THE ELECTIONS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5735, 2 November 1905, Page 2

THE ELECTIONS.

WELLSNGTON NORTH CONTEST. MR IZARD’S OPENING SPEECH

Mr.C. H. Izard, one of the candidates for election to Parliament ad member for Wellington North. opened Ms campaign last evening by addressing the electors in the Theatre Royal. The building was about three-parts full. Iho candidate was listened to with patience and evident interest throughout, though there were frequent interjections, to all of which Mi* Izard ropbed with readj wit and perfect good-humour. Mr J. C. McKerrow presided. Mr Izard, who was warmly received, reminded his hearers that that was not the first time he had addressed the electors of. Wellington on political matters. At the recent by-election he was beaten —and beaten fairly badly. (A voice: Hear, hear.) It. would not be many ' v _ eeky before the gentleman who said 4 Hear, hoard" would have an opportunity to cheer at his (Mr Izard's) return to Parliament. (Applause.) He took a certain amount ox credit in the fact that, tliouga he was beaten at the last contest, he was defeated by a young New Zealander. He would have felt his defeat more but lor the fact that his opponent and himsed were both sons of Wellington. The time had arrived when the colony was ontuleu to look for its rulers to tho native born. At the last election, ho had told them, and he now repeated it, that he was a Liberal. But while HR WAS A LIBERAL, ho would not blindly follow any Libera, or other party. He would be prepared bo give to the present Liberal Administration support upon, all questions affecting ids existence. That was to say, if ever the question arose as to wnctner or not the colony had confidence in the present Government, he- would vote in its favour. (Applause.) It was a matter of impossibility for any Government Liberal. Conservative, or amalgamated—to pleas© everybody; and no speech ho could make would please all the electors of Wellington North. But ho believed on this occasion he would be able to please the majority. Many ladies and gentlemen who at the last election had supported his opponents told him that if he stood again he would have their votes. Relying upon these assurances, he had entered upon the contest. He knew it would be a severe one, for, among others, he had to fight "the Iron Duke of u ellmgton/" who was supposed to be one of the strongest political men in the city. But he entered upon the campaign with good heart, knowing that in addition to those who supported him before, many who could not then see their way to do so would now give him their assistance. Now, why did he say he would support the present Government ? Because he believed that during its term of office it had endeavoured to do what was best for the colony, and what the electors really desired. (A voice: “The Slander Bill! ) Mr Izard: “I have got a lot to say about tho Slander Bill later on —that is why I am so careful now. ‘ You must be a little, easy with me, if you please/" ’ He was not the only person who thought the Government had tried to give the people what they wanted, and what was best. He recollected attending a dinner given by tho Eire Brigade, and

MB DTJTHIE WAS THEBE, and made a speech. He expressed the opinion—and the truth often came out in after-dinner speeches—that the character of Parliament was clean, and there had never been a suggestion of anything having been done except in the public interest. Upon the whole he thought the Ministry had given the country what the people wanted. “If I had character like that from Mr John Duthio I would print it in red and hang it on my back." Beyond a doubt the administration had been for the benefit of the majority of the people of New Zealand. But for all that he thought the Government could be improved—he was young enough to think that. (Hear, hear.) He was not the nominee of any party whatever. (An incredulous 'roice: “What?") “ The gentleman says 'What' and another says 'BooT but I say I am not the nominee of any party or organisation," (A voice: “ Aro you not the nominee of the Government?") No. (Another voice: “Was you the nominee last time?") .No; I am prepared to be perfectly candid. Before the election was over h© hoped to secure votes not only from the Liberal and Labour Federation, but also from the Political Reform League (the League of the Opposition), the* Labour party, the "new Liberals/* and any other_organieation that-might be started. He was prepared to take votes from any party —(laughter)—but bo was not going to alter his political faith for a single vote. Could ANYONE DENY that the colony was flourishing ? Its exports and imports were steadily increasing, the deposits held by the oanks wero increasing, and the colony • was gradually becoming wealthy. He did not say the Government was entitled to all the credit, but undoubtedly it had contributed. Its legislation had improved tho conditions of all classes. Labour laws had helped the artisan, while the agriculturist nad been looked after in many ways, and his position as an exporter assisted by the grading of flax, butter, and other exports. (A voice: Totatoee are threepence a pound/*) Yes, but those potatoes were imported, not exported. The agriculturist had been looked after as well as the worker, .He did not think if Mr Massey came into office to-morrow he would attempt to repeal tho present Government's laws. (A voice: “But the Opposition knocked them into shape/*) Of course it did, and so did tn© members of the Liberal party. That was what they were there for. No member of any Ministry would dare to say ho was infallible, or that a bill must pass as he brought it down. Still there wore many reforms required, and the best way to effect refoi’m was to elect men of Liberal views who were not afraid to express their opinions and who would vote according to the dictates of conscience. “If you want to assist the present Liberal Administration, give me your vote. I cannot possibly put it plainer than that." (Laughter.) Some of the things - he had urged at the byelection had since been carried into law. One of these was the increase in old age pensions. For some reason or other the present Opposition had always been more or less opposed to the Old Age Pensions Bill. He did not know why. One member of the Opposition had said it was calculated to degradn the people, and that so far as it had gone, it was not a credit to the Government that introduced it. But he (Mr Izard) declared it was on© of tho finest laws ever passed in this country. (Hear, hear.) Yet whenever members of the Opposition had an opportunity thev abused it. One thing he was particularly pleased about, and that was that old-age pensioners were now entitled to have thqlr claims investigated in private. Anotnei matter was the classification and superannuation for the Civil Service. H© would not go into details, but he was pleased that the Government had gone so far as to provide a scheme of classification. He understood that a superannuation scheme was to follow, but he was afraid classification could not take place until after tho House met next session. If he was returned he would do his best to see that a superannuation scheme was passed through sufficient for the whole of the Civil Service. There were many persons in the Government service who might not bo what were commonly called Civil servants. Some of them had been twenty years in th© service, and he believed that the temporary clerk who had served the colony for a certain period and had had entrusted to him the confidence of the State, and been worthy of that confidence, should be entitled to rank . in any classification and superannuation scheme equally with anybody else. (Applause.) The new Criminal Code Amend-

mont Act was a rattling good act; as originally brought down it was a very bad act" There had been many cases where slandered people had been unable not only to collect damages after winning a cc.se, but had had t> pay the c 05.... The amending act would not prevent man going ui>oii a platform and in toe presence of iwcntv or nuuo people (saying vrhal lie honestly believed to bo the truth, but it would prevent a man getting up and Iving without being liable t-) prosecution. All credit to those yen wlm had “stonewalled'" tho bill vulil it wc> shaped a* pae-cci. No honest man need have auv fear from its; provisions. One litllo gxiovaucc he had against the Government was with regard to tho WeiStreet* Bill. The citv had not boSx fairly treated. Under the Public Works Act land could not be subdivided unless every section of it hud a frontage to a GGft street, and the provisions of tho bill made for a class of confiscation that there was no necessity for. The idea was to prevent overcrowding, but the Public Health Act could look after that. As long as a man provided the air-space required bv the Health Department, ho should be entitled to deal with his land just us he liked. When the WELLINGTON CITY STREETS BILL brought down in the House to enable the private streets to bo taken over bv tho Citv Council and maintained, as they ought, to be, a clause was inserted to say that “wo aro going to so© that you shall not build alongside a 2011 right-of-way.*' (A voice: Hear, hear.) It was all very well to say “bear, hoar/" but that was not what tho owners of the land said. (A voice: ‘Yon bet!") The Assessment Court was increasing the rates all the time, and tho poor old owner had to pay. (A voice: ‘‘What about the tenant?’) WClineton had a configuration of its own, ami required special legislation. Tho Government should bring down a bill for Wellington’s benefit, to enable the land within tho city to be dealt with fairly and properly, as far a«3 the owners were concerned, ami be would “batllo"* for such a bill. In that bill a broad grasp should be taken and the City Council should make proper provision for recreation grounds for tho citizens. Now, a good word for the Government! Take the question of the Harvester Trust Bill, They all knew what the trust was. ■and know what an outcry there had been ‘throughout Australia against it. It had a capital of no less than forty million pounds sterling, and'was prepared to collar the whole of the manufacture of agricultural imjjlements. He understood that its system was to go into a country and undersoil tho various classes of locally made machinery. That was a good thing for tho farmers while it lasted, but sooner or later it would strangle cur own industries. TMo bill passed bv the Government was a good idea, and the interests of all classes concerned were maintained. Then there was the land question. He had only one view as to the tenure. He believed ill the leasehold system with tho right of purchase, but those people who held land on tho 899 years" lease should be allowed to acquire the freehold only at the present day valuation. If the freehold was to bo given on any lesser terms, then there must be some re-arrange-ment of the Customs tariff bo that the city dwellers should have some compensation for the loss of the unearned increment. The Land for Settlements Act was one of the best ever passed by the New Zealand Parliament, and there had been a rirofit on the transactions of about .£27,000. There had been a loss upon some of the estates purchased, because in some instances the land had been unsuitable. For close settlement purposes tho very best land possible should be obtained. He hoped to see more land acquired, and he could not ,see why the x waste native land should not be purchased. Referring to

THB MEIKLE CASE he said it was a matter that concerned all. Sine© he contested the last election he had very carefully examined • papers in conection with tli© case, instead of taking other people's , opinions. He found that the receipts signed by Meikle were not receipts in full satisfaction—they were receipts on account, and if that wore so, as he believed, th© Government was quit© right to set up a Commission of inquiry. If there was no receipt for a payment in full satisfaction of all claims, the colony should do justice to the man who hud suffered so unjustly. The next matter concerned the

BIBLB-IN-SCHOOLS, , and. he quoted the question as issued with the manifesto of the league:—"Are you in favour of the proposal that (subject to a conscience clause) the public schools shall be opened daily with the Lord’s Prayer; and that in such schools Bible lessons shall be given to the children by the teachers during school hours; the teachers’ duty being strictly confined to explaining the uictionary meaning of the words, and to seeing that the children remember what they have read?" To that he unhesitatingly said "No.” If those people were satisfied that they could carry a referendum in favour of Bible reading in schools, , let them carry .the public with them so that provision was made for endowments for denominational schools. There was nothing more dangerous than to teach children religious distinction. As for the No-lioense League the answer he would give it was that ho was satisfied to leave the liquor question with the people. QUESTIONS. In reply to questions Mr Izard said the Customs duties on the necessaries of life could be reduced without increasing taxation in other directions. He was in favour of a white race in the colony as against Chinamen; he would like to see some Compensation paid to publicans in the event of them losing licenses; that if a bill to prohibit the Chinese from entering the colony was .introduced and not supported by the Government, ho would call a meeting of his constituents and take his position from them; and that-he was in favour of proper supervision of liquor sold in public bars. VOTE OF THE MEETING. A proposal was put from the auditorium "that Mr Izard is a fit and proper Government candidate to represent the constituency in Parliament.” Mr Izard: Not Government.

The chairman read the motion, and left the word “Government** out.

A protest was raised against this, and the mover of tha motion altered- it to read "Liberal”' candidate. An amendment was then moved—- " That in view of the fact that a Labour candidate is contesting the seat it would be injudicious lor us to pledge ourselves to support Mr Izard at thiaearly stage of the campaign.” The amendment ’was lost by a large majority and the motion carried.

Mr Field addressed a meeting of electors at Northland last evening, and on the motion of Mr Pearce (Mayor of Karori) received, with acclamation, a vote of confidence. Mr Field speaks to-night at Ohau, and on Friday at Otaki. A committee of -Mr Barber’s supporters has been formed at Kilbirnie. Mr John Duthie will address electors at the Theatre Royal next Monday night. Dr Chappie speaks at Newtown tonight; corner of Rintoul and Riddiford Mr j. G. W. Aitken, a candidate for Wellington East at the coming election, asks friends and supporters to meet him at Clyde quay school this evening. Mr P. J. O’Bogan has taken committee rooms at No. 22, corner of Ingestre and Marion streets, and these will be open until the election between the hours of 7 and 9 p.m. The candidate will he in attendance from 7 to 9 p.m. PRESS ASSOCIATION. NELSON, November 1. Mr Graham. M.H.8., addressed a meeting to-night, and met with a very hearty reception. At the close he received a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence. Mr Herman B. Huddleston, a candidate for the Motueka seat, in addressing the electors, declared himself a strong supporter of the Government. He favoured optional land tenure, and the opening of schools with prayer. Ho received a vote of tha aka.

CIIKISTCni'KCII. November 1. Mr C. A. C. Hardy, addressed the electors of i'elwyn at Unlearn lard evening. 'l'l'.cre was a eaptilal attendance, and li'r llr.rdv war; followed with close attention. He was accorded a hearty vote of 1 liiiiil::-, THTNEDIN. November I. Air Tl, Barclay, a candidate for Hnnedln North, addrewed a well-attended jv.celimt tbit; i-vraa;;;. lie announc'd himself a run oner of the Oovernm-.nt. a strong ‘o;pjior;ci- of the ’;' r‘dr; 1 d system. ‘ ••••.!•! o-y.rx cd to liibicdn ?eboo’a. lie was standing as a prolt ?! a".a;: t tae New Libera!?, and in the in'.ere dr; labour. lie devoted much oi has t'-wc tt> lef-crring to (rests anti tlanr ov ,r vnd th;. A vote of confidence was carried without dissent.