REFORM IN MANUKAU.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20084, 23 October 1928, Page 11

REFORM IN MANUKAU.

AN OUTSPOKEN CANDIDATE.

STRENGTHENING THE PARTY.

ADDRESS BY MR. B. BUNN

There was an attendance of about 60 in the Penrose Picture Theatre last evening when Mr. Bertram Bunn, Reform candidate for Manukau, opened his campaign. Mr. R. G. Clark, who presided, stated in introducing the candidate that Mr. Bunn had stood for lliccarton in 1914, when he was defeated by a narrow margin. "I am not in this campaign because 1 love politics very much, but because I feel the country requires men who will take their placo in Parliament and do something for the people," Mr. Bunn said. "A man does not want to enter Parliament and think lie is the Government of tho country, but ho does want to have strong convictions and a desire to work in tho interest of tho people." Mr. Bunn said tho country was faced with many problems, including those of taxation, land settlement and their related questions. The Prime Minister had been unduly blamed for the depression which had been experienced during recent years, but ho had been forced to handle a most difficult situation. This he had done with creditable foresight. He had not been responsible for the depression which had arisen. On the other hand, tho situation was more in the nature of a repetition of the economic history that marked the Government of Sir Joseph Ward in 1907. _ Prospects were now definitely brighter, as was shown by the surplus of £10.000,000 which marked last year's trading. Ho considered it was not too much to forecast a surplus of £15.000,000 next yearCloser Settlement Scheme. One of tho most pressing problems of the moment was that concerning the land. Mr. Bunn said ho would advocate closer settlement along the lines of the Canadian system, whereby those who, under the supervision of tho Government, brought the land in, would be offered first choice in farming areas. There was no need for pessimism throughout the country, but unless a progressive policy were adopted in regard to land settlement tho Dominion would be faced with just as serious problems in the future as had been the case in the past. The prosecution of a land policy providing ultimately for greater production would be the first step toward a solution of tho problem of unemployment. "The Main Highways Board must prosecute road formation works from its accumulated funds," tho candidate added, in offering a suggested solution of the unemployment problem. 'The board has several hundred thousand pounds ready to spend. Why this is not being done to relieve tho distress caused by unemployment, Ido not know. I was speaking to Mr. Coates only four or five weeks ago, and he told me he only wished he could get behind Jhe Highways Board and tell it what to do." Railway Works Advocated. Another work he would advocate was the Auckland-Morningside railway deviation, Mr. Bunn said. He would urge this should be started before next winter. There was great need to find work for those unemployed who had their homes and families in the city. They could not expect these men to go hundreds of miles out of town for work, leaving their families to fend for themselves. The Pokeno-Paeroa railway was another work that should bo undertaken at onco in order to obviate the wastage now caused by the circuitous transport of goods. "Why the Government does not seize these opportunities to develop tho trc--1 mendous possibilities presenting themselves," remarked the candidate, ' I really cannot say. I feel wo must get better men into the Government (hear, hear), and if the country does not want a Labour Party in power it must put better men into tho House."

Referring to the cost of living Mr. Bunn said the greatest difficulty in this connection was the high rentals which had to bo paid. The only way the cost of living could be reduced was by increasing production and so reducing taxation. "I consider the Government is not yet fully alivo to its responsibilities in the matter of transport, and great improvements could be made in this respect," Mr, Bunn said. He disagreed entirely with the passing of the Motor Omnibus Act, and the sooner it was repealed the better for the country. He looked for greater benefits from the Transport Board, which would commence to function shortly. He would also strenuously op> pose the lifting of the present restrictions on immigrants. Cost of Education. "I question whether we are getting full ■value for the money we are spending on education,'' tho candidate said. "I must admit I am quite a layman as far as education is concerned, but when I see the cost has risen from 21s 5d to 52s Id a head of tho population in the past 16 years it seeois to mo it is questionable whether we are not spending too much money in this direction. Of course, if it is tlio wish of the people we should continue the present system of secondary and university education then I have nothing further t& say. .However, I believe it is necessary for us to see if we cannot reduce expenditure on education." Tho Government's borrowing policy had been criticised, but it was essential that loans should bo floated for developmental works. Mr. Bunn said he would be the first to support the raising of loans if they were to bo used to this end. Ho agreed the public debt had increased considerably, but the country's trade had increased proportionately, and the Dominion was better able to bear interest charges. The* Government had recently borrowed £5.000,000, but in his opinion they should havo borrowed £10,000.000. Tho candidate said ho did not stand as a blind follower of tho Reform Party. . Mr. Holland's Politics. A Voice: Would you support Mr. Holland if ho brought forward something good ? Mr. Bunn: Providing it was not a policy matter I would, but unfortunately Mr. Holland nover has brought forward anything that was good. In regard to the Singapore base and tho Government's action in supporting its construction Mr. Bunn asked whether there was anyone who would say tho money should not have been spent, A Voice; Yes. "A man who would deliberately say that should be chased out of tho country," Mr. Bunn said, amid dissension. Thero were several adverse comments from tho audience, tho first interjector slating be was as loyal as the candidate. Mr. Bunn said ho realised ho should not have spoken as ho did, and lie apologised for retorting as he did in the beat of tho moment. "Does not Mr. Bunn think ho is standing for tho wrong parly?" a questioner asked at tho conclusion of the address. "I havo nover heard a more condemnatory speech against tho* Government." '•That is all the more reason you should voto for me," the candidate replied amid applause. In reply to further questions the candidate said he was not voicing his own policy on various questions. He agreed ho differed from the Government along certain lines. Tho Government would have a land policy if be were returned to Parliament. A vote of confidence in tho present member for Manukau was then proposed. An amendment expressing confidence in Mr. Bunn was, however, declared carried by the chairman cn tho voices. The meeting concluded with several arguing the merits of the chairman's decision.