OAMARU ELECTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18849, 30 April 1923, Page 4

OAMARU ELECTION

THE NEW ELECTION.. WHO ASKED EOE IT? (From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, April 28. Possibly at (his late slate of the Oamaru. election nothing can bo said that will have much if any effect upon (ho electors, but all the same there should be some reply to the .speciously “incorrect assertions made by the Libera! candidate in addresses that have found a somewhat belated appearance in the press. Mr Macphcrson’s stutompnt as to who asked for the fresh election is, in fact, entirely misleading. Everyone who was in court, during the hearing of the case will remember that his counsel at one stage, when there appeared to be a possibility of the decision regarding the disputed votes going against him, asked that in that event there should be a fresh election. In regard to some other statements made by Mr Macphorson, I called this morning upon Sir John Findlay, and asked if he would say any thing in reply. Sir John was reluctant to enter into the controversy. but upon my showing him a copy of the Otago Daily Times containing tho report of Mr Maophevson’s Palmerston speech, he made tho following statement: “I hesitate to add anything to (ho entirely spontaneous and uninvited letter that I wrote to Mr Leo, but these imputations certainly are such that no member of the bar’-should remain- silent under them—imputations that I have cast a slur upon two judges whom I esteem so highly. In tho letter I wrote to Mr Leo I was careful to say: ‘I am not. of course, criticising the decision iu your case. The court, as you know, showed tho utmost impartiality.’. My letter, I think, makes it perfectly plain that I was-.only pointing out that the judges found that a majority of valid and formal votes had boon east, fnr.JVTr Lee, and that if the decision of the election court in the case of Campbell y. M’Nah (which was decided in the same circumstances) had boon followed Mr Led would htfbc lie,on declared elected, and no new election would have been ordered. The court in this ease, however, in quite a proper and impavtjal exorcise of its discretion tempered the strict legal result of tho voting and decided that Mr Maonherson lie given another chance, seeing that there was a possibility that through tho printing of tho surnames, as well ■ns tho Christian names on the ballot papers, tho result of tho election might have been affected.” Upon my drawing f>ir John’s attention to Mr Miicpherson’s allegations that it was not he (Mr Macphorson) who had asked for another election. Sir JolH Findlay said the facts were indisputably ns follow: In paragraph (f) of his recrimination (which is the technical name for what might be called the defence and counter-claim), Mr Macphorson set out that tho ballot papers contained the full Christian names of the candidates as well as the surnames, and claimed that such irregularity bad affected the result of the election if, in cnees whore the whole of tho names of a candidate had not been struck out, the voles were held to bo informal Upon this paragraph counsel for Mr Maopherson, in the Election Court, asked that the election should bo declared void, so that a fresh election might be held. This application, of course,, was made on the assumption that the court might find that Mr Lee had a majority of valid votes. Tho judges acceded to the application of Mr Macpherson’s counsel, and having found that Mr Lee had a majority of valid votes in effect ordered another election on the ground that the - circumstances already mentioned might have affected the result of the election. PRIME MINISTER’S VISIT TO HERBERT. ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION. MR MASSEY’S SERVICES EULOGISED. (From Oxjr Special Reporter.) OAMARU, April 29. Mr Massey and Mr Lee arrived at Herbert about 6 p.m. on Friday. This was the first visit by the Prime Minister to the district, and it aroused a considerable amount of interest among the residents, and arrangements had been made for a welcome befitting tho occasion. A largo number of people assembled in the public hall to welcome the visitors, who were entertained at tea. The hall was beautifully decorated for the occasion, and about 60 people sat down at the tables, which were abundantly laden with good things. A large number of young ladies acted as waitresses, and a, very pleasant time was spent. Tho reception accorded to the visitors was most cordial, and Mr Massey had every reason to be pleased with tho compliment paid to him. The chair was occupied by Mr Ross. After tea and a short toast list was gone through Mr Edward Ross, on behalf of the residents extended a very cordial welcome to the Prime Minister and party. Mr Massey, replying, sincerely thanked Mr Ross and the representative gathering of tho people of Herbert for their welcome. r lho chairman had expressed tho hope that the visit of himself and party would be one of pleasure.—(Applause.) He had no doubt about that. Ho had had most extraordinarily hearty welcomes every place he had visited in North Otago during the last few days. The hospitality of rile people knew no bounds, and ho would always look back with great pleasure to the enjoyable time he had spent during his tour of the district. —(Applause.) Several toasts were honoured after tea . The first proposed by Mr Hutton was "Our Parliament.’’ Ho congratulated Mr Massey on his work for the dominion, and hoped that circumstances would enable him to continue to do his duty for the benefit of tho country and people for a long-time to come. —(Applause.) In responding, Mr Massey, in a happy speech, said that, he had not had much experience of. the present Parliament, and he hoped that when the House mot it would show an improvement on what it was in December. — (“Hear, hear.’) Ho felt that the electors of Oamaru would display an active part in improving Parliament by the election to take place. —(Laughter.) Mr Angus M’Millan proposed the-toast of “Our Worthy Prime Minister. Our Prospective Member, Mr Lee, and Other Visitors.” Ho congratulated Mr Massey on the position be had held in the country for so long. Mr Massey was an example to tho men of tho dominion of how a man—a farmer—could rise to the highest position the country could give him.—(Applause.) Not only was Mr Massey’s reputation high in this country, but the opinion expressed of his work at the Imperial Conferences in London should make us justly proud of our Prime Minister. Mr Leo was another parliamentarian who not by soft words or promises bad created a good impression by his good work in Parliament, and for ihe district he bad represented. Ho was a man straightforward and honest, and he deserved the goodwill of the people.—(Applause.) Tho toast was drunk with musical honours.

Mr Leo replied briefly, thanking the proposer of the toast and those present for the way in which it had been honoured. Mr 1,00 afterwards, proposed the toast of the “Farming Community.’’ He thought everybody knew that the prosperity of the dominion was in very large measure due to the farmers. There was a party in Parliament which was endeavouring to take control of the country, which was entirely opposed to the farming industries. Ho hoped that the day was a long way off when that dangerous party would achieve its end. It would he a disaster to the country.—(Applause.) Mr Robertson, who replied to the toast said that the farming community had a good deal to contend with. The farmers had not always received the support they deserved from the heads of the Government, but Ins remarks did not apply to tho present Government, and he hoped it would continue in office. —(Applause.) The pleasing return to prosperity was very gratifying news, and he considered the Massey Government. deserved commendation.—(Applause.) A very pleasant gathering ended after the visitors had expressed their high appreciation of the unbounded hospitality of (he people of Herbert and tho spontanioty of their reception A public meeting was hold in the hall at 8 o’clock, when addresses were delivered by Mr Massey and Mr Lee. There was a splendid attendance, the whole of the seating accommodation being taken up. Roth speakers received a very cordial reception, and their remarks were listened to with close attention. Tho chair was occupied by Mr Ross, who briefly introduced tho speakers. Before Mr_ Lee commenced hj s address a little girl pinned buttonholes on his and Mr Massey’s coats, and Mrs Lee was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers Mr Lee made a vigorous defence of his notion* in connecting With

tion. Ho explained what ho had done in regard to lodging security for the costs, and said that if the people would not be persuaded by the verdict of the judges that ho was right they would not be persuaded by anything. Ho dealt fully with the disputed, votes, and said that tho judges could have declared him elected if they had liked to do so. They did not adopt that course, however, and ha accepted their verdict without dispute. Ho hold that ho had a majority of valid votes. Ho contended that sympathetic votes wore out of place in this election, and he hoped none would bo cast cither for him or his opponent. He gave a vigorous denial to what ho described as trumped up charges against him, and concluded by stating that if the electors did not wish Mr Holland to dominate the political situation they would vote in favour of tho Government.

The speaker received hearty applause on resuming his sent. Mr Massey, who was received with loud applause on rising to apeak, fust dealt with the’financial position. Now Zealand was the last country to suffer from the slump, and tho first to recover from it He believed that with tho exception of tho British Government there was no Government in the Empire but that in New Zealand which did not show a deficit for the last financial year. That evening ho had received a cablegram from London stating that tho announcement in regard to tho finances of Now Zealand had caused very favourable comment in financial circles, there. Anything that happened in connection with financial matters” in this dominion was looked into very closely m London. Tho people there said wo were in a splendid financial position, and tho cablegram indicated that if wo wanted a loan within tho next few months they would put it through lor us. According to the cablegram he could have a loan placed in London next week if he wanted to do so. _ The Prime Minister then dealt with criticism to tho effect that the surplus was obtained by increasing tho Customs duties and starving the railways. Ho admitted that the Cus*toms duties had been increased, but tho increases had been put on luxuries, and not on necessaries. Had the railways been starved? The Government had imported from England 45 of the most expensive engines, the best that could be , built for a 3ft 6in gauge. Two of these, however, had been lost at the Groat Barrier. They had imported 2500 railway wagons, and tens of thousands of rails to replace worn-out rails A great deal of this had been done during tho last year and the year before. There had never been a time when so much had been done for tho railways as had been done during tho last two years. In denying tho assertion that Mr Leo was a weak Minister. Dir Massey said that if Mr Lee was returned on Tuesday he would bo in his place in tho Cabinet as soon as the speaker could get him there. In reply to a question, Mr Massey staled that the throe Independent members in the House had made pledges to their constituents, and had repeated them to him, that'ho could depend on them on a want of confidence motion. Unless the House was dealing with matters in which they were personally concerned, they would support him in important legislation, just as if they were members of his party. In moving a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Massey and Mr Loo for their addresses, and a motion of confidence in their administration, Mr A. Forbes expressed the opinion that Mr Massey was the greatest Prime Minister New Zealand had ever had. The Prime Minister’s work was child’s play before the war compared with what it had been since 1914. The motion, which was seconded bv Mr J. A. Ross, was carried with loud applause. Mr Massey and party were entertained at supper after his meeting by the people of Herbert. He subsequently loft by motor car for Oamaru. The party proceeded to Kauroo Hill, arriving there shortly after 2 o’clock. Mr Massey and Mr Lee first proceeded to the school, in front of which tho children were lined up. Mr Massey briefly addressed the pupils, giving them some useful advice. At Mr Massey’s suggestion the children were promised a haff-holiday on Monday in honour of tho Prime 'Minister’s visit. The brief ceremony concluded with three cheers for Mr Massey. . At 2.30 p.m. a meeting was held in the local hall. There was a very satisfactory attendance, and amongst those present wor.e a fair number of ladies. Mr D. Rodger, who acted as chairman, briefly introduced the speakers. Mr Lee, who was accorded a very friendly reception,’ dealt briefly with what had happened in connection with the election petition, justifying his own actions, apparently to the, complete satisfaction of all present. After stating that he believed the man at the head of the Government thoroughly understood the wants of the producers, and that ho had always done hia best to conserve their interests, Mr Lee said that if tho present Government could not carry on they would have to depend on Mr Wilford, who would be under the control of Mr Holland. It was left to them to decide who should bo Prime Minister. It was a question ot good Government, and the choice of tho electors on Tuesday would either strengthen or weaken the Government. If they weakened the power of tho Government they would probably cause another general election to be held. The speaker proceeded to explain what he had accomplished as a Minister, in order to show that he had a just claim for their support. On resuming his seat Mr Lee was accorded a round of hearty applause. Mr Massey, w’ho was received with loud applause, said he could not understand why it should have been stated that Mr Leo had not been a great success politically. He had worked with him for many. years both in Opposition and as a Minister, and •no man could have done better in connection with the different departments which he had controlled than Mr Lee had done. The Prime Minister dealt with the question of the sugar supply, justifying the action of the Government in connection therewith. With the exception of sugarproducing countries sugar was cheaper in ‘New Zealand than anywhere else. He would not bo surprised if the people had to pay a little more for their sugar within the next few months. The Government was going out of the business presently, because ho, believed that if private enterprise could conduct a business it should be allowed to do so. He thought a great deal of credit was duo to Mr Lee for the time and ability he had devoted to the sugar question.—(Applause.) Mr Massey proceeded to deal with the general political position. After referring to the curse of the three-party system, he stated that every vote taken from hia side by tho old Liberals would help the Red Feds., while,the Labour Party would assist to “out” the Government. It would afterwards dictate to Air Wilford, or put him out. If the Liberals went on as they were now going they would nut Mr Holland on the Treasury Bopches. Under tho present conditions they could not spare a Minister _ to attend the Imperial Conferences. His present majority was rather small, but he thought he could manage with one of five, and it rested with the electors to give him that. Mr Massey resumed his seat amidst hearty apnlan.se. Air Williams moved that the meeting pass a very hearty and sincere vote of thunks to Air Alassey and Mr Lee' for their addresses. and a motion of continued confidence in the Reform Administration under Air Massey’s leadership. The motion, which was seconded by Air J. Newlands, was carried with enthusiasm. Those present enjoyed afternoon tea, which was provided by the ladies ot tho district, and the proceedings terminated with cheers for Mr Alassey and 'Air Lee, and tho singing of “For He's a Jolly Good Fellow,” as a compliment to the Prime Alinister.