THE GENERAL ELECTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14355, 27 October 1908, Page 8

THE GENERAL ELECTION

GERY LYNN." (From Our Owsr Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, October 26. The campaign ia Grey Lynn has nowreached a pitch of excitement, which places it in the position of tho keenest fight i n the Dominion. Tho committees of the Hon. G. Fowlds and Mr Nicholson aro working (so strenuously that it is scarcely possible, to believo that ono person over the age of 21 will bo left out of the rolls when they aro closed. Both sides are equally confident of success, and sc absorbing has the interest become that electors in other districts in Auckland aro taking sides with one or the other candidate, and paying Jittle attention to tho contests in their own electorates. Arguments are hcarc 1, between Paxnell, City, or Ponsonby people over tho Grey Lynn campaign, quite as warm as between residents of Grey Lynn itself. GISBORNB. (Per United Press Association! NAPIER, October 26. _ The Hon. J. Carroll fired the first, shot, in his campaign at Pohui on Saturday night. Ho declared that every effort had been made by tho present Administration to equitably advance tho interests of all sections of the community. Tho ship of State had to bo fairly balanced in the adjustment of the valuables she carried/ To b<> lop-sided or too much weighted in any particular was dangerous. Mr Carroll said he felt that the stago had now been reached when a little legislative rest was desirable. Tho comiag period should be devoted moro to the administration of those laws which had been passed in response to the wishes of the people. A vote of thanks and confidence was unanimously carried. WESTERN MAORI'DISTRICT. (Fboh Our Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, October • 26. • The Natives in the Hunt.lv district are taking considerable interest in the approaching election of a member for tho Western Maori district, and it is expected that there will be an exciting contest, from which the present' member (Mr Henaro Kaihu) is .expected to emerge as victor with a considerably attenuated majority. PALMERSTON. (Pw. United Press Association.) PALMERSTON N., October 26. Mr D. Buick, Opposition candidate for the Palmevstcn seat, addressed a crowded , meeting at the Opera House to-night. Ho criticised the Government freely, alleging, bribery t>y the non-expenditure of public moneys in Opposition districts. Ho was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence. HAAVKE'S BAY. (Per United Press Association.) HASTINGS, October 26. Mr A. Dillon, M.P., addressed a largo meeting of Hawke's Bay electors iu Hastings to-night, and spoke in support of the Government. Ho received a vote of thanks and confidence. WAIPAWA. (Per United Press Associates.) DANNEVIRKE, October 26. A meeting of Opposition supporters tonight unanimously selected Mr George Hunter to contest the Waipawa seat. 'WELLINGTON' CENTRAL. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, October 26, Tho Hon. T. Y. Hislop, who is a candidate for Wellington Central against Mr I\ M. B. Fisher, commenced his campaign to-night, speaking to an overflowing audience. His remarks were Ja.rgcly in support, of the Liberal Administration and policy. In answer to a question, Mr Hislop said h,o would net support a no-confidence motion, which would put tho reactionary party in poiyer. A unanimous vote of thanks and. confidence was carried. . OHRISTCHURCH SOUTH. (Per United Press Association.) OHRISTCHURCH, October 26. Mr H. G. El!, who is seeking re-election for Christohurcli South, addressed his first meeting to-night, and was accorded a good hearing. Ho received a voto of thanks and confidence. CHRISTOHUROfI EAST. (Per United Press Association.) OHRISTCHURCH, October 26. Mr T. H. Davey, candidate for Christchurch East, opened his campaign to-night, when ho addressed a, large attendance of electors. Ho spoke in support of the general policy of the Government, and was accorded a yoto of thanks and confidence. TIMARU. (Per United Press Association.) TIMARU, October 26. Mr W. D. Campbell, tho Opposition candidate for Timaru, addressed a crowded meeting this evening. Ho had a good recaption. H<> devoted an hour and a-half to tho Saeond Ballot Act and a short advocacy of proportional representation, giving as his .reason that proper representation was the basis of good legislation. He claimed tho vote of Labour on this ground. Ho spoko in favour of an eleotive Upper Hotiso (if any), and condemned superannuation schemes that were net made self-supporting item tho start. A hearty tote of thanks was carried amidst, applause. SELWYN. It is understood (writes the Ashburton correspondent of the Press) that Mi" J. Ivess will contest the Sclwyn seat in. the Liberal interest, now that Mr J. W. Dickie has retired from the field. MATAURA. (Per United Press Association.) GORE, October 26. To-morrow a deputation of Oppositionists will wait upon Mr G. J. Anderson, editor of tho Mataura Ensign, to formally ask him to contest the Mataura scat against the Hon. R, M'Nab. The acceptance of tho requisition is assured. THE GOVERNMENT'S PROSPECTS. (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, October 26. Speaking to-day of the prospects of tho Liberal party at the elections, the Hon. Mr M'Gowan said he was quite confident that the people were so favourably impressed with the policy of the present Administration that the patty would be returned at the polls without any deterioration in numbers.. Mr M'Gowan left this afternoon for the Thames, where he will spend the next few weeks in making a tour of his electorate. DUNEDIN NORTH ELECTION. A very successful meeting of Mr A. R. Barclay's North-East Valley Committee was held last owning in the committee rooms, in Mrs Dormer's, near tho Gardens, Mr Smith occupying the chair. Mr Barclay welcomed the gentlemen prevent to the first Valley committee meeting, and pointed out that his .first entry into politics in iBS 9 was largely duo to the heavy vote which ike successful candidates in that vear got from Xorth-Kast Valley. He felt sure that tho Valley was true still just as before. Election business was then, dealt with in detail and work apportioned to tho various members of tho committee. At Mr U. M. Thomson's committee meeting last night good evidences of support wero handed in. Kverybhbig points to a record poll. It was decided not to liavo a house-to-house canvass of the electorate as Mr Thomson is opposed to such methods, preferring to ho returned on his merits! Mr Thomson's office, 129 Moray placo (opposito Normal Schocl) will bo open every day, where electors may sec tho roll and information bo secured. DUNEDIN WEST. A large and enthusiastic meeting of tho supporters and members of tho Hon. J. A. Millar's committeo was held at the rooms, Robin's buildings, last evening. So many people were present that tho accommodation was insufficient to meet tho demand upon it. Efforts had been made to secure, a larger hall, but without success. Tho Hon. -Mr Millar was in attendance, and received a most cordial recopticn. Mr Millar addressed those present, and expressed his gratitude to his friends and supporters for the confidence reposed in him, as evinced by the largo numbers present, Tho reports given by the Working Committee were of a very encouraging nature, and those present expressed tho opinion that Mr Millar would bo returned by a larger majority than he liad yet received at any election.' A meeting of Mr J. W. Muhro's Roslyn Committeo was held last evening at the rooms, Old Fire Brigade buildings. Arrangements wero made for Mr J. W. Miinro and Mr R. R. Douglas to address jho workers at the Roslyn Mills on Wednesday, and (ia rouorts from tho -various .members of

tlie committee indicated that llio prospect? of tho campaign wore most satisfactory, DTJNEDIN SOUTH. An enthusiastic, meeting of .Mr T. K Sidey'e supporter.? was hold in the,' Si! Kilda Town Hall last evening, A stroll" committee was formed for that portion ol ihp electorate. • TAIERT. Mr T. Mackenzie, tiddr<v.-cd the elerlors of Taieri at Green Island la;.i. night m tho Volunteer Hall, which was well lilled. Mi W. Geddes (Mayor) introduced the' candidate, who was received with applause. After passing several encomi-nums on the Into member (Mr D. Reid), Mi- Mackenzie proceeded to refer to tho readjustments ol electorates, which led fa no apparent gcod but, muoh usoio-snsss. He then touched on tho cry of -depression, which he said was prevalent, at present, and explained the pos- ' sible advantages of it. Somo time wae dsvolod to the difference in the, value of our exports and imports in recent years. Tho increase in taxation was also touched upon, showing that the cos-l of living was not so great as it would have been buffer the many concessions made in connection:with tho necessities of life. Preferential tariffs were .next dwelt on, the speaker-advocating preference to those who will give in return and advocating reciprocity with the Mother Country very warmly. The land question was next entered upon. Education also received considerable attention, (he tinsatisfactory conditions of teachers being dwelt_ upon; _ also, old-age pensions, Socialism, mining matters, municipalities, railway, and other State nmttcrc were referred to. Questions wero invited and were answered to the apparent satisfaction of tho audience. A hearty vote of thanks, on tho motion of Mr Blair, to Mr Mackenzie was carried with acclamation. TUAPEKA. Mr R, Scott addreseod a few electors of Upper Taieri on Saturday evening, awl, aa usual in the country districts, received a unanimous assurance of support, 'The questions, which wero answered satisfactorily, related to no-license,. irrigation for Maniototo, and tho taxing of bachelors, of which Micro seems to bo an unduo proportion in thc Upper Taieri district. A vote of thanks, proposed by Mr W. Mathicson, seconded by Mr Arthur Blakely,. was carried unanimously. Tho previous evening Mr Scott addressed about. 50 electors in the Patearoa l\iblic Hall. The addrees, which was on similar lines to those already delivered, was apparently much appreciated, as was indicated by frequent rounds of applause. A veto of thanks, proposed by Mr Crerar, and seconded by Mr P. M'Atamaney, was carried with enthusiasm. Mr Maepherson met the electors of Ranfuvly in Mrs Harris's dining rooms on Saturday evening,. about 70 persons being present. Mr Maepherson had a very attentive and appreciative hearing. One individual, who was intoxicated with' en thusiasm for the Opposition candidate, and other things, kept up a good-natured running fire of interruption, which afforded the audience somo quiet amusement. A vote of thanks and confidence in Mr Maepherson was carried on tho voices. ' , Dr Chappie addressed a meeting of between 20 and 30 electors at Wcdderburn on Saturday afternoon, and then proceeded to Gimmerburn, whore an audience of over 120 mat him at 8 o'clock. He spoke till nearly 10 o'clock on matters of local ■interest, such as experimental farming;, irrigation, experimental boring, and tho various methods of water supply, and showed a very comprehensive knowledge of local requirements and conditions. Ho gave his views fully on land settlement and subdivision, and advocated an elective Upper House, medical inspection of schools, and other important reforms. After several replies to questions, Mr Law moved and Mr Scott seconded a vote of thanks, both remarking that "thanks only" was Gimmerburn's rule with all candidates. This ! was carried with great heartiness. CHALMERS. Mr E. 11. Clark addressed the electors at Goodwood last night, and was accorded a very : cordial hearing. The 'chair was taken by Mr M'Gregor, who, in introducing the.speaker, said that the meeting was one of tho largest and most enthusiastic ever held in Goodwood. At the conclusion of the address Mr J. Gilmour moved that Mr Clark ho accorded a, vote of thanks, and that the meeting express its confidence in him as a person fitted to represent the constituency in Parliament. This was seconded by Mr T. Stcnhouse, and carried with unanimity. MR BARR AT RAYENSBOURXE. Mr W. Barr, a candidate for Chalmers electorate, delivered an address at Ravciisbournc last evening lraforc about 50 electens. Ho dealt at some length with the speech delivered by Mr E. G. Allen at Port Chalmers last week, and, in the) course of an addrees extending over an hour and a-half, touched on tjio leading political questions of the day. Mr Allen, ho said, had stated that a third party would be formed, and he (Mr Barr) maintained also that, a third party would be formed, not necessarily opposed to any other party, but to bring about necessary reforms.; and thc platform of this third party would be brought forward by radical minds, who would make their proposals quite practicable. The old-age pension, h c 6aid, had done a great deal of good, and he believed that those who wore receiving it, and wore in good health and had their faculties unimpaired, might be asked to do a little in return for what they wore getting, and would be the happier for it. Referring to the Conciliation' and Arbitration Act, the Minister of Labour had said that ho would deal out even-handed justice towards employer and employee. It was, however, impossible for him to adjust men's bves by act of Parliament, and there were many people who objected to being hemmed in by many laws. Dealing with finance, the Government, ho said, wero in tho habit of taking credit for prosperity, |„ rt no blame for depression; but while it miejit m a measure be responsible for times of prosperity, there were other factors that were to be .reckoned with. The agricultural and pastoral exports were a means ofpayimthe interest on cur national debt, and these industries eiionld lie vigorously assisted. Mr Ban- also dealt with the ty* C m of tnrts and monopol.es. While.inflicting a ]~„]. Ship on the small trader, and pcrhaos rui - ug him, still they tended- to' more sv.temai.o and economical production, and conferred a benefit on the community as „ whole. It was not improbable, he «,id that a rust called thc New Zealand: Peoples W,night 1„ the future b, tho „ forests of the individual. This even »'g, in the Early Settlers' Hall, Mr Banspeaks on the drink question. . Mr James Allen notifies further meeting from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Mr A R. Barclay's North-East Vallev Committee, meets on Thursday cve.rin.n- at he committee rooms (Mrs Dormer's, nea the Gardens). ' Mr J. W Munro announces further meetings, as follow:-Arthur Street School to-morrow evening; Oddfellows' Hall' Albany street, on Friday evening- H*lf! S „te' on^, ron{l ? y ni »8S and Koslyn vf w' on Tllursdil >". November 5. R.i •' ~: Fleming- meets thc electors at Ft Clair this evening, r n h ' J ' ™ Arn ° l to committees meet as follows:-Walker Street Mission Hall this evening; Mornington Town Hall,' tomorrow evening; JMloknowra, the same evening; and at Russell Street Mission Hall on Thursday evening. TO-DAY'S MEETINGS. North-East Vallev Council Chambers.»ir (.<• .M. Thomson. Oiitram.—Mr T. Mackenzie. Green Vallcy.-Dr Chappie. Riinfurly.-Mr R. Scott Manuka Creek ("7 p.m.) and Glonoro (8.30 p.m.l.—Mr ,Tas. Allen. Waikouaiti.—Mr E. G. Allen. George Street Rooms.—Mr Munro's Ladies Committee. Mcrlon.-Mr E. 11. Clark. Lower Kycburn (2.30 p.m.). Kokonea (5 p.m.), Waipiata (8 p.m.).-Mr J. A, Macpherson. Rooms, Great King slrcot.-Mr A. R Barclay's Main Committee. Alhambra Tlieatre.—Mr ,T. M'Donald. Town Hall, South Dunedin.—Mr T. K. Sidcy. St.' Clair.-Mi- W. I-'iemimr. Walker Street., Mission Hall.-Mr Arnold's Committee.