an administration. It can be solved only by co-operation." Transport Facilities. Iho prediction that tho Transport Board Act passed by Parliament last week would be in tho interests of tho suburban districts was made by the candidate, who added lie had no doubt tho measure would bo approved by the City Council and by the ratepayers concerned. If returned as member it would bo his duty to see that justice was done to the suburban areas in the matter of adequate and sufficient transport facilities. "1 want to be your agent in that connection," said Sir James, "and in view of my past associations and experiences, I think 1 may say that will not be without value."

'T believe 1929 is going to bo tho most prosperous year tho Dominion is going to have," said the speaker, in a brief reference to the trade outlook Tho country's exports for tho first seven months of the year reached £41,071,000, which would work out at £65,000,000 for tho present calendar vear. Then, following tho I'scaro" of last year, imports were shrinking. "So we are getting it both ways—expanding exports and decreased imports," said the speaker. "I am satisfied that, while there was an adverse balance of £5,000,000 last voar, there will bo a huge favourable balance of exports over imports at tho end of this year." Referring to land settlement, Sir James said tho Government had put 1913 new settlers on the land last year. A Voice: How many walked off? Sir James: I know a number walked off, and thoso are tho men I would help. I would write off all their accrued debts to tho department and put thoso men on their feet again. Ex-Soldiers on the Land. Replying to questions, Sir James denied the truth of ari inference that "dosshouses and soup kitchens" marched hand in hand with the Reform Government. Tho candidate told another questioner that ho thought tho position of general manager of railways was worth £3600 a year if the holder of the office was a man of proved capacity. A bright interlude came with a vigorous denunciation from a front seat of the alleged action of the Government in settling returned soldiers on an area that "would not feod a grasshopper." Sir James pointed out tho Revaluation Board had done a fair thing by returned men on the land. He certainly did not favour putting any man on land true to the description given. A vote of thanks and confidence was declared carried by a substantial majority. A meeting of ladies was addressed by the candidate at Birkdnle yesterday afternoon, when a strong committee was formed. I?EF0I?M IN MANUKAU. SUPPORT FOR MR. BUNN. A largely-attended meeting of Reform supporters was addressed by Air. Bertram | Bunn, the official Reform candidate for | Manukau, in the Pcnroso Methodist Hall last evening. Mr. T. Whitehead presided. At tho close of Mr. Bunn's address a vote of thanks nnd confidence was carried by acclamation. Two delegates from Penrose, Messrs. T. Whitehead and E. Mowbray, were elected to tho Manukau central executive, while all present at the meeting were enrolled as members of a local committee to assist Mr. Bunn.