THE GENERAL ELECTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14359, 31 October 1908, Page 10

THE GENERAL ELECTION

ISSUE OF WHITS. EXPEnTOTO-DAY. \Frou Otm Own- ConiiESPOKDiNT.) WELLINGTON. ()ct,r»bor 30. 11. is exported ilvat. tho writs for the elections will bo issued tn-morrov, Tho rolls will be closed on the flay of issue of the writs. Thorn arc many applications for enrolment. still reaching tin; registrars. It is pointed out. that the of 111'- rolls on a Saturday will he somewhat awkward, win;,' thai, 1 lie final Piipploinrnlar.y roll must be printed within three ituvs. As Sunday comrs into the three clays there will he a day Jnst to the rf^istrars in making personal in(]ti!iios to verify terlain applications.

DUNEDIX CENTRAL. MR .T. F. ARNOLD AT THE ALU AM Bit A 'i'tIKATRK. Mr .T, F. Arnold, a candidate for the representation of Dunwliii Central in t hp next Parliament, opened his campaign last night, when ho addressed a well-attended mooting of electors in the Alliambra Theatre. Tim audience included a large number of ladies.

Mr A. J. Sullivan occupied Hie chair, and in a neat speech introduced the candidate to the meeting.

Mr Arnold, who was received with loud applause, expressed his pleasure at again Meeting the electors. I(e prefaced his .remarks hy staling, that. Dunodin, as a combined constituency, had twice returned him as one of its representatives, whilst at tact election the electorate of Dunodin South had again returned him as its member. This year the name of the electorate was changed, but the district was practically the same. During the nine veal's lie had been in .Parliament, ho had striven to fulfil the various pledges ho had given and to bring about the various reform that were desired. lie again asked for their suffrages, and again affirmed his belief in the principles which he had oil previous occasions enunciated. He claimed that lie still represented tho Jalsour people of Dunediii, ho still represented the. progressive section of the community, ami he hoped they would express their confidence in him on tho 17th oi November by placins him at tho top of tho poll.—(Applause.) It was very necessary that those who' represented the people should have well defined views, ancf tliat they should be able, to express those views. After referring to t/he exietintr condition of tiio workers and those desiring work in the older countries of t,he world and also in Australia, Mr Arnold said that when they caine to consider New Zealand, and Wellington in particular, where they saw the excessive rente that, had to bo paid, they could not- do other but conie to the. conclusion that that which had been brought about in the older countries and in Australia, would, unless' care was exercised, 'bo the condition of affairs in New Zealand.—(Applause.) Any man who asked for the suffrages of the electors should have one deep-rooted principle, and that was the principle of. striving to master the various problems connected with tho economics of life, and that lie should at all times strive by all tho influence he had to uplift the masses of the' people.—(Applause.) Somebody in that hall had said that if ho went to Parliament he would strive to do the greatest good to the greatest number, ho .(Mr Arnold) thought they should go furtherthan that, and if lie were asked to select a motto, it would be, " Kit-h for all, and all for each."—(Applause.) The time had now arrived when mon with the greatest ability and the strongest minds should be sent to Parliament. He did 1 not say whether or not ho was one of those men, but it was for the-electors to consider not as to the personality of tho mon but as to the ability, honesty, intelligence, and experience of tho candidate, and when they had discolored tho man best able to represent them in Parliament, and to' bring about those reforms which wero likely to achieve the peatest happiness, liberty, and pleasure in the lines of the masses of tho people, then they should vote fc.r that man.—(Applause.)

SOCIALISM. Socialism, as the term was now accepted, was a matter of degree. At root, Socialism was the uplifting of the people, and every stop tliey were at present taking was bringing that about. He liked the man who called himself a Socialist, for such a man had out-and-out ideals and a definite Roal at which he was aiming.-(Applause.) it was the man who had 110 opinions that one had no time for.—(Renewed applause.)

PAST LEGISLATION. 'l'lie candidate briefly referral Jo the measures put on tlio Statute Book by the last Parliament affecting tho interests of the workers, and l said that in every respect they had been in the direction of improving the conditions of the wago-earnere. It hus not so very long ago when there were over 600 girls in New Zealand workms at dressmaking who did not Ret a P° l!n >' ' or their labour; and to-day every one of those was getting paid.-(Applause.) Every effort he could roako would be uscxl to help on the forward march, step by step, to improve the condition of the masses from time to time—(Applause.) A Voice: Yon ought to be Mmistei ot Labour.-(Applause.) U'.r Arnold siud «c might yet-.—tAp-phusc.) It would naturally be expected that he would say a few words about the INDUSTRIAL CONCILIATION AND arbitration act, because his action hi connection -with that measure had been to some extent erittciscd. He would not enter into that matter except to say that thoso who misunderstood Jus action.? or disagreed with him had a perfect right to do so. It was not the ease that, there was a split between the Labour party and himself—(applause),-and in a fortnight's time ho believed it wowkl he found that the Labour vote had SS OIIO for Arnold.—(Applause.) It- was his opinion that .tho act placed on the Statute Book same years ago would havo proved sufficient had ono or two weaknesses in it been rectified, and ho had tried to do away with those weaknesses. Ho had, for instance, oil many occasions attempted to tUrci'.gthen tile hands of tho Conciliation Boards by providing that all questions decided by tho beards, or matters in which, through their influence, conciliation was brought about, (-hould bo mad© binding on the parties concerned, so that the matter need not be carried on to the Arbitration Court.—(Applauee.) Touching on the measure introduced last session, he said he wished to recall some of tho provisions contained in it. It was proposed that Councils of Conciliation should bo railed into existence, that only those working in connection with specific trades should sit upon tlx? councils, ami that immediately the council had attended to a dispute it should, ipso facto, go out. of existence. It. was provided that every porson, whether a member of a union or not, eho-uld sulisrribo to the funds of the union: and, whilst the unions had been crying out. for years for preference to unionists, a claitso was introdiiocd' which would have killed the very arguments lieing used liy the unions for preference, when it was preference tliey required, and not compulsory unionism.--(Applau.-o.) Then- no person bill three who were members of the union could occupy any office in connection with that union. And in ihe. measure pased thi.s session these things had been put out. Why? Not betawe one individual had got up in the House and fought night after night lone-handed, hut beeaufw four or live thorough Lab-,mi- members:, who were, not by some as Labour memlxM-i:, threatened privately that these provision.* must go or iho bill would never pass: and wnKcquotitly iliey were taken

out o( the bill by the only wan who could

take llioiii cm—the Jlhiistcr.—(Apphmre.') Tim «c; as it s too:l on the Statute Hook l<xla.v was not tho same as thai originally brought down: it w:us much more iiccc-pt-•able. He would suy further il was the only measure they t-rnilcl act for the workers. Tf they wojv to it;-.v CciK.'i 1 iatiou and ivrliii-nrtioii ill all. limy had : io lake it in I!k>. best term Uicy cntiiil ;.;ct it or yet iwlliiiiS ai all. Imt-iui.-? ihew" was :i. large number of members represem.iuj? couuirv distil'.'!* who were exceedm-dy desirous of

seeing ilii> repeal of the act ;dtojjnt.hor. For hiiuself. he hoped the aei would li 0 kept in ttiine fori)].- (Applaiw.) lie believed in conciliation. He believed rhat arbilralion was a failure. ftven imprisonment would not prevent, men strikins if tboy desin'd io strike.—(Applause.) Xor shoiil'l a nisn be. (.onipellul 10 work for an employer i{ ho diti not. want to work: Imt ai !•'"« i |S il_ was possible to do wit liont strikes, whieli were the wor.si weapon the workers could haw. M- t.hrui do wittauv llii'in.--(Applwe.) I hiring the se-'sion the liou.-e an amendment of tlio WORKERS'' COJIPENRATTOX VoR ACCIDENTS BILL, one of the , best measures dealing with Labour questions ever placwl on tho Statute Bosk.—(Applause.) T.he amount paid at dcslli in consequence of accident was originally £400. Tho amou.it had now been increased to £300. Total disablement counted the same as death. Diseases brought, alxmt in certain industries were considered in l.ho tsuuo category as accidents. ■ .Under tho old act: a:\mker never

knew exactly what amount of compensation lie was going to receive. 110 had to | go lo his employer anil appeal to the insurance company, i .<1 if he did not. accept what was oll'ercd lio had to fight in the court for the compensation ho believed lie was entitled to. Tho now act, however, provided that a man should lcceivc abated amount for various forms of injury.—(Applause.) If a man had an arm out off or u' linger nit off he knew what tho compensation would ho. If he lost the sight of an eye it was laid down l.hat. he would receive a certain amount of compensation. Tliai provision, ho wnri sure, would do away with :t great. deal of I lie litigation that took plaw under tile old aot.—(Apnlattse.) In addition to adopting Socialistic,' progressive legislation, Hie Dominion was in other ways on THE MARCH OF PROGRESS. The population, of the Dominion between 1903 anil 1907 had increased by 56,979; the area of html in cultivation by 1,340,013 awes: the exports by £4,944,946; and deposit) in the various banks by £4.505,999, so thai there was still joine money about.— (Applause.) Tho total amount of deposits in the various bank'!? i,n 1897 was £19.810,592, in 1902 £25.108,644. and in 1907 £36,342,174. —(Applause.) Then v,'hilo it- was a, fact thai the rich man was getting richer, or the fat man > fattcr J the working man was also participating in tha good Things now going.—(Applause. ami a A'oice:

"Whore)") This was proof. In tho various saving;! hanks, public and private, the inorcass of deposits was £4,592.105, and it would be admitted that (.he greater proportion of Una money in tho savings banks l»!o»gal to working classes.— (Applause,) During Jbo fame period the depositors had' increased by 84,000, so that not. only had Iho total deposits increased but the Tiumlx't' of depositors had ;iUo increased. It had ten said that in consequence of the labour laws the nutnbtr of lactones was dor.v-easinrfT. and that industrial activity was showing a diminution. Wliat was the positron, at present? In 1903 there were 7675 tactcrics in Now Zealand, whilst in 1908 there were 11.586, showing an increase of 3911. In 1903 there were 59,147 factory hands employed, and in 1908 thai number had been moratMil lo 78,625. It might not be. accepted as a principle that the value of lands tended to tho success of manufactories, but he would mention l.hat in 1901 tho land need for manufacturing purposes was valued at £1.930,428, whilst m 1906 it had increased to £3,264,862. In 1901 the machinery in me wig' valued at £3,852,457. and in 19C-6 it had increased to 5,392,522, whilst, the valuo of the output had increawd from £17,853,133 in 1900 to £23,444,255 in 1905. In his opinion any statement that wo wero not progressing as rapidly as we should in connection with cur factories, ar.d that our labour lawß were crippling out industries, could not to any extent be borne out. He admitted that there was too much importation. Tha.t, however, was a. subject he would deal more fully with in subsequent speeches, but he would like'to say that, it was necessary that, the working classes should inquire as to why so much shoddy was being imported into the Dominion—so much material that, was manufactured by inferior, and even prison, labour, and which was purchased and worn by the workers in many parts of New Zealand—(Applause.) THE FUTURE OUTLOOK. The prosperity of New Zealand was still continuing, notwithstanding the slight tightness of the money market which had boon evidenced in. the last few months. The depression in the price of wool and produce was not going to continue, and tho evidences at present snowed that, dairy produce was regaining its original vaJue, and that wool, it not this season than next wsison, would return to its previous price, and possibly even a higher figuro.

FINANCIAL. It was quite true that there had been. an appreciable increase in the national debt, advocated the speedy construction of thai lions of the increase was mtereec-fcoarinj* within the Dominion it was mot a tax upon the people. The money had been borrowed in Kn.gland, and tho interest had to be sent there, and .it mattered not whether certain people within tihe Dominion had borrowed tho money and paid a jiwecntago to the Government, tho fact remained that the interest, was raised within the country and sent. out. of it, and consequently tho interest on the debt was a. burden upon tho people. Tho experience of the part, and also the fact- that tho very slight tightness of the money market of a few niamhs ago had brought about a certain depression, showed, to his mind, that a " ca' canny" system in regard .to our finance should be introduced.—(A[ plause.)

OTAGO CENTRAL. He was entirely opposed to the stoppago of works on tho Otago Central railway, and advocated the speedy construction of that lino right up to its objective. To leave the Una at its present terminus was not only an injustice !o the district to be served by the railway, but it was committing a wrong to tho people, as a whole, for it was only when tho line was continued beyond its present terminal poini that the fuul advantages of the railVray would bo derived. It was essential that a proper irrigation system, or series of systems, should go band in hand with the Central .railway, aad ho expressed 11» belief that the expenditure of £100,000, as proposed by the Government, on irrigation works in Olago Central, would not only prove tho full worth of tie ■ railway line, but. also be tbo moans of bringing forth in abundance that which war, necessary for the life of the people, but afeo the increasing our exports.—(Applause.)

OLD-AGE PENSIONS. In regard to the Old-age Pensions Act ha advocated an increase of the pent-ion to 12s 6d a week, and a reduotion of the ponsion ago from 65 to 60, especially in the cast* of women. The taxation of tiio country, lie was quite sure, would stand it, and if sent back lo Parliament ho would do his utmost to bring that about.— (Applause.) SUPERANNUATION.

Having provided schemes of superannuation for I jf. police, public schools teachers, and the public service gsmsraily, he tJiousht they should go st'iJl further. Ho had been called a "step by step SooinlLrt" by tho Oiago Doily Times, and he took that as <i compliment, and in gratification, he would ,-ji.y that, having provided the existing pehemes of mipewvumiatka, they must not. .siop until an annuity sejiome to? institaicJ which would enable evarv.man end woman in tl» community who chow to contribute a certain sum weekly or monthly, to have sufficient on which to livo the closing years of their lives in comfort.—(Loud applause.) EDUCATION.

If there was one thing more important than another to the masses of the people of the Dominion it was the matter of education. It was nil very well for psoplo to set up to-day and s»v that they \wro in lavour of "education being froo from tho primary school to the university.'' That was a good catch cry, but lie would remind his hearers that it was more or less an accomplished fact, at tho .present lime, thanks to tho system of free places and scholarships. Years erf hard fighting hud brought that about, and it was too late for people, now to endeavour lo get. into Pui'liamiMit <>ji_ ilia.t plank. Regarding uniform school book?. Mr Arnold said that illicit had teen one of the requests of the Labour party for rjany years. lie had

been pledged to if. all along, and was

pledged to it to-day.—(Applause.) 15v an arrangement of votes they had, against his

expressed wish, lotjt the result of tlioir work

on tho Education Bill last session, and as a set-off a. cer;u.in amount had Ik'.cii placed on the- Estimates to provide school books free of charge for ihp lower classes in the public, schools. If free books could bo given to every child at school he believed it. would t>'> a good system, but he did not lieliovn it. would come about. Hefore t-lja-t. position was arrived at the system would break, down. The workers were, as a maiter of fact, willing to pay for th? school books of 'their t'bildren so long as they were uniform, and i-liitl a change from one seliool lo another did not necessitate a new set of lx'oks. and also thai they we,'t> to be obtained a! eo?l price.— (Applause.) He wanted to tiny ;i word ul;cu'„ tlio I-> 1 uc;i-

lion Bill ;is ir. Pas-cd and as it applied to the teacher. The measure provided thai, in eerliiin crraih' 1 and in certain classes

the salaries should lie increased. lint by a decision given reeem-ly it was now found that. ilie teachers were not lo lienelii u .s it was anticipated that, they would, but that they were, to rise by animal increments to the minimum. A minimum had licen Used injlie iarl, and if a toucher was lo !?e| a £30 riy» lo ecrne up_tu the minimum ho would not revive ii in one payment, but would receive a certain amount pe.r annum until the minimum, was reached. The unfairness was this: if a new teacher came into the school after December 31 he woultl commence at the minimuni, whereas tlm man in the service for many years was si ill working 1 below the minimum and might, not reach it for three or four years. He was sure tlial. that wis not understood In* I be teaehero when 4 liny agitated so stronyjy that the bill should bj passed last sin l !. IN CONCLUSION, Mr Arnold said lie had grown un and worked for a living with the people if this city. He saw thein nov, 1 enjoying privileges that they did not enjoy at one lime. He

accopted tho statement that Mew Zealand was •' Clod's own country," and ho would say this: If men were pent to Parliament who would pass laws Ihat would tend to tlie progress of tho Dominion and to tho uplifting of the people—men who would use their influence .for that purpose and servo not only one class, hut every class, in the interests of Ibe people «s a whole.— (applause)—it. would be found that the progress that Now Zealand hail boon making for the last few years would continue — indeed, thai it would increase,—that Iho liberties of llm people would expand, that their conditions would materially improve, and that wo would t;e in time to come not only inhabitants of " fiod's own country," lm|. people injoyjng life a? tlio Creator illtended that \ui should enjoy it.—(Loud applause.) ■ QUESTION. fn reply to numerous questions, Ml' Arnold said that one of the matters .lie had mil touched on was defence, which ho would ileal with at another meeting. He believed that the Cadet, system in connection with the schools should not only Ixj continued, but should bo made compulsory in every school.—(Applause.) It wan un excellent system. Mie (Jftdot system in connection 'with the Voluntenre-iite military service—should also be encouraged, and as overv man should be prepared lo fight tor home mil country lie did not see why a youth should not be compelled to do'a certain amount of drill after school age uml up to 21 years of age. But he was against anything like compulsory militarismj and would always tight, against it. lie would support any measure ior tho military training of youths, either afloat or ashore. Kvery encouragement should Iks given to men to become patriotic ami to lit them for circumstances that might tome day arise.-(Applause.) The. establishment of a fish market in Dnnodin should have been taken in hand v<#iP3 ago. It was a matter for the municipality. and not'for the Government. He was in favour of counting Government service continuous—t,hat was to say, when a man left one branch of the service and after a lapse of, say, 12 months joined another branch.

He was chairman of t.lio committee that was set, up to consider the Friendly Societies Bill. If opportunity offered after tho election it was his intention lo visit some of the friendly societies and go into the whole question with 'them. _ It v.sis a very important matter. The evidence given bv the actuary and the registrar made one pause, and be trusted that every member of a Crioiidly society would see to it that tho matter was fully considered by tho various lodges and orders prior to tho bill ooiniritr Wore the Hones again, as it would next session. Ho would do whathe coutd to prevent anv dogmatic power being given into the hands of one or two people. It was a matter, however, that had to bo considered carefully, and societies nnist be protected, even though it were against themselves.—(Applause.)

If a person, cn reaching the superannuation age, was entitled to an annual payment that would maintain him, ho should retire and eo give younger men an opportunity of promotion. THANKS AND CONFIDENCE, Mr A. C. Cooper moved—" That this meeting tender Mr Arnold a very hearty vote of thanks for his able political address this evening, and, further, accord him its entire confidence as the futuro mombeff for Dtinedin Central." _ Mr Dookin seconded the motion. The motion was agreed to with considerable enthusiasm, and tho chairman declared it carried unanimously.

MR M'DONALD'S SUPPORTERS. A large and eiithu?iastio meeting of Indies and gentlemen desirous of joining Mr J. M'Donald's Walker Street Committee was liold in the Mission Hall, Walker street, last evening. The candidate, who received a warm welcome, explained his views on a number of important subjects to the entire satisfaction of those present. At the conclusion of his speech three clicors were given for Mr M'Donakl. A strong representative committee was then formed, of which Mr Carroll was elected chairman. It was decided that. Mr M'Donald would address the electors in St. Andrew's Church Hall on Friday evening next, ,afc o'clock.

DUNEDIN NORTH. Mr C!. M. Thomson's General Committee met last evening at his office, when there was a very enthusiastic meeting. The general opinion was expressed that Mr Thomson is rapidly gaining ground, and tiie committee is very hopeful of the result on the day of the poll. The work so far done was .reviewed, and preparations rnado to carry on the campaign in a systematic manner. Tho plans for the ensuing week wore discussed and some matters relegated to a sub committee. DUNEDIN WEST. Mr J. W. Munro (the Labour candidate) addressed a large meeting at the Albany Street. Hall last evening. Mr R. Brcen (secretary Trades and Labour Council) in the chair. The candidate commenced' by informing his audience that it was now estimated that there were no less than two millions of people unemployed in Great Britain and about four millions in a similar plight in America, and that New Zealand was determined to prevent a. state of things resembling Ibis ■incalculable evil from over reaching us. The only s afo way to guard against tills was the formation of a strong Labour party, which would continually watch over the interests of the workers. The speaker thou touched, upon tbo amendments to the Arbitration Act, tho State bank, tlie Volunteers, education, and other matters of interest. In answer to a- question concerning the Friendly Societies Bill, ho was in fa.vcnr of the mombers controlling their own funds, and would oppose Government interferenco miles? in tbo interests of the society. A unanimous vote of thanks and confidence in the candidate was carried by a show of hawk

DUNEDIN. SOUTH. Mr T. K. Skley addressed .a large and enthusiast ic meeting of Dunedin South electors in tlio Caversham Hall last night, tlio chair being oooupicd by Mr J. Wilson. Mr Sidev referred to the prcgressivo work done by the Government since its reconstruction, and showed how such work had helped the worker without increasing tho cost; of living. Referring to the postal concession?, lie avid lie had referred to them more particularly as a further illustration that tlio Government was following on ihc same lines that had hithorto characterised the party, lie referred to his long connection and intimate association with the institutions of the district. Mr Sidey received a splendid hearing, and was accorded a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence on tho motion of Mr Kennard, seconded by Mr Orchard.

A large and enthusiastic meeting of the elec-tois of Dunediiii South was held : in tho Sr. IC'ikla Town Hall last night, when Mr ft. U. Douglas, the, Labour candidate, delivered his third address. 'Hie candidate spoke for a little over an. hour, being frequently applauded. He dealt with thj platform of the league in its entirety, and showed clearly that the present Government- had not liecn tho friend of the workers, having failed lo protect ilie purchasing jjublio from the never satisfied private enterpriser. At the conclusion ot his address ihe candidate answered numerou;? question* to the evident, satisfaction of the acrJier.ce. and was (lccordcd a heady veto of thanks and explicit confidence as the most fir and proper person to represent the eojitt'ituoney in Parliament, which was carried unanimously, Mr W. Fleming addire-sscJ a crowded mooting in the Kondngton Hehool on Wednesday evening, Mr Frank Shaddock tatng chairman. At the conriu.-.ie-n of Mr Fleming's addrcv a number of questions were asked find answered. A vole of thanks and confidence was carried by acclamation. On Thursday evening Mr Fleming ccnttimed his campaign in tlio fit. Kilda Town Ila-11. which was crowded to the fteors. Tlio candidate spoke upon many press Li!.? neeus in tl» invcrcsts of the i»u;sw. and at tlio conclusion a hearty vcte> of thanks and confidence wii* carried iinauimouidy.

CILVLMKRS. Mr K. H. Clark addressed the Chalmers oletiors at Merton Inst, evening. sfr lla.niiiioiml presided, and there was a very larp attendance. Mr Clark dealt fully with the lending- political questions of tl" 1 <laj', f h ;s remarks being frequently applauded. The meeting 1 was enthuia.-lic throughout, ami at tile e'.ive a. vote of thanks. moved t>y Mr Wise ami .'winded by Mr Scoli, was carried without distill. Mr K. (>. Allen save an address oil Tlmiwlny at Aiuiorsoii .s Huy. Ihe chair was <icl-;ipil by Mr I'ryor. Mr Allen spoke for a little tiioro. than an Jionr on Reiiwal political mat low. and \ra.s fre(jnentlv A vote of thanks was accorded lo the speaker on the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr. Jeffrey, who spoke of the prompt attention Mr Alie:i jjave- lo all mailers referred to him for the well-being cf ilie district.

Mr B. 11. Clarke addi're.ved a. large and oriih'.fc-iastic mo:*[ii:;r of (lectors at Merlon on Tuesday evening. The candidate dealt with the leading political questions of the da; - , with particular reference to land and

agricultural matters. A heariy vote of

thanks was accorded Mr Clarke for lih address, Mr Clarke addressed a. crowded meeting at Scaclill' on. Wednesday evening.' lie was accorded a patient and atlentivo hearing. At tho close several questions were answered to the satisfaction of the questioners. A vote of thanks and condence was carried unanimously.

TUAPBKA. Dr Chappie visited Kokc-ngsi. on Thursday afternoon, and, notwithstanding tho fact, of tho busy season and Iho hour of the meeting, a large number of ladies and gentlemen attended in anticipation of an instructive and oratorical address. .Mr Dickison presided. At the conclusion of the address Mr L. Mathewk>ii moved—'"That Dr Chapolo wa's a lit and proper pe.r.son to us in Parliament." This was seconded by Mrs Mann, and carried unanimously. At the instance of Dr Chappie a, hearty vol® of thanks, was accorded to Mr Dickison for presiding.

Dr Chapplo addressed a crowded meeting in tho public hall. Waipiata, on Thursday evening. Mr ,1 as. Howell, who was voied to the clutir, in a few complimentary remarks, introcbiccxt the doctor as the sitting member for tho electoral district, and referred to his speech in Parliament on the. Public Works Estimates as the best speech that had ever been delivered there on Central (Hugo. After giving a brief account of his continuous work and persistent efforts on behalf of his constituency since .lie ho«l boon in Parliament, tho candidate said that he recognised that an important function of a representative under our present system was to see that, at. least, one-eightieth of the public expenditure enrno to his district. Tuapoka paid one-eightieth of tho taxes, and shared one-eightieth of the burden of responsibility of our ptibliii debt. A still more important function was to contribute his share to the legislative work of Parliament. He contrasted Hie great saving in money and sickness in our towns that i would attend periodical medical inspection of country schools by our present public health staff with the dangerous innovation of free sohool-boolcs, which savoured more of Socialism than anything wo had yet done; [or we. had only to push free supply of the needs of life and the State then had a mortgage over our activities. The Stjito would supply all our wanls, and wo would work for the State in return. He then drew a striking contrast between tho supply by _ tho State of the perishable needs of lifo in daily consumption and the supply of State scrvico in tho way of guidance, experiment, protection, and the consequent stimulation of private enterprise. Examples of this scrvico were experimental farm-plots, experimental lioriug for deep levels, for coal, for artesian water, subdivision of tho the provision of cheap and' abundant capital, which was necessary for country development. "All these services stimulate and aided private enterprise, helped men to help themselves, and paved the pathways of progress and success for the indivdual and tho nation. Ho supported an elective Upper House, and favoured the establishment of a Civil Service Board that would make merit and not political patronage the stepping-stone to appointments and promotion. The candidate was very frequently _ applauded throughout a long and interesting address, frcshenc-d by touches of humour, and at its close a hearty vote of thanks was accorded him, the Chairman remarking that Waipiata had confined itself to this compliment in tho case of the other candidates who had already spoken. Mr E. Scott had an exceptionally good meeting at Rough Ridge on Thursday. Mr Donald Nicholson was in the chair. On rising to speak Mr Scott was greeted with a tremndous round of applause, this being repealed at frequent intervals throughout the' address. Mr Scott's remarks on tho freehold and on defence were the occasion for renewed outbursts of enthusiasm andi applause. In reply to question's, Mr Scott stated that all land purchased by the Government under tho for Settlement Act was leased, and 1 therefore practically nationalised.

SOUTHERN MAORI. Mr W. Urn, who is contesting tho Southern Maori electorate against Mr 1. l'arata, the sitting member, is at present in this portion of' tho constituency, which, bv tho way, embraces the whole of tho South Island and also Stewart Island and lUiapnke. Mr Uru is tii Ivaiajioi Ivative, and has conic through from that to\vn. He spolce at. Moeraki on Wednesday nigbt and Otakoii last night, and this evening lie will be at Henley, wliorc ho will address tlio Maori electors. Mr Uru has had very favourable receptions, especially amongst the younger people.

AUCKLAND SEATS. (Pee United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, October 29. At the mooting of the Trades and Labour Council. Mr J. N. Harlc, tho Labour candidate for City East, was taken to task for some remarks' which ho had made at one of his recent open-air meetings. One speaker declared that Mr Harlc had advocated the policy of Freotrad© in direct, contravention of the platform of theLalxwr party, and ho moved:—"That Mr Harlc 1m asked to keep to the platform laid down or resign in favour of someone olso who would." The motion was seconded qnd carried. Indignation was also expressed at. the action of Messrs J. M. Browne and G. M'Knight, candidate for the electorates of Grey Lynn'and Parnell respectively, in classing themselves as Labour candidates when they were not ithe accredited representatives of tho party. Mr A. I?. Glover, Liberal candidate for Auckland City Central, spoke to-night. He said he was in favour of the present system of education, but thought it. should he free from the primary schools to the university. More encouragement, should ho given to Volunteering, and military training should be compulsory' amongst youths. Steamers should bo fitted with wirekes telegraphy, and should be equipped with twin screws. Ho favoured the freehold and commended the Arbitration Act., He spoke at considerable length on the Island trade question, to the effect Uiat this trado rightly belonged to Auckland, and the Government had no right to spoon-feed Wellington in order that, it might secure a portion.of the Auckland heritage. A voto of thanks and confidence was carried.

WELLINGTON. (Pin Ukitkd Press Association.) WELLINGTON, October 3d. Mr C. H. Izard, who is standing for reelection as a member for Wellington North, commenced his campaign last night, speaking warmly in support of the Government. Hn received a vote of thanks and confidence, .

W":STLAND. (TF.oji OUR Owx Conrxsiwnm.) GREYMOUTH, October 29. Mr Michel made a splendid speech at Kumara last night in reply to thai delivered by Mr ooddon last. week. It is admitted on all sides 'that lie gained considerably. to the necessity for a Civil Horvico Hoard, Mr Michel said that one in every two of those between 18 and 65 was a civil servant." Tin's was a real danger. These who were able to do the lucfii, often <fot. precedents, whilst thousands were disappointed because the.- were passed over, not being able to do enough wire-pulling. The way matters were going on ;n some department" was positively scandalous. Men were afraid to bn seen speaking to him. Not all the civil servants were like this; lie only referred to those who had so far forgotten themselves a.' to laugh at tho regulation governing their conduct during evictions.

CANDIDATES IN CANTERBURY. (Pei: Uxited Eress Association'.) C'IiIIISTGIIUIICII. October 89. For Canterbury's K scats there are 47 candidr.ter.. Of these 21 are out-and-out lllinislca'ic.hale, 13 are declared Oppositionists, si::, are Independent Liberals, and seven arc either umotiroro.r.isuiK Saoialir.is or Labourites with Sccialisri.-- leaning*. In only one oleer-owle (Asiilmrion) is there more than one t)pj>osiiiortisi. in I I]a (k'!d. In live there are more than one Ministerialist. No Oppositionist seeks to win iho Lytte'ion cr South ChrisU-hurrih scat. Al' the city seats are being contested by Socialists, SEIAV Y :\ T . (Feom Oim Own C'orp.i:spo:;di:xt.) October 30. Mr Fit'iok, who announced himself as a flovemnicnt candidate for Solwyn. on Mr Dickie's retirement, : and who lias addressed several meetings, lias retired from the contest. ' APHBUR'fON. ; (T:;oa Ova Ow:; Coiir.rsPoitDr.NT.) OHRISTCHirRC.iI, October 30. Mr David Jones, one of the three Opposition candidates [or tils Ashbur.lon seat, Ims been sheeted as ibo party's candidate. Mr Jones, if. will bo remcrobeied, look an active and prominent part as a representative of the furtnoii; in jg* proceedings in the farni kboiwv tlisput-:; before the ConcHiptwn is;>ard.