THE GENERAL ELECTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15301, 15 November 1911, Page 8

THE GENERAL ELECTION

. OAMARU. J p > (FBOH 008 OWS Cobbespobbkot.) GAM ARD, November 13. To-night Mr Lee, the Opposition oans- - addressed ono of the largest meetings overbold in tho Opera House, Tho Mayor t occupied tho chair. On rising to speak the candidate was greeted with Joag-costinued i Ho dealt with. tho Financial Statement, the meeting vociferously _ applauding iu« critioisms. Mr Leo' outlined fee platform of tho Reform party, .carry■ i ■ iug the audicnco with him throughout. A ' largo number ofs questions were answored ; to the apparent satisfaction, end a, voto' of ' thanks and confidence in the candidate as tho futuro representative of Oamaru was declared by the chairman to bo carried unanimously, - MR MASSEY IN FORM. . . (Feom Oub Own' Cobbespoxdekt.) t AUCKLAND, November 13. , Tfla Loader of tho Opposition, who is v working hard and well for his party, and at'tho same time making all the necessary arrabgementa to hold tlio ground in his own electorate, is in good -form just now. ' His recent speeches have been full of pith, and must bo "particularly rough diet for hiS opponents' political palates. An im- , portant foment of disturbance commanded eomo attention during Mr Mas9cyV meeting at Otahuhu. Half a dozen men from the safety ol tho crowded benches at tho back of th 6 liail interrupted tho Leader of i . the. Opposition wuth-interjections that wero frequently rnoro &0167 than pertinent. 1 lhey pemistcd for some time, although tho audience displayed no sympathy with their ejaculated testimonials to tho morits of tho present Government. The disturbers were, it is . believed, neither clcctong of Franklin nor residents of Otahuhu, and it was somewhat notablo that, through the absence of :tho local oonstablo, a few strangera wero ftblo to interfere with tho candidate's ...' speech, and am»y the largo number of pooplo who doared to givo an intelligent attention to his viorcs. Wherovar Sir Johu Findlay spoke, by tie way, there wcro.alwaya six or aoron policemen to bo found; "It. would be vary difEcult, to define tho present policy of tho Government," remarked Mr Massey at Otaliuhu. "WUat: the. country' wants now above everything else, is 'a party with a policy, and it is noflikely to' get any satisfaction from tho set 61' political windmills which comprises tho present Administration—men who bad no more backbone than. oysters, men who are like phonographs, in that thoy aro ready to play any tune asked of them." In his familiar book Sir John Findlay' laid . down tho axiom that "A skilful vonoor looks Sa well as solid mahogany and costs less." It might cost leas, but mahogany wtrnld last longer, and ho wanted tho people of ParneU particularly, and the electors of of tho country generally, to recollect that fact, dnd beware rf tho attractiveness of skiltul veneer.—(Applause.) It must bo noted tluit tho Government had not put forward a policy to raeot v the demand of tho •peopliS, and the only political party that bad dono so was tho Reform party. That phtform was strong in ita purposes and high ideals, and principles which commended themselves to every right-thinking man and woman in tie oomnumity.. Sound legislation and businessliko administration tt/xxi out clearly in the Bcform. party's platform, in spite of tho clouds of siisreprc-> sentationwith which ita opponents tried to dative the people. ."The Opposition is composed of straight-going, independent,and intelligent men doing; their lovel best for. .the'country and the people of the country to which they belong," Mr Masscy faid.. ( . "Thoy have no interests of their own to serve. They do not offer attractive , postf.in tho publio 6ervioo or seats in tho Legislative Council, but they do offer clean hahds.and honest service. I believe that the timo is fast approaching when tho country will demand men of energy and gTit to. manage. publio affairs. I believe, too, tilt the men who will bo called upon to, .dp, that will bo tho men who now sit upon, ihe Opposition sidoof tho House."— (Applause.) At another stago in his speech - then Opposition Loader wa6 greeted with prolonged, applauso on saying, "Any Government would bo better than tho prosent one. I hopo end believe that it will go out on December 7." Ho also hit home when he' said that it was necessary- to ofocrttiin tho extent to which thc ( Ward Administration had bccomd despotic., bccausi the rights ol representatives.of; tho. people had been very improperly taken' away by the men who feat On tho'-Treasury bonohM. Monoy was toted by' ParlioJTicnt' for specific purposes, but the Minister of I'ublio Works could divert it to any other purpose ho desired. Payments had been mqdo over and over again by votes on the Estimates to ofliccirs whose salaries wero-

fixod by act of. Parliament, and, thosa things were wrong. His opinion was that thers was no crisis when tho Dreadnought gift was made, but in any ca6© tho Prinio Minister should hare consulted the members ot Parliament before ho made tlio Thcso wnro instances of the 'improper usurpation by tho Govern-, merit "of the rights of tho representatives' of tho people. Ho warned them'that unless they were careful the people of NW Zealand would be deprived of every right cave that of providing money for the men in power to spend.

AUCKLAND NOTES (Fbom Oub Own Coesespo.vde.st.) AUCKLAND, November 13., From all appearance* ono of the hottest fights cf tho coming election® will continue around Parnell. Mr J. S.'Dickson, tho Upiwsition candidate, is quietly gaining ground, and Sir John Fintjlay is evidently losing- hisconfidenco and his temper as tho days by. His chief having dc«dul 10 come to tho rescue with a speech at Pai--liell, it may'be relied upon that Mr Masse; will do l&ewifc for Air Dixon. In . tho meantime Mr Mack, the Labour candidate, is steadily cutting in and gaining some of tho voles that would otherwise have gono to .the Government candidate. It is early to prophesy, but thus much is ocrtain, that Sir Jonn Findlay has not a chanco as josy as 6omo o fhis supporters imagine.

At Grey Lynn Mr I'owlda is to be given b "good run by Mr Murray, the Opposition choice, who is making excellent headway. Ai Auckland West Mr C. H. Poole, can only' hope for the Prohibition vote, and if the issue is decided on politics puro and wmplo Mr J. H. Bradncy. will win the wat for tho Reform party. This i>> tho result mostly anticipated. Mr Glovor's seat (Auckland Central) is afeo tottering, and it will not be at ajl u surprise if .his Independent opponent, Mr J. C. Cleeson, who has strong leanings towards Iho Opposition, is found occupying it .when tho poll closes.

Mr. A. .M. Myers is looked upon us certain to bo reflected for Citv East.

Waitemata lies Utiroon Mr A. Harris (Opposition) and Mr W. J. Napier (Government), and in the elcctorato the feeling is strong that the former will win. COiIPULSORY TRAINING. iFnoii Our Own Coseespokdent.) WELLINGTON, November 13. Tho Opposition candidates in Wellington .-Messrs Herd man, Fisher, Wright, Newman,, and Bell— .no favourable to coiiipulbory military training, 'ino Government candidate for Wellington South (Mr Barber) opposes it, but tho other Government wndidates—Messrs Bolton, Izard, Flclchor, »nd f'itigerald—aro favourable to it. Dr Couzens,_ who is "out 011 liis own" for Wellington South, makes training his principal plank. iiomo of tho Labour candidates arc ojipowd to compulsory training, while others give it a qualified support. Mr Jl'Laren, M.P., for instance, favours it up to the ago of 21 years only. PALMERSTON. (Feb Untied Pbess Assocutioji.i PALMERSTON N., November 13. Mr Buick, M.P., addressed a crowded meeting in tho Opera Ilouso to-night. In replying to Mr M'Nab, the candidate said that if he did not do moro in Parliament an the next 10 years than Mr M'Nab had dono in his 13j years, he would )» pre-pared-to retire. Referring to the statement that Mr Mastoy ha<f not been approached to join tho Ministry, Mr Buick said ho believed Mr Massoy's statement when he taid lie was. Mr (Mr Buick) said that lie Jiad not boon two months in Parliament when he was asked if he would join tho Ministry—a coalition to keep down tho working num.—(Laughter.) 110 was approached . bv a supported, of the Government and asked if ho would ooaleeco with the Government party to fight the Labour interests.—(A Voice: "They wore pulling your log.") Ho _ replied tlwt 110 would rather 10 times havo a Labour Administration'than tho present' Administration, for he knew what Labour would do, and ho did not know what tho pro&ont Government would do. Mr Buick nritictad the Go-, vernment over tho Macdonald case. Rarotongu and • the employment of tho Chief Justice, condemning tho principle of judges receiving moro than their salaries. "For God's &alo," 110 pleaded, "let us havo our judges pure." Ho condemned the presentation of a Dreadnought by Sir J. G. Ward m bombastio hysteria, but eaid ho

•would cot object to 50 Dreadnoughts if they were needed. .Referring to Mokua, ho said that Messrs Findlav and Dal/.iell dominated everything. Ho "donounccd the Budget as a conglomerated mass of verbosity. ' A voto of thanks and oonfidenco was declared curried. (Fbok Oub Own Cobhespondent.) WELLINGTON, November 14., . Mr r.uick's first meeting at -Palnicrston North last night was a great success, 110 was received with cheers, and during his speech was frequently applauded. At tho cocollision of the meeting he- was again choered. Mr Buick said ho held most emphatically that before offering tho Dreadnought the Prime Minister ought to htivo consulted Parliament. The cost of csJling Parliament together would have been very little compared with tho cost of the Dreadnoght. He would stand by theCountry to the last shilling and the last drop of blood, but ho did not belicvo in a tyrant saying " You shall do this and you shall do that "without consulting Parliament or tho people.—(Applause.) After alluding to tho offer to Mr Masscy to join tho Government, Mr Buick said: " Soon after goirg into tho House I was approached by a well-knowu supporter of tho Government, and was asked if I would join in a coalition with tho Government rrty in order to fight tho Labour purty. > replied that I wculd rather bo ruled ten timos by tho Labour party than bo ruled by the present- Administration."—(Applause.) When the candidate was describing Mr M'Nab's and the Government's relation to tho- Mokau purchase there was an interjection from one of tho audience, who said: "You can have Jiis share." Mr Buick: "I am too late." A Voico: You arc not too late." Mr Btitok: " Yes I am." A Voice: "Ho will sell you his share." Mr -Buick: " 1 daresay ho will givo it away pretty nearly—(laughter),—but he has got' another Scotsman' to deal, with."— (Laughter aiid applause.) Ho challenged Mr M'Nab to deny that tho first cheque was paid by Messrs Findlay, Dalzioll, and Co. on behalf of Mr Hermann Lewis. Wculd Mr M'Nab deny that Mr Hermann Lewis bought an area far in excess of what was allowed by tho Native Land Act? Tho policy of tno party supporting tho Government was leasehold for others and freehold for thcir6clvcs—(laughter),—and limilcu areas for others, but unlimited areas for themselves.—(Laughter and applause.) TARANAKI. , (PlB USITID PBKSB ABSOCIATIOX.) NEW. PLYMOUTH. November 13. Mr H. J. H. Okey, sitting member, and tho Reform party's candidate for Taranaki, addressed a big meeting of electors in Now Plymouth to-night. In a speech lasting, two hours ho reviewed tho legislation of ,tbo past session, and accused tho Government of want of strength to carry on a poliey in aooordancc with its traditions; lie Believed that the pooplo of tho Dominion were ripo for a change of Government, .more particularly bccause of the failure of tho Government to enunciate a satisfactory land policy. A vote of thanks andconfidence was passed.

OTAKI. (Peb United Prhss Absocutios.) LEVIN, November 14. , Mr Yield, sitting member for Otaki, addressing tho electors, deplofod tho tendency to allege political corruption, and went through a long list of charges, particularly against.the Government, all of wliich had failed. Ho mentioned that onco a notorious sheet was scattenxl broadcast containing libota, not only on members, but on their wives. Notwithstanding nil -'.Hacks. ho claimed that tho Government and its party stood untouched. A. vote of confidenco was carried. . (Fbou Otm Ow* CORRMPOMirirr.* WELLINGTON, November 14. Mr Field, M.P., is apparently beginning to eeo that ho cannot win his election an an out-and-out. Government supporter. Speaking at Levin last night ho taid that if returned to Parliament ho wanted an absolutely free hand, but as long as tty Government • extended and developed its policy he would faithfully support it.. . A voto of thank', and confidence was carried, an Amendment Riving thanks only being thrown out. WANGANUI. IFnoit Oob Own ContiEsroxcENi.) WELLINGTON, November 14. i A: Vcitch, senior engine-driver fit Gross Creek, president of tho Amalgamated Society of Railway servants and a member of tho Government Railways Superannuation Fund Board, has resigned from ,tlio service. This is believed to be duo to his contesting tho Wanganui gout at tho general election. WAffiAU. (PER UNITED PBERS ABBOCUftos.) BLENHEIM, November 14. Mr J. Duncan, member for Wairau, delivered tho main address of his campaign last night. Ho was given u vote of tnanks and confidence by a Idrgo gathering. lie declared himself still nn Independent Liberal, agreeing with tho Govorhmcnt on some things, but opposing them in regard to their oxtravaßnnco of administration, neglect of th-? South Island Main Trunk railway, closer land 6cttlcinent, and in other matters. OROUA. (Peb United Press Association.) FEILDING, November 14. Mr R. E. Ilornibloiv, the Liberal candidate for Oroua, in a speech last night supported the Government on general lines. He showed that taxation had not gone up as tho Opposition alleged. The country had-prospered vory materially under tho Liberal.regime. Ho eulogised co-operative works for railway construction, laying that but for that system they would not have had such settlements as Mangaweka, Tailuipo, and others. Ho condemned tho Govornniont for civinu # Dreadnought before consulting tho_ people, 110 favoured a national prohibition vote on a bare majority. Mr Horniblow rooeived a good hearing.

BULLER. (Pib United Pbkss Associates.) WESTPORT, November 13. Mr J. Colvin (Government) jind Mr Munro (labour-Opposition) aio vigorously conducting tho election campaign. GREV. (P*a Ukited Pbsss AssocrwiQN.i GREYMOUTH, November 14. Sir A. Guinness inet with an excellent reception last night when tie opened his election campaign. Ho spoko for ever two hours, dealing with tho measures plnccd 011 tho Statute Book during tho past 20 years, lie was accorded a votc of thanks for his speech, and confidcnce in him snd the Liberal party. ASHBURTON. (Peb United Pb*w Association.) ASHBURTON, November 14. Mr W. Nosworthy, M.P., in opening his campaign, gavo instances of tho usefulness of tho Opposition party to the couhtry, and criticised tho Government's |K>licv, or, as ho preferred to call it, the Government's lack of policy, lie was always moderate in his condemnations, and at tbo close was warmly applauded. 110 was accorded the urual vote of thnnks. Mr W. S. Maslin opened his campaign for thd Ashburton scat at Gcrnldinc last night. 110 spoko warmly in support of the Government. MATAURA. iPkb United Pbkss Association.) GORE, November 14.' Mr John Mac Gibbon. the Independent Liberal candidate for Mataura, addressed u fair audience at Mataura last night. Ho explained the position in regard to tho public debt, showing the benefits which the country had obtained from tho money expended In regard to taxation he lieli? that tho taxes were piaced on tho shoulders of tho«> best able to bear them. Hq advocated the leasehold m a step to tho freehold, and favoured the abolition of tho totalisater. Ho spoke at .great leneth 011 advances to settlers and workers,' which he regarded favourably. A voto of thanks was passed. MR HOGG AND THE MINISTRY. 1 (From Oub Own Comiispokdkkt.) WELLINGTON, November 14. Speaking at Masterton, where he had a good reception last night, Mr said there would appear to bo some don!.: as to his political creed. The question (reports tho New Zealand Times) had been put to him in this way: "We have the Government, of which Sir Joseph Ward is head, and the Opposition, lod In- Mr Massey. Ono is labelled Liberal, and tho oilier Reform. Which arc you going to support?" Another way of putting it is this: "Should a no-confidenco motion lie brought ,'n. will you vote against the Government and put Mr Mawoy in power?" " f clearly defined my position in the Wellington Town Hall over two years ago, after I rcsijned from the Ministry. I stated on that occasion: '.It

is said that lam a strong party ram. Tho individual who makes that remark docs nol know mo or my political history. When I was returned, nearly 20 years ago, I was bound to no policy, statesman, nor party. I have always exercised a free liana; 1 have supported good government, but I liavo novor boon the slave of party in my constituency. I have had as much support from tho Opposition as from thd Government side. Bocauso I still claim the right to spoak out my opinions and convictions in all honesty, I occupy this position to-night. The .Ministry lost, conlidenco in mo when I expressed mv views on land monopoly and banking privileges. I then lost confidence in tho Ministry and proclaimed it all over tho Dominion.'" Mr. Hogp's remarks about the Dreadnought gift was remarkably outspoken. lie went on to say: "Tho Roads Department, of which he had charge, was deliberately smashed 10. pieces; the toasted sarin? to bo effected by retrenchment was made at tho expense of tho cooperative laliourors and land settlers. Tho destruction of tho Koads Department was an act of supremo folly! I venture to say that a ninro cruel or suicidal stroko of bad policy had never been inflicted on a young country at a timo of universal suffering. When work was unobtainable thousands of men wore summarily turned oIT tho road works to beg, borrow, or steal. How they hauntod the fiabour depots and 1 applied to Benevolent Boards for charity! Tho cases I hoard, tho scones I 6aw, I shall never forget," said Mr Hogg. "Tho Treasury was declared empty, and men and officers woro dismissed at the-rate of a thousand a month. The Road Department lias been merged into tho Public Works or Railway Construction Departments,, and unless there is a chango of policy it is only a question of a littlri timo when tho cooperative) system of lalwur, on which the Liberal _ anil Labour party prided itself, will entirely disappear."

(Pib United Phbss Association.) MASTEHTON, November 13. Mr A. W. Hogg, -M.P., who has not yet quite lecovorca from his serious illr.ow, ojiened his campaign last night, when he addressed a Crowded audience in the Town Hall, and met with a good reception. Ho regarded tho Opposition as retrogressive. Ho strongly imposed compulsory traiumg. and advocated a remission of duties on tho necessities of life. lho candidate was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence.

NOTES FROM WELLINGTON. tFnou Our Own ConnissroNnm.) . WELLINGTON, November 13. Thoro is very littlo to report in connection with the elections. No big meetings aro being held, and the candidates arc devoting Ineir energies mainly lo tho smaller meetings and to canvassing. Never before probably in the history of New Zealand has canvassing been done 60 energetically and on such systematic lines. Wliat with Government, Opposition, Labour, liquor, and prohibition canvassers, the free and independent olcctjr is for_ tho time being a person of considerable importance. The polling promises to be very hoavy, especially as an unusuai amount of interest is befng taken in this election. '1 hero aro, of course, different predictions and spcculationi" in regard to lho ultimate result, but with all . the different views expressed there is a general feeling in tho air that anything may Happen in Wellington and tho surrounding districts. It is quito evident that Labour is largely against tho Government, but as an off-set against this tho Roman Catholic voto and trie liquor voto will go very largely with the Government, although Sir John Findlay's pronouncement in favour of a baro majority for national prohibition the other day camo a3 a rather rudo shock to the trade. , , , At Mr Boll's meeting in the suburbs on Saturday evening tho candidate received a voto of confidenoe, and a motion of no confidenco in tho Government was passed

CHALMERS. At Wharc Flat on Thursay evening Mr Clark delivered ail addrcsj and rawed a hcartv voto of thanks. Air O'Lcary oresided nt tho Otokui meeting on iViday ovonitig. when thoro was again a inrgo attendance. At chiso of his address Mr Ciark answered a number of questions satisfactorily, and Mr E. Smith proposed a bearty voto.of thanks, which was earned unanimously. Dcspito tho boieteroas weather tho Brighton School was filled to overflowing on Saturday evening. Mr D. Davidson occupied tho chair, and tluro woro several ladies piosent. 'lho speaker 8 remarks woro listened to with rapt attention, and tho address "as frooly applauded. Mr Chirk answered a Iwst of questions to tho entire satisfaction of tho largo gathering, and at tlio close Mr Geo. Hunter proixsed, and Mr Carter seconded, a heartyvoto of thanks and oonlidcncc. Several spoke in .eulogistic terms of tho many excellent service rendered to Clialmers by Mr Clark during the tlireo years lie lias represented tho eleotoratc, and tho motion was carried unanimously amidst tho greatest enthusiasm. 'A largo committco was formed at the close of tho mooting to work in thu interests of Mr Clark along tho coast. Mr Arthur M'Corthy, tho Labour Candidate for Chalmers, spoko at Carey's Bay on Friday evening. Tho candidate was drastic in his condemnation of tho Government and all its supporters. 110 showed how tho Government, by purchasing £5,000,000 worth of land, had actually made land dearor. Tlio State's credit had been used for this purpose, and tho landless wero taxed in consequence. As tho land on v.-liicli mutton and beef were grown, as well as wool, iiiid been made dearer, those articles cost proportionately more to raise, and tlvo profit ol thu middleman must inevitably l« greai.v on the greater sum. During 20 years there had been an average ol £6.000,030 per annum increase in land v,llucs. Tlicso M.lYs who Relieved that their duties began and endod with the securing of grants which ucted as bribea to local authorities camo in for a duo sharo of condemnation. The action of tho Minister of Railways in raising tho railway fares on short-distance runs, whilo tourists and others who had no stako in tho country wore permitted to run all over it for six months at an adequate cost, was condemned.

Mr J. T. Johnson should be well satisfied with his wclcomo to tho Chalmers end of the electorate. Tho malo residents of St. Leonards turned out m force last night, but the wet weather apparently caused tho ladies to stay at homo. The candidate remarked that it was the fii-sb mooting in tho campaign in which tho ladies wcro not represented, and no doubt the rough night deterred therii. Ho touched 011 tJio various topics on the lir.cj of his Mcsgiel nddress, and obtuincd frcr/uciit applause. Mo questions wero uskc-J, and tho candidate was accorded a vote of thanks, tl/o mover remarking that ho understood votes of confidence wcro not required. Mr Carrington presided.

OAMARU. In mi address at Dimbsck last night Mr Milligan, ono of tho candidates for the Oamaru seat, challenger) the accuracy of tho figures given bv tho Olago Daily Times ill reference to the amount of taxation per head 1 of tho population. The amount for 1910-11 was really £4 14s lid, and not £5 8s 3d as stated bv tho paper. 11 ml consequently the argument that taxation had been increased to an exceptional extent was quite wrong, the incra.se being only Is 6d per head over the average of the previous four ycara. It appearedjhat tho paper was taking tho figures given by n member of the Ilouso last session, but obviously in these thero had been included the amount by certain services rendered bv tho State, and which were never regarded as taxation. Thcso had been included ip the 1911 figures, but not in those for tho previous years. Ho tnisteil tli.it the paper would acknowledge its error and' withdraw its charge against the Government as increasing the burdens of the people.

WAIv ATI I'll. Mr James Horn concluded <1 work's campaign in the southern |xirtion oi the Wakitipu electorate with_ an iiddrces at Waikaia on Saturday evening. wine 250 electors being present. Mr E. Dennis introduced the candidate,- who received a warm weloome. Mr Horn's advocacy of a moro forward policy in regard to the future development of mining in practically untried areas was warmly ipplauded, as was also his arpc.il on Mwir of the back-block settlors of tho Lakes and Upper Clutha districts. After a fow questions hnd__ been put to the enndidato Mr John M'Kissock proposed a motion of thanks ami confidonce, which wis seconded in half a dozen plaooß. An amendment for a hearty voto of thanks only waft proposed by Messrs N. Sligo and Jas. Handysidc. On the amendment being put only two hands were held up in support and for the motion fully three-fourths rose, and the chairman declared it carried practically unanimously. Mr James Horn addressed two meetings on Monday, tho first being at Waipouna.mii at 2.30 p.m., where lie had a small but attentive audience, which seemed well pleased with his address. At Wendonside in the evening a fairly large gathering attended in spite of tho- fact that it had liecn raining steadily for about three hours. Mr P. Mnhcr occupied the chnir. Mr Horn's address wrs we)| received. A good nmulvr of question were asked, most of which related to tho land question, and tho can-

didato won much favour by hia replies. A vote of thanks wtw moved by Messrs A. Kennedy and 11. Martin. Mr J. Mnlior moved un amendment of a voto of thanks and confidence. This was seconded by Mr 11. Collins, and the chairman declared tho amendment carried by a majority of five.

IIUNEDIN NORTH. Mr J. Loudon addressed a well-attended meeting in the Opoho Church on Monday evening, when Mr John Evans occupied the chair and introduced tho candidate in nattering terms. Mr Loudon ifyoko tor un hour, ami neon cd 'a splendid hearing. In ilcwling with the land question, ho «>i<l tho proposal to give liie holders of the Iwiso ill iicri>otuily the freehold at the original value was a monstrous one, and he adduced figures to show the loss it would mean to tho Slate, lie also said the doctrino of Froe Trade was inimical to tho interests of. tho workers, and iio would support, 'and always had supported, every effort to have work dono hwo by tlieir own people, giving as an instance Uie lotting of thu Harbour Board tug, which meant the distribution of wages alono in their midst of tho large mini of £15,000. After a number nf •■(Uestions had been answered to the satisfaction of tho (| notion ere. a hearty voto of thanks was accorded to Mr Loudon with applaivo. . Mr 11. It. Douglas, tho Progfcssivo Liberal candidate for Dunedin North, addressed a large and well-|deased audience nf Indies and gentlemen in Barron's Hall, N.E. Valley on Monday night, Cr Green presided, and in introducing Uio candidate luadi! feeling reference to his asfociations with Mr late grandfather (Mr 11. M'Fadycnj, who was tho first town clerk of North-East Valley, and alto to his association with the candidate, and his good work its u city councillor. Mr Douglas spoke for an hour and a-half, dealing more particularly on the question of land tenure with regard to Crown lands. At the conclusion of his address ho answered several questions to the evident satisfaction of all present. On tho motion of Mr S. F. Brookes, sccondcd by Mr C. Smith, a very hearty voto of thmuw was accorded flic candidate. A mooting was then held for tho purpose >of forming a committeo for that i>ortion of tho district. An energotio canvas of tito district will bo nwdo ForUiffith.

Over 30 ladies and gentlemen attended at Mr Douglas's North-East Valley committee rooms last night. All present expressed themselves as being confident of tlio candidate's guocoss. Mr SSminonds was appointed chairman and Mr Gillies secretary. Arrangetnonts wero mndo 'for tho purpose of thoroughly canvassing this portion of tho district, attention being drown to tlio fact that tho rolls would probably bo closcd on Monday next.

DLN'EDIN' CENTRAL. Hie Labour candidate, .Mr D. Macpherson, addressed a strong meeting of Hipporters in the Russell Street Hall on Monday night, including a. conspicuous number of ladies. The candidate _ received a very attentive hearing his views evidently meeting with tho approval of thoso present. Ho was frequently greeted with applause, and at tho tondusion a very hearty voto of thanks was tendered. In moving a very hearty vote of confidence, tho mover strongly endorsed Mr Macpliorson's candidature, and stilted tlmt tiis viows were tound. and hi- (the mover) was certain that .Mr Mnephorson would make an oxcollcnt representative. Tli,j motion was earned in a hearty manner und without a disentient. Mr C. 12. SUthain's Green Island Committee met on Monday night, and, notwithstanding the heavy rain, the attendance wan most satisfactory. Keports from various quarters were recoivcd, showing a promising outlook in tho district. Ajter the ordinary business had been disposed of Mr Algie (tho general pocretary) gavo im interesting account of tho progress nnwlc throughout the <4ectorato, and Mr Siatluim iirielly addressed tlio meeting. 110 intimated that ho would address tho electors at St. M.irk"s Hall on Thursday next. Mr Loudon addrrc&xl a meeting of elcotors in tho Maori Hill Town llaJl last night, wlien there was a RCod attendance. JlrlSuUcrlWd ocoupiui thoohfur Tho camlidate spoko for an hour and a-quartcr, and ooncluccd amidst hearty applause. A motion of thanks moved by Mr H. Knowles to tlio candidate was carried unanimously, and a number of Indies and gentlemen volunteorcd to amist Mr Loudon. Mr Loudon's Albany street mectinjt fixed for tonight. lias been postponed until a data to bo fixed next week, owinj: to tho Hon. Mr Millar's meeting. Mr U. _M. Thomson addressed tJio electors in Barron's Hall at North-East Vnllov last cvoniug. Tho candidate gavo a lucid 1 resume of tho work Uono in Parliament during tlio last session, tlio various measures then dealt with being passed in roviow and explained. At tlio closo of tlio meeting Mr W. G. Lumloy moved a hearty voto of thanks to .Mr Thomson, The motion was seconded by Mr S. V. Smith, and carried unanimously. A meeting of .Mr C. B. Statham's Central Committee was hold at tho Manso street rooms last evening. There was an exoollw.it muster, aJid good progress was reported throughout tho ofcejorats. Final arrangements were imudo for completing tlio canvass of the district.

DUNEDIN WEST. Tlitio was an attendance of about 250 porsoys in Washer's Hull, Roslyn, last night lo hear an address by Mr 11. IJ. Bedford, a candidate for tho representation of tlio Uuncdin West «at in Parliament. Tho chair was oooupied by Mr R. S. Black. Mr Bedford 1 answered a number of statements nindo by thy Hon. J. A. Millar at Wakari on .Monday night. Ho referred to Mr Millar's non-boriowim: proclivities before lw joined tlio Ministry, oik! to 1113 changed attitude in that respect siiico becoming a .Minis tar. TJio largo amount of borrowed money, Mr Bedfoul contended, was not opening up tho country, as was proved by tbo complaints of Government mwiibera reflecting tho practical abcyanco of the land settlement policy. Ho detailed somo items of unjustifiable expenditure, si'cli as tlio payment to tho Chief Just»o v.hilo act in j on tho Native Land Commission (his salary being paid at the sajno time), the payment to Messrs Stalhvortliy il Heed, and tho expenditure on a retention lo tJto lion. Mr fowkls. After dealing with a number of other matters Mr Bedford answered a ccji&iderablo .number of questions, alter which it was proposed nnd scoondod—" That .Mr Bedford is tho proper person to represent this district in Parliaments" Tho motion was carried' almost unanimously.

BRUCE Mr James Allen, spoaking at Taieri Mouth on Monday, icpliod to tlviit portion of Sir Joseph Ward's speech at the Blulf <m .Saturday, in which the l'rimo Milliliter had complained thut. thero Wii6 a conspiracy of silence or. tlio |>art of members of tho Opi>osition respecting the defence sclioiiie. .Mr Allen said that, in asking why no member of tho Opposition hud published a linn in support ot tho Defence Act, Sir J<*oph Ward had repeated an unfair nnd entirely incorrect statement. Iriespectivo of wlnit was done bytiio Opposition to help tlio Defcnco Bill "through Parliament, ho (.Mr Allen) had from every platform at this election taken his full share of responsibility for the net, and had dealt with it oh the lines of trir J. (j. Ward's Bluff sprecli. liiti the biggcat blow struck at the act was Mr Millar's statement in tlio House to tho clfcct that those liable to forvo might rolu>o with impunity, so far as Government wns- concerned. .Sir J. (J. Ward's candidate in Bruce had, so ho (Mr Allen) was informed, lx>en utilising tlio net nnd hi.; (Mr Allen's) attitude towards it as a |K)int against him, and several Government supporters were more than lukewarm, while some of them w<\rc openly epposed to parts of tho act. Why, then, the l'rimo Minister's unwarranted renwrk aeiunst Iho Opposition? He (!•<! not know whether Sir Joseph Ward was correctly reported when ho was mndo to ask, "Ought not New Zealand to bo willing to i>ay £400.000 a year lor internal defencc nnd £150,000 a year for naval ("efence." If ho yas correctly reported, then tho Prime Minister had mado another misstatement The lipums should lie £400.000 and jD2.50.C-00. the interest and sinking fund payments theinsclvca amounting to £150,000, OTAGO CENTRAL Mr Mason had an appreciative audience at Pulearou. Mr P. M'Atamner was in the chair. The mld rest was a lucid and logical one, an<l (our corresiiondeint writes) Mr Mason made n very favonrublo iinpre.s--■•ioti indeed. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded tlio speaker by Messrs Crerar and S. O'Neil. Mr H. Scott had excellent receptions at Becks and Mataknnui on Saturday and at Coal Creek Hut nnd Roxburgh on Monday. So far tlio Opposition candidate has had every reason lo liolievo Hiat his position in tlm electorate has been gTently .strengthened, and tho prospects of his reelection are very encouraging.

dressing the committees, urged that throughout tho canvass his jjcrsonality should (19 far as [xvaiblo bo lost sight of, but tli&t tho principle and legislation upon which he ba;cd his candidature should bo kept well'to tho fore. Mr Arnold will open his enmpoign at Green Island tonight. Mr F. J. Stilling has given serious consideration to tho romicfts which have been nuklo to him to bocomo n candidate in tho forthcoming eloction for Dunedin South, but has dccided not to contest tho election.

TODAY'S MEETINGS. Garrison Hall.—Hon. J. A. Millar. Green island.—Mr J. F. Arnold. South Dunedin Town Hall.—Professor Mills. Leith Valley.—Mr G. M. Thomson. Port Chalmers.—Mr J. T. Johnson. Hrockville. —Mr J. Dickson. Sling I'oint.—Mr Milligan. Pukehiki.—Mr E. H. Clark. Mosgiel.—Mr Johnson'B Oorrimiltoe. Waitiihuna and Waitahuna Gully.—Mr J, Allen. Senelilf.—H»n. T. Y. Duncan. Dunrobin and lloriot.—Mr Jl. Scott, (iimnierburn and Hanfurly.—Mr J. Bennetts.