THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 4820, 25 November 1902, Page 5

THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN.

TO-DAY’S POLLING. NAMES OF CANDIDATES AND PLACES TO NOTE. Tho polling for the election of the fifteenth Parliament of -New Zealand will ho taken throughout tho colony today. Arrangements have been made by tho “Now Zealand Times'’ proprietary to have Dio results of the polling in each electorate telegraphed to the, office by an "urge::l ” service, and these results will be pe; ted on an extensive and specially-i Hum mated notice board erected for the pur; e-sc at tbe front ol the publishing 01. < -s facing Lambtou quay.’ As the reimms come to hand they will be posted dor the information of tho public.

The polling will bo taken in Wellington for the return of three candidates between tho hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., at tho foliowing places:—Tho Drilished, Maginnity-strect (principal); the Exchange Hall, Lambtou quay; the Wesleyan schoolroom, Molcsworth street; St. Mark’s schoolroom, Sussex square; tho Drilished, Buckle street; tho Skating Rink, Ingestro street; the public school, tipper Willis street; the Presbyterian schoolroom, Kent terrace; the Infant Public School, Clyde quay; Die Rcchabito Hall, Manners street; the Boys’ Institute, Victoria street; tho Mission Hall, Herbert street; tho Sailors’ Rost, Jervois quay; Victoria Hall. Adelaide road; Mrs Anderson’s shop. 2;i Aro street; St. Paul’s schoolroom, Sydney street; St. Paul’s schoolroom, Tinakori road; Morrah’s auction mart. Wilm street; Shortt’s auction mart, AVillis street.

The candidates offering themselves tor election are: —Dr Findlay, Messrs -i---kon, Atkinson, Dutldo. Fisher, Godber, Jellicoo, AlcLaron and O’Rogan. The Government “ticket” is Ur Finday amt Mr Godber, that of the Opposition being Messrs Aitkon, Atkinson and Duth'o. (Electors may vote for any three or less number of the candidates. The candidates for the Newtown scat are Messrs llarher, Hislop, Luke, Tustin and Ur Chappie. The polling places for this electorate, which returns only ono member, are—The public school, Kiddiford street (principal); the public, school, Rintonl street; the public school, Island Hay; the public school, Kilbirnie; the church room, Scatoun; the public school, Roscnoath: the public school, Alitcliclltown; the public school. South Karflri : the public school. Brooklyn : Mr John W. Wharton’s shop, corner of Wallace and Howard streets. For the Hutt sent the contest is between Messrs Collier, Pirani and V-i----ford, and for the Otaki seat Messrs Field and Isitt arc nominated. The local option poll will be taken simultaneously with that for the return of members of Parliament. GATHERING AT THE OPERA HOUSE. UR FINDLAY AND AIR GODBER. Tho Opera Honso was crowded to suffocation last night at the meeting called by Air James Godber and Dr Findlay to enable those gentlemen to deliver their closing addresses in tho present election campaign. Tho proceedings were marked by a considerable amount of goodhumoured interruption, which rendered a groat portion of tho speeches inaudible. Air Allan Orr presided, and in a few words introduced the speakers. Air Godber, who on rising was received with applause, said tho following day would show whether tho city was to return Opposition members—(“Yes,” “yes” and applause)—-or not. (Continued applause.) Ho had never addressed an audience in Wellington yet that would not listen to him, and surely they wore going to. (Hear, hear.) To-morrow —(laughter)—to-morrow, if tho Liberal party was only trup to itself

THE “TICKET” would bo returned. (Hoar, hear, and loud applause.) - They wore fighting against odds, but an Englishman liked to fight against odds, because then there was some credit in winning. (Applause.) They had also the newspapers against them. (A voice: “Is that all ?”) Of course tho “Tost” was against them. Ho had known tho “Tost” as long as any of those present, and it had ever been against tho Government. Irish-like. (A voice: “Tako time!”) Ho well remembered—(lnterruption.) It did not matter how long they kept him, as his time that night was his own. (A voice; “What about tho Irish?”) Ho well remembered when ho was returned to tho City Council how a renresentativo of the ‘Tost” had accosted him next morning and said, “How did you happen to got in?” —(laughter)—and ho replied, short and sharp, “Bccauso tho Tost’ did not support mo.” (Loud applause.) And history was going to repeat itself on tho morrow. (Loud applause.) Then they had—(A voice: “George Fisher”; loud and continued applause.) Then they had the “New Zealand Times.” that called itself a Liberal paper. (Laughter.) Well, ho did not mind being struck by an enemy, but ho did,not like being struck by a friend. That was only ouo little item they had against them. (A voice: “Look at Jclhcoe watching you.”) There were some people who wore not satisfied with writing fair things and keen criticisms about one, but they would reduce themselves to scandal; and ho just wanted his hearers, in FAIR PLAY TO AN ENGLISHMAN, to allow him to explain some scurrilous thing that had been said about his personal character. Before ho entered politics ho thought ho was a decent sort of follow—(A voice; “Have you only just found that out?”)—and now ho oo'gan to think he ought not to be at largo. (A voice: ..“You aro quite harmless.”) They could wait until to-morrow night, and then thny would find ho had plenty of . fight in him, and ho was going to win.' (Applause.) They had spread reports against his personal character, and ho had intended to lot them go. (A voice: “Out with it.”) “Hold on a minute, my boy, and I will give it.” ■When the reports began to damage his business ho thought it_ time to stand and defend himself. (A voice: “Get Jellicoo to do it!”) no did not need to pay any guineas to a lawyer to defend him. He could defend himself. (Applause.) When bo took the course of an honourable man and refuted tho charges, ho was told ho was truckling for a denominational vote. (“Shame!”) He thought it was a shame. Never in tho course of his conduct hafi he truckled to anybody for a vote, nor wojjld be. (Applause.) Ho had not asked'or solicited a vote of any section or creed, as bo took it that a representative of the people went to the House to represent the whole of the people and not ono part. (Applause.) If ho could not do that bo did not want to go in. (Applause.) Then they bad opposing them THE SOLID OPPOSITION. (Voices. “Good old Opposition!”) They came with a policy. (Voices; “Speak out.”) Yes, ho would speak out—their

policy wus to turn the Government out. (■■Quite right.” “Quito right.’) They would not do it. (“Yes, they whi ; laughter and uproar.) They were not going to turn out a Government that hail, to the best of its ability, adopt.-, the policy inaugurated by that grand man, Jolm liallance. (Applause.) When that man was alive they traduced unci worried him almost Hi his grave, ana when ho was dead they said, "What a grand man he nasi’’ i,A voice: “io lie was.' 1 ) There, wore not many men who would live longer iu the hearts of the people than Jolm liallance; a pity it was that too many people waited 1:11 a man was dead to iind out his fjoou qualities. (Applause.) Was the Government that wiped out the iniquitous property tax and instituted iu its place the beneficent land and income tax, the Government that inaugurated the hind for settlement policy, that had done so much to populate the colony, that had made it possible for a man of .small means to go upon the land and cultivate it, to he thrown out? The result of the present policy was that no fewer than IMB.OOO families wore occupying hcMings on the land more than when the Ministry came into office. (Applause.) ■Further, the Government had reduced the RATE OF INTEREST, so that it could give money to settlers at the price at which the financial companies formerly procured their money, which was lent at from 8 to 10 per cent. (A voice: “Where docs tko Government got it?”) The Government borrowed m the, cheapest markets as a private individual could not do. Then there wore tho old age pensions. (A voice; “Vt e know all that.”) Yes, they know all that, but they forgot the people who gave it when others poured poison in their ears and told them tho Government had done nothing. He supposed they knew' also of tho labour legislation and that tho Government had done more fer the workers than any others, and ho presumed they would help the Government by putting in a man who wouui support it. To his mind the workers would bo committing political suicide if they did nob stand by tho Government- that had douo so much tor so many years. (Loud applause.) 7)lr Godbor wont on to refer to the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act and tho Factories Act, which ameliorated tho working conditions of women and girls. Passing on to the intentions of tho Government regard to tho future, tho speaker said tho Government had resolved, if the ironsaud industry was not taken up by private enterprise, to step in and utilise tho deposits so that tho steel and iron rails now imported could ho made in tho colony. (Applause.) Then look what they' had done. (A voice: “What aro you going to do?”) He would toll them what ho was going to do in a minutes. Ho asked them to look at tho INCREASE IN EXPORTS under tho Government. (A voice: “That’s private enterprise.”) Yes, that was private enterprise, and it put money into tho ejaculator’s pocket. Hut it was enterprise on the parr of the Government to appoint the graders to- prevent rubbish being sent out of the colony. All that was to- be wiped out if the Opposition got into power. (“No, no,” noiso and uproar.) Well, he knew tiiis, If tho present Government —(uproar)— did not- stay in power, and thoy got a lot of those who were standing in tho Opposition interest at the present time, •ho (the speaker) would want to make tracks out of Now Zealand. (Laughter and applause.) They had had eleven years of prosperity under the Liberal XXU-ty, and did they not think that party could continue doing well? (Loud applause.) Yes, of course. People said they did not want the Government displaced but they wanted to sco a strong Opposition. Tho fact was, that during tho last session of Parliament, the most candid criticisms of tho policy of tho present Administration came from their own people. This showed that the Liberal party ’ was anxious to do. what would be of tho greatest benefit to the mass of tho people, and what were the Opposition doing? When the morrow came, ho was quite certain that the hearts of tho people would beat true to tho present Administration, (xlpplauso and uproar.) They would see who had been tbeir friends in the last eleven years. (Cries of “Jellicoe.”) “Thoy will know,” ho concluded, “whom they should trust, and they will record their votes in favour of—(“ Oh, yes, thoy will ”; -uproar)—they will shout and kick up a fuss like some of you arc doing now, but when you get into your sober minds—(Renewed uproar.) "Well, if tho cap fits, wear it; and if tho city is true to itself, if the city is true to its best interests and to the colony, it will vote in such a—(“ Strike out the- ”) in such a way that tho Liberal flag under which I stand will bo tho flag of victory. (Loud applause.) .1 will just ask you to give my colleague, Dr Findlay, whom I am proud to stand on tho platform with, a fair hearing, and I shall bo prouder still when, with your assistance, wo arc placed at tho head of tho poll.” (Applause.) DR FINDLAY. Dr Findlay was received with loud and prolonged applause, followed by calls of throe cheers for him, which were heartily given, supplemented by cheers for Mr George Fisher. A handsome floral tribute bearing the words “ Success ” was passed on to the stage, amidst loud applause. In tho course of his address, Dr Findlay said if ho had had no greater, honour in tho contest than to address such a largo meeting as ho had tho privilege of standing before that night, ho should feel proud. (Applause.) It was tho largest audience ho had witnessed in his life. Though they wore in a merry mood, he thought there was too much seriousness in their politics. Ho was a lawyer, and lawyers were fond of talking shop. Tho following night thoy would all be waiting for a groat verdict. What was it to be? (Cries of “ WeTl put y*u in,” and uproar.) Tho Liberal party would bo on its trial by tho severest critics this country could produce, and tho plea would bo “not guilty.” (Applause.) For tho four or five weeks gone by, the ingenuity of every man who could pick a bole iu the policy of tho Government had been exercised, but if be were to take a vote of that vast audience that night, would their verdict be “Down with the Liberal party?” (Cries of “N0.n0,” and applause.) Ho was sure when tho voice of the ballot-boxes rang out, it would bo “Go on ; wo trust yon still.” (Applause.) What had been tho display of criticism against tho party during the ten ; da.ys past? Had it not been a pinpricking system, or elso downright abuse? -(Hear, bear.) There bad been nothing worthy of the name of honest critio ; sm. Ho might take as a sample tho charges made against the Government by Mr John Duthie; he had charg ed them with being tho most corrupt immoral and licentious Government tbai ever held office. That was the first count, but when they came to ask MDuthie for proof be asked them. “What 1 Proof from John Duthie ! ! Have you ever heard .of such a thing?” (Laughter and applause.) At this stage there

was considerable interruption owing to a diversion caused at the main entrance to tho pit by a cry of “Fisher.” For some minutes uproar reigned supreme, a large section of the audience on tho ground Uoor turning their backs on the stage in the endeavour to eaich a glimpse of Mr Fisher. Ho, however, did not appear, and Dr Findlay was enabled to proceed. Resuming, the speaker went on to say that when they

TRIED THE CHARACTER OF A PARTY,

or a man. they relied upon tho first principle of British justice: they called for proof, not calumny, Tho more statement of any man, no matter what his petition, could nob be accepted as sufficient excuse for killing the present parly. Ho asked them to lock at the pantomime that was enacted by the other side. It was first stated that the Premier went to London to float a loan ho had no business to float, and _ when it was proved that Ho had not tried to do anything of the sort, Mr Duthio demanded “Why didn’t lie?” (Laughter and applause.) There was statesmanship! (Ironical laughter.)' It was in like manner with the allegations that tho Government had “collared” the funds of tho Life Insurance Department and of the Savings Bank. When those charges were refuted, their opponents said. “If you did not collar tho lot. you caliand some,” and when that was disproved, tho Opposition went on to some other method of attack. Who was it wuo advised the Government to do that which ho to-day condemned them for doing? Cries of. Duthic.) They looked for fair attack and fair lighting, but surely that was not it! Ho asked them to put Tt to themselves— What wore the charges against tho Government? and they would find they wero just as hollow and empty as any of those who were interrupting at the hack. (Applause and, dissent.) Dealing with tho allegations made regarding the Public Revenues Act, Dr Findlay pointed out that when the Opposition wero confronted with tho facts regarding one section they had assailed, they went on to ask “what about some other section?” Those people never stood their ground, because they had no safe or sure ground to stand upon. It remained with the electors to say—Had the Government failed in its duty by the people? (Cries of “No” and applause.) Had they ever had in New Zealand a Government so thoroughly anxious for tho welfare of every class in tho colony at large? (Loud applause.) Ho asked tho working men was tho expenditure on which they wore employed to be struck off? (Cries of “No.”) There was no need of this parsimony; they wero STILL PROSPEROUS,

and if they wanted the highest authority, they had that of Air, John Dutbie, who said that after the twelve years tho Government had held office their financial position was sound, and their prosperity assured. (Applause.) Mr Duthio was the man who had once stated that unionism was a 'curse' 4 to this country—that they were drifting, and a maelstrom was before thorn. They could not got a better certificate to tho beneficial results of what bad been termed “twelve years of wasteful extravagance” than this testimony of Air John' Diithie. (Applause.) The voice of tho “Tost” was like tho voice of Olympus, looking down on them more mortals, tolling them there wore only throe elect—Alessrs Atkinson, Aitkon and Dutbie—and that all the rest were damned. (Laughter and applause.) Having paid a tribute to tho private characters of the Opposition candidates and deprecated the introduction of personalities, ho asked what qualifications d they possess in their public capacity to recommend them to ttie suffrages of the people ? What had Air Atkinson’s policy been in Parliament? Ho (the speaker) did not believe in sour invective as a sound policy, and the man who posed before them merely as a “bottle of political hitters” was not likely to find favour with any politician. Then they had Air John Djithie. How would they like him as a Alinister for Labour? (Applause and dissont.) Alen should bo judged by their past records, and Air Duthio was not in sympathy with tho legislation which ho and all of them wore anxious to promote. Tho speaker proceeded to point out tlie various reforms in labour legislation effected by this Government amid occasional calls for Jollicoo, and concluded by declaring that ho was not socking election for anything ho expected to make out of it. Ho had long made labour problems a study, aud ho believed tho working men recognised ho was as loyal a friend as any of those who were now coining forward. (Applause.) Ho reiterated his previous assurances that he stood by tho Liberal party, and ho appealed to them to remember that tho cause of humanity and reform lay behind tho present Government. If they turned their hacks on it they would ho traitors to those who had done most for them. (Loud and prolonged applause.) QUESTIONS. Replying to questions, Air Godber said his waitresses did not work longer than the proper hours. Ho could not explain why employees of the Government were debarred from joining unions. Asylum attendants, ho thought, had to work a great deal too long. Dr Findlay said ho was not in favour of prohibition. To other questions ho promised a reply in the “Times.” A vote of thanks and confidence in the candidates was proposed, seconded and carried. On the motion of Air Godber, seconded by Dr Findlay, a vote of thanks was accorded tho chairman. Prompted by tho frequent calls during the addresses, Air Jellicoo attempted to address tho meeting, but his remarks wore drowned in uproar, and ho finally abandoned the attempt. AIR DUTHIB. Mr Duthio addressed tho electors at the Druids’ Hall, Taranaki street, last night, there being a fair attendance. Air Janies Robertson occupied tho chair. The candidate said it was most extraordinary that no policy had been propounded by the Government—;tho speeches of tho Premier at Danucvirke and other places had displayed a great paucity of ideas and a disposition to veil this lack of originality by making long and laboured explanations of Ids actions at Homo and at Papawax. Tho Premier had been for years trading on tho reputation made by the late John Ballance and tho Hon W. P. Reeves, and now ho had ooino to the end of those bequests lie was found lacking in all great essentials. Surrounded with colourless men of pliable nature, he was a dictator possessed of power and lacking real ability. Mr Duthio spoke at length concerning the neglect of the Government to provide land for settlement, especially in tho Taranaki district —and now the Premier offered a flea-bite remedy to the people of New Plymouth by proposing to buy an estate of ono thousand acres for subdivision. Air Dutbie went on to say that the cry against the building-up of largo estates was as old as the hills, and a declamation against the laying-

up of field against field was to bo found in tiic writings of the prophet Isaiah. The candidate was agreeable to the uislitulion of a measure to prevent the aggregation of large estates, whether by a progressive land tax or by means ol Heavy succession duties; but at the same lime wo should strike the happy medium, and not ra-se laud values so high that the cultivation c.f grain in competition with such countries as the Argentine could not be profitably undertaken. Apropos of the Premier's assertion that there .should bo an alteration made in the rules of certain banks that at present prohibited the marriage of employees receiving under L-O0 per annum, Mr Duthio made the point that the Premier was the priiTeipal mint in the bank that was chiefly concerned in this prohibition. But, apart from (hat, the objection came with strange effect from tbo Premier, whoso action in employing an army of temporary clerks at from IDs to 12s per day—the bulk of Uicm at 10s —branded him as one of tiio greatest sweaters in New Zealand, ami one of tho hardest nigger-drivers giving employment at the present day. Thu candidate condemned the Premier's tentative. statement that tho Government might undertake the development cf the iron,sand industry; there was already too much State enterprise for a colony t hat was obliged to borrow the money with which those industries were conducted. (Applause.) Mr Duthio accused tho Premier of having harassed and ruined the Midland Kailway Company, and with having only made a tardy recompense to tho shareholders and to debentureholders when he was really forced to do so. Tho preferential tariff about which the Premier had lately spoken was a largo subject. Tho butter and mutton of this country mostly went to England, but the wool wont all over tho Conii-ne-t, and Mr Duthio thought that the Premier would do hotter 1 to try to induce tho great Continental steamship companies now trading to Australia to extend their operations to Now Zealand. If Mr Scddou would do that ho would achieve more good for tho colony than ho would do by setting up a preferential barrier that was despised by tho people of England. It was not tho duty of a statesman to stir up ill-will between employer and employees, hut that was tho aim of the Premier and his colleagues and Dr Findlay. If they wore really statesmen, they would endeavour to placate men and masters, and leave the.-sottlemcnt of disputes to the Arbitration Court. Mr Duthio entered a strong protest against .any proposal to institute a military system in this colony. A vote of thanks and confidence in Mr Duthio was carried unanimously. MM AITKEN. Mr Aitkcn addressed a final meeting at tho Federal Theatre last night. Mr A Vcitch xiresided. The candidate said this was the eve of the battle—-a battle winch, he felt, would end in victory for himself and those with whom ho was co-operating in this contest.. (Applause.) His last words to the electors were “Select men whose characters can bear inspection; select men who have demonstrated in their private affairs their capacity for public business: select men who have demonstrated by any connection they have had with public affairs their probity and capahloncss.” Ho suggested that tho present Administration had held tho reins of power long enough. It had held tho reins ol power so long that abuses were creeping in on all sides. Ministers were forgetting that they wero the servants of the people. All their actions indicated the firm belief that "the colony belonged to them; that tho peoplo wore intended as mere instruments to record tho wishes of tho Ministers of tho day; and that tho mission of life of the general public was to keep the present Administration in power. What was wanted was a reform of Parliament itself, and that could not ho effected until the present. Administration was ousted from office. As it was, the present Government was so familiar with the run of tho ropos that it did not hesitato when it suited it to appeal to the lowest instincts of members of Parliament and to debauch the constituencies. Thus wo witnessed Ministers raising their own salaries without consulting tho people, and tho members of Parliament making a bargain' that they should have theirs raised in trurn, ana then both conspiring to pass an Act of Parliament to make their dishonest transactions legal. Every day witnessed some act , of wanton extravagance perpetrated in order to buy votes. The Civil Service was terrorstricken and reduced to a condition of dumb servility. Workers iu tho Govment Buildings dared not show syiupatuy with an Opposition candidate, hut it was quite permissible for them, under tho present regime, to take a most active part iu tho. candidature of Government nominees. The -Government had induced patronage to a flue art. Cabinet Appointed charwomen ; Cabinet appointed message-hoys; none but political sympathisers need apply, . Even the colony’s services in South _ Africa had been made a moans of booming Mr Seddon, hut it was the people of New Zealand who deserved the credit; and there were men in Wellington who had done nearly as much genuine service iu that respect as Mr Seddon. but their praises had not boon sung at banquets and public deinoiistra.tiops. TheJ speaker advocated that the San Francisco service should be run to tho advantage of not one portion of the colony, hut of the whole. If returned, ho would do Ins best to see the existing state of things in this respect altered. At the end of a vigorous speech, punctuated with applause, a vote of thanks was passed to tho candidate, and a vote of confidence in “A.D.A.” MR ATIvINSON. Mr A. R. Atkinson addressed tho electors at tho Choral Hall last night. Mr John Morris occupied tho chair. The candidate said it was ridiculous to apply tho terras liberal or Conservative to party politics in New Zealand at the present time. There were a few Conservatives on the Opposition side cf the House, hut the vast majority cf tho Conservative party in tho House of Representatives during tho last few Parliaments had consisted of the country .members who followed the Premier. Tho one essential condition precedent to any reform whatever was to put our finances and our administration on a sound basis. This could not bo done without changing the personnel of the Government and giving effect to a number of important administrative changes to which the present Administration was opposed. Tiie labour laws on the statute hook, though acquiesced in by both sides, had not the capacity to increase the wealth of the community. They rather promoted a fairer distribution of the products of industry- than increased them. There was no policy measure of any kind now put forward by the present Government. The increase of the land tax, with a corresponding reduction on tho duties of tho necessaries of life, was being largely discussed at present. He was not in favour of doubling the land tax, but ho was in favour of reducing the Customs tariff on tho neces-

saries of life. Doubling tho laud lax was not going to alienate the burdens of the working class, as the landlord would pass on-the burden to his tenant. Tho speaker referred to the wastefulness of the Government, and tho cost of the Royal visit. Those expenses could, he declared, have been reduced by one-half without disparagement to our loyalty. Two of the Premier's maxims were " Trust the people ’ and ■‘Money is no object.’ The .candidate hoped "tho peoplo would not crust to such foolishness. Ho had it on the best authority to say that the cost of cablegrams which the Premier sent at tho Coronation was close on .21001). Had Mr Seddon paid the expense out of Ids own pocket he would not have paid much mare than £lO. Those who handled the finances of the country should ho men who would regard the money as if it wero their own. (Applause.) As the electors could not see what measures wero to bo brought before Parliament, ihu only real security (hey had for good legislation and good administration depended upon the class of men they sept to represent them. He could say for his two colleagues (Messrs Aitkcn and Duthic)—whatever might ho said for their views on general politics —that every elector cf tho city would concede they were honest, straightforward and independent men. (Applause.) Tho peoplo off Wellington might ho trusted to remember Miramar, the shelter sheds, tho delay of the tramways and tho indefinite postponement of the abattoirs. If th« oilmens would strike a blow for freedom, they would vote for the three Opposition candidates. In answer to a question, tho candidate said he considered ‘the 999 years’ lease a monstrous and idiotic tenure. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to Mr Atkinson and confidence iu the Opposition “ticket.” MR O’REGAN. Tho Skating Rink was packed hist night,-when Mr P. J. O’Regan addressed the electors of Wellington. Mr W, T. Young (secretary of the Seamen's Union) occupied tho chair. Mr O’Regau, who was received with cheers, began his speech,by referring U, an incident which had occurred on the previous evening, and denied a report which ho said was current to tho effect that he laid refused to meet the Premier. He went on to refer to the lea-t----ing article iu tho “New Zealand Times” yesterday concerning himself, and pointed to his six years’ .Parliamentary experience, claiming that lie lead been auseful man from tho very first day lie had entered Parliament. (Applause.) Ho denounced an anonymous advertisement which had appeared in tho “Evoning Post" that evening concerning himself, describing it as false from beginning to end. ITo had said when ho entered this campaign that nearly every candidate would -appropriate his programme, and he appealed to them to say if this had not been borne out by fact. All tho candidates wero in favour of tec periodical revaluation of t'hcso long leases, and a reduction of the heavy duties upon tho necessaries of life ; l.ut they would never have said a word about these things if lie Had not forced tho issue upon them.in this contest. (Applause.) The candidate advoeatea a reduction of tho duties on the necessaries of life and an increase of .the graduated land tax, and spoke on other subjects much oil the hues of previous speeches,. Mr O’Regan, alien he concluded his speech, amidst loud cheering, was presented with several bouquets, and the members ot his Ladies’ Committee- -sent him a handsome horseshoe of roses and other flowers. Mr W. Noot proposed a vote of thanks and confidence. This was sec. ended by Mr ,T. Cob*, and carried % amid renewed cheering, the audience singing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” mr McLaren. Mr McLaren addressed a large gathering'at BoUlcott street corner last evening. Ho said tho question of what party should hb returned was not tho only issue. What was of chief import-' anco was tbo past work, character and general hearing of those called upon to represent the electors. Mr McLaren went on to say that the most sacred duty a citizen had to perform was the casting of his or her vole. Whilst recognising tho good work done by past Liberal statesmen, ho ’Wished Jo point out that parties were continually changing, and ins presence in this contest as an Independent Labour candidate was evidence that labour was becoming imbued with a new spirit. In this campaign ho had affirmed two main principles. First tho right of labour to • self-representation; secondly, -that a labour representative would fully respect tho rights and privileges of tho whole body ot the people. Before dispersing tho gathering gave three cheers for the candidal/-. MR CARROLL AT WAIKI. PRESS ASSOCIATION. Vv AIHI, November 24. The Hon James Carroll, at ah impromptu .meeting of a few members of the Waihi Miners’ Workers’ Union, on Saturday evening, gave a short address. He said ho was not around electioneering, hut, in face of the complicated iiositiou of affairs iu regard to tho election, ho had come to see if there was any possibility to consolidate their forces. Tiiore was no desire on his part to influence any of the Opposition votes,.or votes of those who wore inclined to support tho other side, hut within the professed ranks of Liberalism it was perfectly legitimate, oven though it was late, to attempt to combine their forces so as to have a clear, straight-out fight. It was. unfortunate that there were so many candidates in the field on their side, and whether the Government or someone else was to blame for that, it was idlo now to deal with that phase of tho question. If there was a true con sidoration of party interests, some sacrifices would have to ho made, but that could only he left to the common-sense and good judgment cf candidates and of electors. If all the candidates went to tho poll—there seemed no hope cf any retiring—then the people of this electorate who wero in favour Of the Govornmbnt and of tbo Liberal party would have to solve the by - concentrating their votes in tho direction calculated to bring about the success desired. So far as he could see, it rested entirely with themselves, and ho would net presume to dictate. He believed, however that at the last moment they mi-ht ho able to sink their differences in'order to get their forces concentrated. He claimed that under the circumstances tho Government was justified in selecting; Mr Lnndon as its candidate. 1 because he ran for the scat at the last election, and stood all. the consequences of defeat.' The -Government could not do anything more suggest a consolidation of forces. It was for; tho electors to decide whether the victory should rest with tho Government!, party as a gainst the Opposition. , Although the hour wjs later.' alien leaving the Miners’ Union hall the lion gentleman was waited on by represents tires cf the Liberal party, and it wa« past, midnight before be was done with them. On Sunday Mr Carroll was again

interviewed by representatives of tho Liberal party, and political ami other mutters were discussed, -tlo left early this morning for tho Thames, whence ho proceeds to Auckland. THE OUTLOOK IN HAWKE'S BAY. Special to the “ Times.” NAPIER, November 24. Electioneering matters in Napier have proceeded very quietly. Tho contest is between two Liberals —Mr tt. J • Eames and Mr A. L. D. Eraser, tho late member. This is tbo first time for very many years that tho Opposition has allowed the Napier seat to ho uncoutested by one of its party, many of whom will refrain froui voting through the issue not being of sufficient interest to them. Mr Fraser will he re-elected. In regard to the local option poll, tho temperance party is confident that reduction will bo carried. A big no-hconse meeting was held to-night. ~ Sir William Russell is safe for Hawke 8 Bay, though tho voting in this electorate is hci-i-' watched with great interest and as a guide to the future. The Hioera s of Hastings, who form a large hotly,_Mi)l vote for Mr Isitt, not for love of Ins temperance plank, hut because lie is m opposition to Captain Russell. Reports from tho country show that Mr 0. Hall’s re-election is assured. ior an Opposition candidate to succeed m tho Waipawa electorate-ho turo Diiiiiienrke, and as this is Mi Hall s stronghold, his opponent, Mr James Taylor, who is also a prohibitionist, must fail. PROSPECTS IN CANTERBURY. Special to tile “ Times. 1 CHRISTCHURCH, November 24. Interest iu tho elections throughout Canterbury has'much intensified curing Hie past few days, and the licensing poll no longer - overshadows liio larliamentary contest. In tho oily tho struggle will ho particularly keen. Mr T. E. Taylor is supported by the'Opposition, prohibitum and labour votes, including many plumpers, and is pretty certain of return. The other two seats will produce a close finish between tho throe lato members and MessVs C. Taylor, 1 urnbull and Davcy. The labour party professes to ho very confident of the success of Mr 0. Taylor, hufi popular opinion favours tho chaucos of , Air Ell aud Mr Collins. " . , Air Lauronson is perfectly safe for Lyttelton, and will probably score a record majority. Mr Russell is being very hard-pushed for lliccartoii, but is expected to hold! his scat. . Air Tbnner lias strong opposition m Avon, but his friends arc not seriously alarmed. Air Buddo will have only a narrow majority in Kaiapoi, and Air Charles Lewis seems likely to win tho Courtenay seat, owing to the split in the Liberal vote. For the sanio reason, Air AfcLauchlan. may ho beaten in Ashburton by Mr Studholmo, and Air Jtocoo may triumph) over the two Liberals ami one Independent in Hiirumii. At the last general election Canterbury returned eleven Liberals and three Conservatives. This time it will probably send to Wellington nine Liberals, five Conservatives and one Independent. SIR JOSEPH WARD AT INVERCARGILL. Special to tee “Times.” INVERCARGILL, November 24. Sir Joseph Ward tb-night addressed the largest meeting over hold in Invercargill. Crowds were turned away from the doors. A vote of thanks to Sir Joseph and confidence in tho Government was carried with great enthusiasm and cheering.

Last night Mr Milford addressed a meeting of 700 electors in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Petono, which was filled to its utmost, capacity. Mr It. Kirk presided, and the proceedings were characterised hy the utmost enthusiasm. At the conclusion of the candidate’s address a hearty vote of thanks and confidence was passed with, acclamation on tho motion of Mr Bowles, seconded by Mr Ahsley. The meeting .broke up with! cheers for Mr and Mrs Wilford Mr G. M. Luke addressed two largo meetings at Brooklyn and tho Victoria Hall, Newtown, last night. At tho first-mentioned, Mr Reid presided, and a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence was passed. At thd,second mooting. the Rev John Orewos occupied the chair, and addresses .were delivered by the chairman, the candidate and others. At tho conclusion, a hearty vote of thanks and confidence was passed. Mr John Hutcheson addressed an assemblage of about 1000 people at Potoue last night. Mr Hutcheson spoke of Mr Pirani’s work in Parliament, and mentioned that ho _ had shown more energy during tho time ho had been there than any other member of the House. Mr Piranl was tho only member of the House who had been able to lick the railway superannuation scheme into proper form. In one of his addresses to the electors yesterday, Mr Tustin complained of “the ungenerous treatment accorded him by tho press-” Despite that fact, ho felt confident that tho electors would give him a wholcsouled support. Mr H. A. Cowper writes:—After read-' ing through the references and remarks published by the “Post” of Monday, I do not see that I need vary my version of the Premiers meeting at Papawai iu tho slightest degree. The only "exposure” produced by my letter is to bo found in tho ‘‘Post’s” concluding sentences, which prove without disguise that it is adopting unworthy electioneering tactics against the Premier, and glories in tho fact. Further comment is unnecessary. ... Considerable interest is being in tbo Palmerston North election. Mr Vi. Wood, tho Mayor, who unsuccessfully contested tho seat against Mr Pirani last year, is considered by his supporters to be safe for tho seat. Mr W. 11. Hoddcr, a farmer of Liberal vioivs But opposed to the present Auministration, will probably make a very strong bid for victory. The. chances or Mr H. J. Mam-on, a Liberal, are (says onr correspondent! not to he despised. Electors are asked in our advertising columns not to forget Dr Chappie's public services. Mr O. M. Luke publishes a final appeal to the electors of Kewtowm Tho various planks of Mr tlislop s political platform are detailed in oar advertising columns. . Mi- Tustin promises improved administration if tho doctors of Neivtovn will erase the four top lines. _ . “Mr O’Rcgan’s True Position is the heading of an advertisement in another C °Mi- 1 Jellicoe says his last word to the electors in our advertising columns. _ ; In another column Mr Barber solicits llie vort-s cf Newtown electors, j T| io Hon. T. W. Hislop’s connection 'with tho Mard-Christie case, and tho extraordinary political tergiversations nf the “Eromng Post” form tho subject of an advertisement in cur present issue. Newtown doctors will be able from this to gauge correctly tho value of the ‘■Post’s” advocacy.