PARNELL BY-ELECTION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21018, 6 May 1930, Page 10

PARNELL BY-ELECTION.

THE REFORM CAMPAIGN. A ADDRESS BY MR COATES. VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN PARTY. (Peb United Press Association.) 4 „„ AUCKLAND, May 5. Ihe Leader of the Opposition (Mr J. G. Coates) addressed a packed meeting in the Tudor Theatre at Remuera to-night, and many listened to a loud speaker outside. Mr Coates said that Mr H. E. Holland, the Leader of the Parliamentary Labour I arty, was simply playing with words when be said that the planks of the party's platform did not include the socialisation of the means of production, distribution, and exchange. Writ large across the banner of the political Labour Party were the words: “ Socialisation of production, distribution, and exchange.” Referring to the United Party, Mr Coates said it had failed to carry out its promises, particularly in regard to unemployment. Taking warning from what was happening in Australia and other parts of the world, the Reform Government had recognised that it was necessary to curtail extravagant borrowing and to curtail many of the works which were under way. ~

A voice; You admit you were extravagant “

Mr Coates; I only admit that for every penny put into public works there was a good and sufficient reason. The Reform Government, he proceeded, had been successful in bringing borrowing within reasonable limits when the new policy of £70,000,000 took the people off their feet, and they voted in a way which upset the whole political apple cart. It had been reported that he had much to say about the South Island Main Trunk line. ‘I want to say here that lam in favour of it if it can be shown to be a fo™"; commercial proposition,” he said. regard to the Midland line it is different. The Reform Party says that here there should be a halt. The country m that region was badly stricken by the recent severe earth movement. We hope it has settled down, but anyone who has been over the route will realise the shakes it has had. We say that th :e should be a - halt of a few years before setting put to spend £1,000,000 or £1,500.000 on a in ( G through the Buller Gorge* There is only one candidate to support on Wednesday ” said Mr Coates. “ It is no use talking about a general election as a threat. If it comes to a general election, we will be into that election for we are worth. The Reform Party is not down and out, .as some would have you believe. Roth inside the House and m the country. Reform is still the dominant party and is still a force to be reckoned with. The political situation to-day is very difficult. We have a Government without responsibility. One party is in office, but another party is dominating it. The real question is whether this electorate wants that state of affairs to 'continue.” Votes of thanks and confidence wete passed in Mr Coates, Mr Endean, and tho Reform Party.

MR STALLWORTHY’S DEFENCE. A REPLY TO CRITICISM. . (Peb United Pbess Association.) . AUCKLAND, 5. Strong exception to statements made by Mr R. A. Wright/ M.P. for Wellington Suburbs, and by Mr T. Bloodworth (the Labour candidate) regarding what were termed his “virtues and follies,” was taken by the Minister of Health (Mr A. J. Stallworthty) in a speech to-night. “I may assure you I am not a bit disconcerted by any criticism of my virtues or my follies,” declared Mr Stallworthy. “Probably, my virtues are not very apparent, and if my follies are such as to invite criticism, I hope I will take it in good heart. When X was placed in my present position, I confessed I believed that God had a plan for every man and that He had one for me. I spoke from the bottom of my heart, and do not recant now. I do not brag about it, nor do I make any apology. 1 have sincerity in the Christian faith, let scoff who will.”.