THE GENERAL ELECTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14358, 30 October 1908, Page 6

THE GENERAL ELECTION

PARLIAMENT DISSOLVED. (Per United Prms Association.) WELLINGTON, October 29. The proclamation dissolving Parliament was issued today. The writs for the now Parliament wili probably be issued on ■Saturday. OAMAIIU. HON. T. Y. DUNCAN AT PALMERSTON. The Hon. T. Y. Duncan addressed the Oiunaru electors at Palmerston on Wednesday evening. The.candidate was given a cordial reception, and was escorted from the Waverlcy Hotel to the hall by the Shag Valley Band, under the conductorsnip of Bandmaster Applebv. The mootins. was very largely attended, and the chair was taken by My R. Wheeler, a member of the Borough Council, the Mayor (Mr 10. 11. Clark) being absent on iwlitical duties on his own account. The Hon. Mr Duncan said he was not going to make any apology for speaking there, although he was somewhat sorry for the occasion which required him to seek the. suffrages of the electors of Palmerston. Previously, Paimerslon had been 'the centre of a district of its own, and had l)ecn represented by very able members. As a matter of fact, that part of the northern enil of the district in which his own homo was established had been cut out from Oamani, and his own noighlwurs and friends would not be able to vote for him at this election. He hail, however, 'great hope in coming to Palmerston that ho would get a fair hearing and a- fair number of votes.—(Applause.) COMPULSORY NO-LICENSE. There was one further cause, to his mind, for regret that Palmerston had been joined on to Oamaru electorate, and that was with res|>ect to the position in which it placed the licensed houses. When the local option legislation was put on the Statute Book it was understood by everyone that license.; could not be done away with except by the vote of the people, and he thought it wns a mistake that, the Government had not seen fit to do something to give those, places with licenses which had been included in no-license districts—as was the case with Palmerston—some opportunity of having a vote taken before their licenses were taken away. It was never intended that any section of the people of the Dominion should come under the noliccnse regime without a vote having been decided in that direction.—(Applause.) In this view he had been supported by a number, of leading prohibitionists. It "was not likely that Oamaru as an electorate would give a three-fifths vote for restoration of licenses, and therefore the probability was that the licenses of Palmerston would have to go, merely because, through a rearrangement of electoral boundaries, the town had been taken out of one electorate and been tacked on to another which happened to be under no-license, LAND LEGISLATION. Up to the last two years the country had been working under the Land Act, of Sir John M'Konzic, which was, in flic speaker's opinion, one of the most satisfactory New Zealand had ever had, and especially was that so with respect to the land for settlements provisions.—(Applause.) The present Government had ciiangocMhe old act, and for the 999 years' lease- had substituted a 33 years' renewable lease. He did not think that'was a move in the right direction, personally ■ preferring the tenure as originally enacted. Under the 999 years' system the position would in a very few years have been that the rents would have paid off the whole of the purchase money of the estates and the interest, and thenceforth for all time the rents would have gone into the general Treasury of the Dominion, and- that, he thought, was a sufficient- endowment for the country to secure- for its having guaranteed in the first place the purchase money of the land. In his opinion, and in that of the late Sir John M'Konzic, the 999 years' lease was better even than freehold, for the reason tint many persons qualified to make a success of farming wero not in a position at first to purchase a freehold of a size serviceable for farming purposes. Under the freehold system a man must either bo very wealthy at the onUct or have t-o ' borrow largely, and on the whole he (Mr Duncan) thought it would have been better to have loft the position as it was.—(Applause.) There was a- certain amount of risk about the right of renewal. If at the. time of renewal there was a depression the lessee might get the land again at a very cheap rental; but, on the other ha-nd, if there happened to bo a boom, he would assuredly have to pay a high price for renewal. As a general principle he was not- in favour of a short lease, became human nature was such that no man liked to work for another unless he got full value for his energy, and that being, so, it was only to lie expected that towards the end of a- lease a. man would begrudge doing work for which he would not be compensated. Anyone who knew anything about land could understand how easy it was to depreciate the value of laud by not working it properly. That- had been made very evident in the case of many pastoral leases. By neglect- in the last few years of (.he lease the land had been so reduced that it. was not able to carry as many-stock as it had originally. He had urged several times, and had nearly succeeded, that TENANTS SHOULD GET FULL COMPENSATION for sowing grasses and to have the regulations so amended as to ensure? an alternate third of fhe area of each run being freed from stock from ilie end of September until February each year. That would give the seeds.of the grass on such freed division of the run time to mature and so renew naturally the grasses. In addition to that, ho believed it- would have been better for the lessees, for the keeping of tho stock off that area would have greatly improved it for winter pasture. He advocated that such a system should be brought into effect at once. If it was, it would result in regrassing a- lot of land and improving it and making it more valuable than it was at present, (Applause.) NATIONAL ENDOWMENTS. He was not satisfied with the manner in which 7,000,000 acres of land had been set aside as a, national endowment. There was not sufficient- available land in the North. Island to enable that portion of the Dominion to contribute its fair share of that size of endowment, and the result, was that fhe South Island had had to provide fivesevenths of it. If tiho North Island could not contribute its fair share, then he considered a Josser area should have been set aside. Tile- Government, however, with the assistance of city members, had thought fit to carry through the proposal for the larger area, but no doubt, there would he heartburnings in consequence in the future. He had moved an amendment to reduce the area contributed by Otngo and Southland to an area equal to that given liv soma of tho other provinces, but- it was not carried. In his opinion the endowment being for !!::■ purposes of charitable aid and old-age pensions- funds which benefited the Dominion as a whole,—fhe endowment should have been apportioned equally over , the. Dominion.—(Applause.) CROWN LANDS. The original proposal of the Government had been that the leasing system was to obtain over the whole of the remaining (/Town lauds of the Dominion, and ho was very glad thai the opposition to that proposal had succeeded in securing that a portion was to be disposed of under the optional system. He was fairly well acquainted with the country, and he knew that a great, ileal of it- would not be occupied if the freehold was entirely abolished, lie did nol think a very large area wouldbe taken up under leasehold, and the lastreport indicated that the optional clauses ill the regulations were being generally favoured, and the seniors were quite right in so doing.—(Applause.) A good deal had Van made of the timber question, but much of the timber in the land was of no commercial value, and would not- h? if preserved for 1000 yens. Encouragement, therefore, in evc-ry possible way should he given to have that land occupied. New Zealand would have to depend almost solely upon the laud to pay its debts. Very little wus exported I hat did not tome off the bind, for unless those engaged in manufactures and industries turned over a new leaf and worked more amicably together it would' lie many years before sufficient for oyr own ticds was manufactured, let alone anything for cxport.-(Applause.) Personally, be was ol opinion tint the Ivcst use was made of land when the occupier was the owner or had the option of becoming the owner. (Renewed Applause.) THE ARBITRATION ACT. Mr Duncan warmly approved the Industrial Conciliation awl Arbitration Act oi last session, and regarding the application of that act to the farming industries lie expressed crave doubt as to whether any cumber of reasonably-minded mem could devise a *,"hemo thai would be. fair all ' round, for tho reason that whaf_ would suit 'one district would not necessarily suit an]other. He therefore did not wonder at the Arbitration Court having declined tc give an award in the Canterbury agricultural labourers' dispute.—(Applause.) The . industrial districts, he thought, should be rcduood in'size, and awards should apply

io the respective districts and not |o the Dominion a< a whole. The towns should have awards suitable for themselves, and, Of course, it would bo unfair that in the same, trade there should bo any distinctions made, because, as a general rule, conditions of manufacture were equal, but in the agricultural industry that; was nol so. Conditions varied with different localities, ami therefore if farming was to be brought under the jurisdiction of the Arbitration Court the awards of the court should not be made general, but bo made to suit, tho peculiarities of different portions of the country.— (Applautso.) Dealing incidentally with the present immigration policy, Mr Duncan said that, more car<> should be exercised by the authorities. There was no need to bring out tradesmen, for the supply was already more than equal to the demand in almost every industry in the country.—(Applause.) Coming lrack to the Arbitration Act, the s]>caker said that that measure had not pleased (no Socialists, who wanted everything for themselves and to leave nothing for anybody else. He did not know of any man who bad done more for the workers Chan had the Hon. Mr Millar, hut. because he had acted fairly and justly to both sides the Socialist element designated him a traitor. . EDUCATION. He approved of the Education Act of last session so far as it went, but in view of the great disadvantages the teachers had been under in regard to the old system, he thought that perliaps the act might have gone a little further in the matter of increasing salaries. Ho felt sorry for many teachers whose salaries had been rcduc-id in tho past because- the attendants at tlner schools had gone down owing to an epidemic of sickness or some other cause equally outof Hie teacher's control. He approfed of the appointment of teachers by the com-initlees.-lApplausc.) Regarding superannuation, he thought there should be somo adjustment whereby a maximum pension wruld be established for the very highlysalaried officers, so that the saving thus effected might go to augment, the pensions being earned by those only receiving lowrates of pay. DEFENCE. This was becoming a very important question with all thinking nren and women. Nothing had come lx?foro Parliament that received such a full-hearted sanction as the proposul to give an increased subsidy to ■the Imperial navy. If the country-was worth anything it was worth fighting lcr, and the dav might come before anyone reckoned it would when it would be necessary for us to defend oursdves. Volunteers had not been treated at all to his Mtisfaction. It- was deplorable to think that a corps like tho Waitaki Rifles should be disbanded.-(Ap-plause.) A Dunedin rifle company was also or. tho point of and there was another corps that was likely to go if an inquiry that was being asked for was persisted m and carried out. There might bo two causes-for the present dissatisfaction. One might bo that the new defence authorities' had not thoroughly studied out tl*o' position of trying to do what was right and reasanaMo for tho Volunteers, but there were a good many who sa-id (ho questioned if they ware right) that the authorities were deliberately discouraging Volunteering ia order that they might have an excuse for substituting compulsory military service. Ho did mot believe atallin. compulsory service.—(Applause.) Anyone who saw the school Cadots on parade would at once say that they wero the makings of a fine bedy of men, and if there was a scheme for retaining !h«c boys' interest in Volunteering after leaving school there need-be no fear for the future of omr Volunteer service. Greater encouragement in every way should bo given, our Volunteers. Not only should Micro- 1)0 payment for attendances ; at daylight parades, but free railway passes should be available to Volunteers taking part in shooting matclw's in any part of the country, and companies should be allowed a special capitation for the purpose of covering deprociatien in rifles. It was not fair that employers should deduct the wages of their Vohrotcor omolcyoes when away at pirate or at encampments.—(" Hear, Jioor.") So strong did ho feel on this Voluirtesr question that he would even go so far as to make Vohm'tecr forvioo a condition of appointoment to the Government service. Ho disapproved of tho introduction of Imperial military offieere, and favoured the in-troduoton of a system under which .;ever.t.l of our most experienced and efficient , local offics-rs might bo sent periodically for a few years to bo trained in Britain and other countries. After making reference to some rod-tapo proceedings in con ruction with an Oamaru Volunteer officer, tho Hem, M.r Duncan brought his address to a close by announcing his willingness to be questioned on any matters lie had not ■elucidated or alhukxl 10. QUESTIONS. Mr Gilmour asked: If returned, will you support the present Ministry on a want-of-confidence motion. Mr Duncan: I will support it when it is right, but I will not p in lo give a blind support to any Ministry. I have always supported it when right.--(Loud applause.) In reply to a question regarding the dairy regulations, tho candidate said ho. liclicved these were necessary, and, as approved by tho Stock Commit toe, would be found to be workable. The right-think-ing portion of dairymen should thank tho Minister for Agriculture and the Stock Committee- for the regulations that had now been provided. .The Rev. Mr Clarke asked: Will you oppose a. bare majority on tho licensing question? Mr Duncan: Certainly I will: I am in favour of (he throe-fifths majority.—(Applause.) THANKS AND CONFIDENCE. On tho motion of Mr W. Robertson, seconded by Mr John Black, it was unanimously resolved—"That the Hon. Mr Dime™ lye thanked for his address, and that wo have every confidence in him as the representative of this electorate." I GREY LYNN. (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, October 29 The Hon. Geo. Fowlds addressed a large meeting at Eden Terrace to-night, and received a vote of thanks and confidence. Referring to Mr Nicholson's remarks regarding To (..Vanga Home, he said it- was not a fact that the late Premier had refused to grant permission for the cutting off of the girls' hair. Ho was prepared to give £100 to the Mount Eden School or any other good object named by Mr Nicholson if it could be proved either from Mr Bishop's report or any other source that Mr Seddon had ever refused permission to cut tho girls' hair. There was no justification in drawing such a conclusion from Mr Bishop's report. What was clearly set forth in Mr Bishop's report was that on previous occasions, when applications had been made to the department, for such permission, the department, being itself averse to this form of punishment, except in extreme catcs, had declined lo put it before the Minister, so that at no time had Mr Seddon declined to grant the permission. If a similar application had been made to Mr Seddon to that made to himself, he (Mr Fowlds) lielicved that he would have taken the same action as he had taken. HAWKK'S BAY. (Pes United Press Association.) NAPIER, October 2& Sir William Russell, who is the only Oppositionist, out of the six candidates seeking the suffrages of the. Hawke's Bay electors, opened his campaign at Hastings tonight, when he addressed en audience of about. ICOO persons. He was cordially received, and in acknowledgment said he felt sure, a man who had no axe lo grind, and who had had 33 years of [Kilitical experience, would receive a fair and impartial hearing. Three years ago tho electors of Hawke's Bay bad thought a change ncroMary, and he, was hound to think that the change had not been much to the. benefit of the elect crate. Although an avowed opponent of the present Government, he had nothing against that Government, but he contended that a party which had been in power for 18 years needed a strong Opposition as a powerful check on their actions. The other live candidates had no policy, but stated th«y were supporters oi the Government policy. What was that policy': Simply that enunciated recently by the Hon. .1. Carroll that there should be a. "political rest." When the Treasure! stated some years ago that he Government was going to give yreat reductions in tilt Customs tariff, the Government supporter? cheered vociferously. Now, when it wa< found that a greater amount was being co! , lccted through the Customs, these saint supporters srtll cheered. The truth was the Government had no policy. Everj Minister carried in his bag a weathercock , which be trimmed to the political wine which happened to be blowing. Speak ing on superannuation, Sir William sai< there should be one scheme to cover tht whole_ of the civil service. With regart' to military training, he pointed to the recem war in the Far East, ihe present disturh anco in the Balkans, and the awakening o China as matters of most vital importance to us in tho Pacific, and he strongly urgee 1 the necessity of compulsory training. A ' present the Dominion was dependent upor ■ a few Volunteers, who gave their time ant i sea-vice with little encouragement. Some thing' mpro than the self-sacrifice of thcsi

few Volunteers and the school C'adels was needed. The Premier's only panacea was that half-grown, youths should be allowed to join the Volunteers. Sir William congratulated the Premier on increasing the Naval subsidy, hut said that did not involve any personal self-sacrifice. The speaker strongly urged that the Dominion should adopt- a system on the lines of Switzerland's military training. _ Dealing with representation, Sir William contended that every part of the Dominion should have a fair share of expenditure. At present, tho five most potent Ministers of ilie Cabinet eatne from the southern part of New Zealand, whilst only three came from the north. Although ho (Sir William] did not advocate narrow parochialism, ho considered the people who were resilient in the north should receive more consideration. Whilst favouring a moderate borrowing policy, he strongly condemned the extravagant methods which had obtained of late years, and which created a period of prosperity, but ultimately reacted on the people. Turning to the railways, the speaker condemned the policy which borrowed money at 4- per cent, and allowed tho railways to pay only 3 per cent. Under efficient, management the railways could be made to pav, and the Dominion would save £250,000, which could be deducted from Customs taxation. The great object in life should be to reduce taxation, aiid to that end public works should V.e made to pay. Last year £1,296,572 was spent on railways, but the increased profit was only £61. Ho believed the department's management was most excellent, but so long- as the railways were under political control so long 'would that administration be bad. Reverting to the question of North v. South, the speaker pointed out that at present tho south had 1521 miles of railways, as allium, 953 in.tho north, although the population of the iiorlh, was about 10,000 more than in the south. Last year's vote was £460,000 for the north and £421,000 for the south, but the outstanding liabilities totalled £669,000, of which £622,000 was for that abomination, the Midland railway. Yet the East Coast was crying out for'a railway to open -up fertile country, but could not got it. Sir William invited comparison between the systems of the New Zealand Government, the New South Wales Government, and the Manawatu Railway Company, and contended that such a comparison would unquestionably prove that political management, was undesirable. Dealing with tho land question, the speaker declared himself an out-and-out freeholder. The true basis of a sucessful pooplo and a happy country was that the people should have tho freehold. Crown tenants should he allowed to pay off the capital value of their land in instalments, and the money so obtained .should be. applied to purchasing further estates to be again cut up on tho leasehold system with the right of purchase. Bv tho end of this year about £6,000,000 would have been invested by tho Crown in lands for settlement, and suppose, a sum of 10 per ceiit. wero repaid per annum between £4003 and £5000 would now lie available for tho purchase of fresh estates. The Government's present system was almost identical with that propounded by him tlyreo years ago. Sir William expressed himself strongly against the second ballot, and declared that not 10 members of Parliament were in favour of it. It would throw tho preponderating power into the towns over the country, destroy indiviuualism, and place the power in the hands of political wire-pullers. Dealing with the -Arbitration Act, Sir William maintained that tho principle was good, but tho workers must learn to abide by the decision of tho court. Be condemned tho strike as being unehristianlike and unbusinesslike. On .the licensing question ho was extremely moderate, hut was disinclined to compel others to be total abstainers. Ho opposed the bare ara-jority proposal, and spoke strongly 'against tho system which permitted tied publichottscs. Tho next amendment of the licensing law should bo in tho direction of enabling tho licensee to buy in the op&n _ market. Sir William severely criticised the 'Government system of dealing out moneys to Education Boards for buildings. Ho also strongly condemned the interpretation • placed by Ministers on the Education Act Amendment Act of last session in regard l to minimum salaries. At the close of his address Sir William was ncorded a. vote of thanks, with some dissentients. TIMARU ROLLS. . (Pr.R United Press Association.) TIMARU, October 29. At the Magistrate's Court to-day Mr Wray, S.M., found himself unable to strike off about 200 names from the Timaru -roll (objected to on- the ground that tho persons had left the district), because, acting on instructions from Wellington, tho registrar had not sent out the first notices as registered letters. One name was removed, as there had never been a person of that name in tho district. MATAURA. (Per United Press Association.) ■.. INYERCARGILL/ October 29. The Hon. R, M'Nab opened his campaign last night, addressing two meetings, at both of which votes of eonfideiuo were passed. The speeches dsalt mainly with recent lattd legislation, with special reference to .tho cutting up of the liawko's Bay estates, eeVora-l of which were now in the market on terms that would enable thoso of moderate moans to take up sections. Regarding the new dairy regulations, the Minister said that some people thought that all dairymen had to provide concrete floors and erect now buildings. That was hot so. All that was wanted was flooring' impervious to water.' DUNEDIN NORTH. Mr A. P>. Barclay addressed the electors last night iiv .the I/nth Valley Schoolhousn. Mr Copt Butler was in the chair 'lla candidato dealt with Ihe financial position of the Dominion and the legislation of last session, stating that en the whole it was satisfactory, with the exception of the Water Tower Bill, though quite unsensational and of a somewhat- quiet, and even commonplace, character. He pointed out, ihowever, that there wore rocks ahead, and that a policy of stagnation would not be acceptable to a large number of people. The Government might find itself between two fires if it was not careful. He referred to several matters of loeal interest. On the motion of Mr Donaldson, seconded by M,v Harbour, a vole of thanks lo Mr Barclay and of confidence in him as their representative was carried unanimously with appl.au.-e. Mr G. M. Thomson, i;he Opposition candidate for Dunedin North, spoke Jaet night in the Albany Street. School Hall. Mr J. 11. Wilkinson was in Ihe chair, and there was a, large and appreciative audience, which included many ladies. The chairman's eulogistic references in introducing the candidate were received with considerable enthusiasm, and the address, which was on general topics, was freely punctuated with applause. A hearty vote of thanks, moved by Mr Hugh Mitchell and seconded by Professor Benham, was accorded the speaker. DUNEDIN WEST. LABOUR OPPOSITION TO MR MILLAR. (Pirn United Pjiuss Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, October 29. At a meeting of the Christchurch Operative Bootmakers' Society, held in tho Trades Hall on Wednesday evening, the following resolution was carried unanimously:—"That" this union wishes Mr J. W. Munro. the Labour candidate for Dunedin West, every suoccivi in his fight against tho Hon. J. A. 'Millar, who, by the. introduction of various cLmik-s in the Arbitration Ant Amendment Bill, has proved himself the enemy of organised Labour, and as such forfeits all vestige of claim to the sympathy and confidence of all true Liberals. As those clauses were embodied in the bill at the request of the employers, and in the face of tiade union opposition, tho society urges upon all workers and Liberals in the Dunrdin We&t electorate to support Mr J. W. Munro at the coming election." DUNEDIN CENTRAL. Tho meeting nf Mr Arnold's Russell Street Committee held last evening proved an unqualified success. Over 30 ladies and gentlemen wero present, apologies for others being received. The reports handed in proved that solid progress was being 1 made. Mr Arnold, in his remarks, clearly defined his political position, and asked his to indicate that he was prei pared to stand upon that, basis only. A well-attended meeting of Mr •J. McDonald's friends was held in the Conni oil Chambers, Mornington, last evening. A number of enthusiasts reported that- they i had already been actively canvassing the ; district, with most satisfactory results. A strong committee was formed, and an excellent scheme for systematically working I the district was adopted. After a short ; address by the candidate routine business L was disposed of, ami tho meeting concluded • with cheers for Mr M'Donald. The next ■ committee meeting will lie held in the ■ Council Chambers,

diiy at 8 p.m. Mr M'Donald will address this electors in Ihe Presbyterian Church Hall, Morninglon, on tlio following night. DUNEDIN SOUTH. ■ At Mr Douglas's meeting last, night at Caversliam Hall Cr .1. Wilson occupied the chair. Mr Doughs proceeded to show that llic bull; of the Liberal labour legislation in the ijnst had rcsulJofl in ITIO excessive cost of'living now injuring the working classes, and how in finite of Ibis Sir J. (i, Ward had cs yet given no indication that ho either recognised or was inclined to deal with these burdens in any way. He considered the true basis of all defence to lie in the Volunteer system, but io make tliifl thoroughly effective far more encouragement than hitherto should be bestowed on the A'oluntcers. With regard to education, bis party was committed absolutely to the pupils being supplied with school books free of any cost to the parents. With regard to our system of patents' applications, it was shown that merely to ap'ily for a patent through the private agent cost no less than throe guineas, and as this was only the beginning of the inventor's troubles, he ultimately found the expense of proceeding much further quite "beyond his ability. Nothing .but the State taking the whole matter .in hand would do anything to encourage the' budding inft unanimous vote of thanks and confidence in ihe candidate. CHALMERS. Mr E. G. Allen addressed a fairly largo meeting of Ihe electors of Chalmers m the sclioolhouso at Morton on the 2oth inst. The chair was occupied by Mr M'Uillivray, who in introducing the speaker said his duties were light, ni Mr Allen was well and favourably known to a Merlon audience. Mr Allen spoke on questions of special .interest to the dairy-farmers and pastoralists generally, and explained that as lie had been for many, ycjr.s a practical farmer he could, .he thought, represent them in a satisfactory manner in Parliament. A vote of thanks and confidence was carried unanimously. • 131111015. A wire from Hanmcr Springs from Mr loudon yesterday state that, ho is considerably improved in health after his holiday, and that ho will return to Dunedin on Saturday. His present intention (says the Milton Mirror) is to renew the electoral campaign, but ho will decide definitely immediately on his return to the city. TITAPEKA. One of the largest political meetings ever hold in Ranfurly assembled on Tuesday evening to hoar the address of the Opposition candidate, Mr It. Scott, who dealt at considerable length with the land legislation, mining, irrigation and water conservation, and other matters of political importance; ouoh as the second ballet and the functions of tlio Opposition and tlio policy advocated by that party. Tho address was listened to with rapt attention, and was well received throughout. In answer to a question' sis to whether the candidate, if elected, would favour doctors fees beingfixed by statute, Mr Scott replied' that lie thought that principle, if established, would be very far-reaching. If dcctois' fees were fixed by law other professional men's fees would be 1 so fixed later on, and until ho had more information on the subject ho could not promise to support it. Jin reply to a. question rolating to Government employees having all Ihe'righls of citizenship, Mr Scott said that as every man and woman had a vote they should have equal rights 60 far as freedom of speech was concerned. A very hearty vote of thanks to tho candidate for his address was proposed by Mr John Reiki and seconded by Mr Gcorgo Bell, and carried with applause. Mr Scott addressed about 80 electors of the Gimmerburn district on Wednesday evening.. The candiduto was accorded a very attentive hearing, and at tho conclusion of- his speech several questions were answered. With regard to a question in, connection with irrigation, Mr Scott said ho considered that artesian wells were preferable to an open race.- Ho would .not be in favour of the abolition of the legislative Council, as in his opinion this was a. most important body, whose function was to revise and amend tho legislation of tho Lower House. At tho same time, tho Ooiineil should bo entirely independent and representative of the people, as against the present method of tho members tain" appointed Ijv the Government. A vote of thanks Io Mr Scott was carritd unanimously. Dr Chappie at his Moonlight meeting on Wednesday night made a vigorous attack on bocialism, and showed how necessary it was a,t this juncture to check its rise and spread by sending to Parliament not only men who were opposed to it, but who had sufficient knowledge of the subject to br. able to show its absurdities in debate. 'J'ho address, which was listened to with great interest, covered a. wide range of subjects, and at its close a hearty vote or thanks was carried. A large number of old friends stayed after the meeting to renew old friendships and discuss tlio prospects of the campaign. Mr Macpherson addressed tlio electors of Wnipiata on Tuesday evening. Owing to the bitterly cold evening the attendance was not as large as it would otherwise have been, only a. few ladies turning out. Mr Macphersop was listened to very attentively throughout, and was frequently applauded. At the conclusion of ins address a hearty vote of thanks for his splendid and statesmanlike address was carried. Mr Macpherson met the electors of Macraes Flat on Wednesday night, when there was a largo attendance of both sexes. The candidate spoke for two hours, and touched on a variety of subjects, bis remarks being very well received. A hearty vote of thanks and confidence was carried by acclamation. Mr J. A. Macpherson announces further meetings as follow:—Monday, Cambrians (6 p.m.) and St. Bathans (Bp.m.); Tuesday, Hill's Creek (11 a.m.) and Alexandra (8 p.m.); Wednesday, Earnscleugh (3 p.m.) and Clyde (3 p.m.). Mr Isaac Green announces that he will address the electors of Dunedin North at. Ilov.-e Street Hall on Tuesday evening next. ' Mr 15. G. Allen announces further meetings as follow:—Monday. Evansdale Hall 12 p.m.) and Scaclilf School (8 p.m.); Wednesday, Purakanui (8 p.m.). TO-DAY'S MEETINGS. Alhambra Theatre.—-Mr J. F. Arnold, Albany Street Hall.-Mr J. W. Munro. C'aversham Hall.—Mr T. K. Suloy. St. Kikla Town Hall.-Mr R. R. DougSt. Kilda.-Mr T. K. Sidey's ladies' ; Committee. Milhurn.-Mr J. Allen. > Wailati.-Mr W. Ba.r.r. Russell Street Hall.-Mr J.. M'Donald's • committee. " Rooms, Great King street.—Mr Bar- • clay's ladies' Committee. ■ Evansdale.-Mr K. IT. Clark. ■ Whtirc Flat.-Mr J. T. Joh.ieon. f Maungatua.—Mr T. Mackenzie. I Hill's Creek (3 p.m.), St, Bathans (8 i p.m.).-Mr R. Scolt. Patcaroa.—Mr J. A. Macpherson. Kyeburn (3 p.m.), Ranfurly (8 p.m.).— Dr Chappie.