THE GENERAL ELECTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22738, 26 November 1935, Page 9

THE GENERAL ELECTION

NATIONAL CANDIDATES OPEN-AIR ADDRESS TO " WORKERS " (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 25. The Wellington city Nationalist candidates—Messrs H. F. Toogood, 0. C. Mazengarb, and C. A. L. Treadwell — addressed a mass meeting at Post Office square for an hour and a-quarter from 12.15 to-day, particularly attempting to place before the working people what they conceive to be the aim of the Labour Party as expressed in Labour publications and by official Labour voices, and particularly referring to the creation of paper money without a substantial backing, and also to Mr J. W. Munro's utterances at Woodhaugh, Dunedin, in regard to how Labour's objective is to be brought about. The addresses were delivered to a running fire of good-natured interjection and comment. The meeting was attended by hundreds of people, mostly Labour supporters, and was quite orderly and good-humoured, all apparently agreeing with the speakers that matters were only to be settled at the ballot box. DUNEDIN NORTH The keen interest that is being taken in the contest in Dunedin North was manifested last night in the large attendance at the North-East Valley Town Hall, where the National Government candidate, Mr A. S. Falconer, addressed a meeting of electors. Both the candidate and the chairman (Mr C. B. Barrowclough) remarked upon the gratifying fact of so many people forsaking the fireside on such an unpleasant night to listen to a political speech. Mr Falconer said that when the whole position was summed up it was one which depended almost solely on the great question of finance. Therefore, he asked the electors to consider seriously whether they would wish the country to continue to be governed on the sound and orthodox lines that had saved it in the troublous times of the past few years, and which had also brought renewed strength to Great Britain, or whether they were willing that a Government should experiment with a policy which meant absolute inflation, and which, though it might mean a sudden increase in the well-being of the people, could only be temporary, and must eventually end in chaos. Inflation, he said, was a dangerous weapon, for the temptation, if not the necessity, was always there to go on and on until it was impossible to stop; a crash was then inevitable. The candidate also warned his hearers as to the effect of inflation upon their life insurance interests. If the depression could have been obviated by the mere printing of bank notes the New Zealand Government would have done it, but it was wise enough to foresee the danger, and so kept to the orthodox, if unpopular, road %vhich involved living within its income. There was not a single interjection during the meeting, but several questions were asked and answered at the conclusion of the address, and the candidate was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Mrs R. S. Black addressed an enthusiastic meeting of women at Logan Park bowling green yesterday afternoon, when the candidate dealt mainly with the questions affecting women and children. Regarding the delinquency among young people Mrs Black said this was mainly due to their lack of occupation. Therefore they should be fully alive to the evils which unemployment created and should do their utmost to direct the energies of the young into profitable channels. In England, before young people were charged with any offence their homes were visited by women justices of the peace, who were able very often to find out why they had gone astray, with the result that a great many were not punished, but wore trained and educated to be better citizens. Sometimes to know all was to forgive all. They would do well to follow England's example in that direction. Many questions were answered by the candidate, and a vote of thanks and confidence was carried with enthusiasm. Mrs Black delivered an address in the evening in the Coronation Hall, Ravensbourne, before an attendance of about 30 people. The chair Was occupied by the Mayor of West Harbour (Mr A, Smith). The candidate gave a brief resume of the policy of her party, and after she had answered a number of questions was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence. DUNEDIN CENTRAL Mr D. C. Cameron, National Government candidate for Dunedin Central, concluded his electioneering campaign last night, when he addressed a meeting of electors in the Mornington Methodist Church Hall. Mr Cameron gave a clear definition of the policies of the National Government Party and the Labour Party. He dealt with the .'■omparative failure of Labour Governments in Britain, New South Wales, and Queensland. After criticising some of the planks in the Labour Party's -platform, the candidate gave a brief account of the National Government's future policy, and stated his intention, if elected, of keeping it to its promises. He stated that, despite the severest depression in its history, NewZealand had come through with a balanced Budget and £1,000,000 less in its public debt. The National Government promised budgetary stability, and Mr Cameron stated that during the depression it had kept the Dominion living within its revenue without going in for a large borrowing scheme. He referred to his party's policy for national superannuation, health insurance, and housing schemes, which would be instituted as soou as the financial position of the country permitted. Mr Cameron also dealt with matters affecting better labour conditions, shorter working hours, the Apprenticeship Act, and education. The candidate was accorded a vote of thanks. Mr J. W. Patton presided. ' Yesterday afternoon Mr Cameron gave an hour's address to 50 women electors in St. Andrew's Hall. Mr J. A. Hanan presiding. The candidate, in answer 'to a Question, stated that he strongly opposed the closing of the Dunedin Training College, and would do all in his power, if elected, to have it reopened. Mr Cameron was accorded a vote of thanks. " I consider that the issue in Dunedin Central is between Mr Neilson and myself," said Mr Sidney Wren, the Independent candidate, at Cameron Hali last uight. The candidate stressed the advantage to the electors of an independent anti-Socialist representative in the present confused state of party politics. Mr Wren dealt in detail with his proposals for the cure of unemployment, and the reduction of taxation. Several questions were answered, and the candidate was accorded a unanimous vote of thanks. Mr J. W. Dove occupied the chair. DUNEDIN SOUTH The South Dunedin Town Hall was nearly filled last night when Mr T. K. S. Sidey addressed a meeting of electors of the district. Mr J. J. Marlow occupied the chair. The candidate commenced by explaining the intricacies of the export and import trade, and showed how, in his oninion. this had been affected by the Government's action in raising the exchange. He went on to explain why the Labour Party's scheme to issue credit could not succeed, and outlined the purpose and working of the Reserve Bank. Mr Sidey criticised the Labour Party's intention of doing away with the various boards at present operating, and expressed the opinion that if a board was found to be doing its work more efficiently than it could be done undei political control, it should be left to con--tinue in operation. He contended that the railwavs were working 100 per cent, more efficiently than had been the case nrevious to the forming of the Railways Board. His party's intentions fe« dealing with such problems as unemployment and housins were fully dealt with by the candidate. In conclusion he quoted figures in connection .with Savings Bank deposits, which, he said, indicated the return of prosperity. ' Several Questions were put to the candidate, who was accorded a vote of thanks.

An account of his stewardship during hie four years as a member of Parliament was given by Mr F. Jones, Labour candidate for Dunedin South, in the

course of an address last evening in the Coronation Hall, St. Kilda, to a meeting of about 200 electors. Mr Jones spoke for some time in reminiscent vein, and detailed many of his experiences in the House, at the same time expressing appreciation of the courtesy that had been extended to him by the Government officials in all departments, as well as by every section of the community. The candidate went on to express a some; what mild criticism of the treatment of the Labour Party by the press, and said that the power of the press was waning, and that people realised it must go if they were to have some reliable information on public opinion. If his party were returned to power the debates in Parliament would be broadcast, for the Labour members were quite prepared to have the microphone in the House. "1 have been in many election fights," said Mr Jones, " but I have never seen anything more dirty than the press propaganda in this one. The press is trying to frighten the people and to win on fear, and not on policy." After the speaker had touched briefly on the main planks in his platform, and had answered several questions, he was accorded a hearty vote of thanks and confidence. CHALMERS Mr A. E. Ansell. National Government candidate for Chalmers, addressed a large audience at'Berwick last evening and was frequently applauded during the course of an interesting address. The chair was occupied by Mrs S. J. F. Drake, who made complimentary reference to the able manner in which Mr Ansell had carried out his parliamentary duties during the past seven years. Mr Ansell said that this was his third election campaign, and the first time that a lady had taken the chair at any of hig meetings. He appreciated the honour Mrs Drake had con ferred upon him. Mr Ansell dealt with the steps taken by the Government to keep the Dominion solvent during the most difficult period of ite existence, a course of action that thoughtful people now admitted was in the best interests of New Zealand. The extravagant promises made to-day by parties opposing the Government were on the same level as those made by the British Labour Party prior to taking office in 1929. but within three years that party was facing a deficit of £170,000,000, and Great Britain was on the verge of disaster. Why, asked Mr Ansell, should New Zealand experiment with a policy that had wrought havoc in that great country? Mr Ansell's references to the efforts he had made to lighten the burden of the rates payable on account of the Taieri flood protection scheme met with the warm approval of his audience and was the occasion for hearty applause. The Prime Minister had stated that he was convinced that the load on the Taieri settler was too heavy, and gave his promise that relief would be given. At the close of his address Mr Ansell was unanimously accorded a vote of thanks for his address. Mr J. Miller moved: " That a vote of thanks be given to Mr Ansell for the splendid work he has accomplished on behalf of the Taieri River Trust ratepayers, work that has involved perseverance to an unusual degree." This was heartily agreed to by the audience and carried accordingly. Despite the bad weather a fair number of the electors turned out to hear Captain Fraser, the Democrat candidate for Chalmers, give an address at Green Island last evening. The Mayor, Mr M'Ahan, occupied the chair. In answer to a question as to the attitude of the Democrat Party in the event of a no-confidence motion against the present Government being moved, the candidate stated emphatically that his party would vote against the Government. A vote of thanks was carried by acclamation. CLUTHA On Saturday evening Mr J. Roy addressed a large gathering of electors in the Public Hall at Waitahuna. Mr W\ Cameron was in the chair. Mr Roy spoke of the difficult and unusual period through which the Government had passed during the last four years, and expressed the opinion that the Government had done its best to help all sections of the people. Much criticism had been levelled 'at the Government over the measures it had passed, but the Government had decided on a programme and had carried it out in spite of opposition from all sides. As a result, New Zealand had emerged from the depression to-day as one of the soundest countries in the world. Mr Roy dealt briefly with the mortgage legislation, public finance, monetary reform, unemployment, proposed public works for the next few years, social services, and returned soldiers' pensions. At the conclusion of his address, one or two questions were answered. Mr A. E. Bateman, on behalf of the electors, thanked Mr Roy for his very able address, and proposed a hearty vote of thanks and confidence in Mr Roy. This was seconded by Mr W. M'Culloch, and, on, being put to the meeting by the chairman, was carried unanimously, with prolonged applause. The Rev. E. T. Cox, Labour candidate for Clutha, spoke to a good meeting at Kaihiku on Friday afternoon, and in the evening he was received with enthusiasm by large audiences at Warepa and Waiwera. On Saturday he spoke at Taumata and Waipahi, where;he was given three cheers. Later in the early evening he addressed the mill workers at Kuriwao Gorge. The night meeting at Clinton filled the hall, the candidate speaking for two hours on Labour's money_ policy. He also criticised the Prime Minister s statement regarding the levelling down of wool values. TO-DAY'S MEETINGS Mr A. S. Falconer (Dunedin North.) Leith Bowling Pavilion, at 8 p.m. Mr T. K. S. Sidcy (Dunedin Central.) Coronation Hall, St. Kilda, at 8 p.m. Mrs R. S. Black (Dunedin North).— Coronation Hall. Maori Hill (ladies), at 3 p.m.; North-East Valley Town Hall, at 7.45 p.m.; George Street School Hall, at 8.30 p.m. Mr S. Wren (Dunedin Central).— Tomahawk, at 8 p.m. Combined Labour Rally.—Concert Chamber, Town Hall (for elderly electors), at 2.30 p.m.; Concert Chamber, Town Hall (final rally), at 8 p.m. Mr F. Jbnes (Dunedin South).—South Dunedin Town Hall, at 8 p.m. Mr H. Gladstone Hill (Oamaru).—Palmcrston Town Hall, at 8 p.m. Mr A. E. Ansell (Chalmers).— Papanui Settlement, nocn; Pukelnki, at 7.30 p.m.; Sundymount, at 8.30 p.m. Mr W. A. M'Naught (Central Otago). Crown Terrace, at noon; Bannockhurn, at 4 p.m.; Cromwell Hall, at 8 p.m. Mr W. A. Bodkin (Central Otago).— Staircase, at nocn; Kingston, at 3 p.m.; Garston, at S p.m. Mr J. Bitcheuer (Waitaki).—Pukaki Hotel, at neon; Omarania Hall, at 3 p.m. Captain R. Fraser (Chalmers). —Kuri Bush, at 7 p.m.; Fail field, at 8.15 p.m. Mr J. A. Boy (Clutha).—Te Houka, at 6.30 p.m.; Bahlutha, at 8 p.m. Rev. E. T. Cox (Clutha). —Berwick, at 2 p.m.; Milton, at 8 p.m Mr A. Campbell (Chalmers).—Cape Saunders, at 3 p.m.; Port Chalmers, at 8 p.m.