CONTEST FOR WAITOMO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20086, 25 October 1928, Page 15

CONTEST FOR WAITOMO.

REFORM'S GOOD RECORD. REVIEW BY MR. ROLLESTON. ASSISTANCE FOR FARMERS. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] KAWHIA, Wednesday. Mr. J. C. Rolleston, Reform candidate for Waitomo, completed a tour of the western portion of the Waitomo County and Kawhia County last night when ho spoke at Oparau to a good audience. Reviewing the beneficial effects of the Coates administration ho made a vigorous reply to attacks from the Opposition. Speaking as a farmer ho outlined legis lation which had been placed on the Statute Book under tho Reform Government in the interests of tho fanning community. Following Liberal disbursements by tho Advances Department tho Government had in 1925 extended the operations under tho Rural Advances Act, and iu 1927 had still further assisted tho farming community by the establishment of rural intermediate credits. Local bodies had also been liberally assisted and subsidised. Sinco 1920 allocations for roal;Is and bridges in the candidate's electorate had totalled £600,000, while over £300,000 had been- loaned by the State Advances Department for public works. Tho vital importance of agricultural education had been recognised by tho establishment of the Massey College at Palmerston North and a £IO,OOO subsidy t.o Lincoln College in tho South Island. Tho native land question was in a fair way toward satisfactory settlement as a result of consolidation proposals, which would go far to solve the native rating problem. Mr. Rolleston strongly contradicted the .statements of opponents that taxation was increasing and showed how the Government had materially cut down administration charges. He admitted an advance in the Departments of Education, Health and War Pensions, but challenged critics to advocate a reduction in any one of these branches. Tho statement that customs duties showed an advance was true only in respect of the total revenue which had resulted from the greater spending"power of tho community and a larger import of dutiable goods. At Kawhia Mr. Rolleston made special reference to the very high opinion in which the Dominion was regarded by London financiers. The effect of such confidence in the stability and prosperity of New Zealand was manifested by the extremely satisfactory loan flotations on tho London market during recent years. New Zealand was the first of overseas Dominions, said Mr. Rolleston, which had broken tho 5 per cent, mark sinco tho slump, and New Zealand always commanded the best terms on the London money market. Mr. Rolleston concluded by suggesting that Sir Joseph Ward was so satisfied with the financial stability of the country that he had proposed as a principal plank of his electioneering platform to float a loan of £70,000,000 in London and was confident it could be secured at well under 5 per cent. —and this after sixteen years of Reform administration. The candidate was warmly applauded during his addresses. —— I MR, PARRY'S SUPPORTERS. | ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING. ,\ crowded meeting of friends and supporters greeted the Labour candidate lor Auckland Central, Mr. W. E. Parry, at the Trades Hall on Tuesday evening. Mr. Parry delivered a vigorous address on political matters, and particularly mentioned Ihe manner in which tho campaign in the electorate should be conducted. At the conclusion of the meeting, which was very enthusiastic, a strong committee was set up to further his candidature. A motion of thanks and continued confidence in the candidate and the Labour Party was carried with cheers. POLLUTION OF HARBOUR. LEGISLATION ADVOCATED. An orderly open-air meeting of about 60 electors of Manukau was addressed last evening at Royal Oak by Mr. Kells Mason, United Party candidate. The candidate referred to the pollution of the Manukau Harbour by drainage from Westfield, and advocated legislation to deal with the nuisance. He favoured a comprehensive drainage scheme, including the provision of tanks similar lo the latest London installations. A vote of thanks was accorded.