ATHOL,

Otago Witness, Issue 2850, 28 October 1908, Page 40

ATHOL,

October 23. — Mr Andrew Martin, the Liberal candidate for the Wakatipu seat, addressed a large and representative audi- ' ence in the local hall on Wednesday evening. Mr J. S. Adams occupied the chair, and briefly introduced the speaker, remarking, incidentally, that- Mr Martin was well and favourably known in the lower end •of the electorate. Mr Martin, who was ■well received, spoke at length on the policy of the present Government. He gave the Government credit for their -efforts to place the people on the land, and for encouraging the farming industry generally. Since the land produced 80 per cent, of the products of the Dominion every assistance ought to be given to the sons of the soil. The candidate alluded to the Advances to Settlers Act, the old-age -pensions scheme, and many other beneficial measures that were the products of Liberal- . ism, claiming that the Government bad done something for all classes. As to lioens. ing matters, he stood upon neutral ground. The liquor question was in the hands of . the people, and he proposed to leave it there. He would not support legislation providing for a .hare, ac against a threefifths, majority. In conclusion, Mr Martin Gaid that if elected he would do his best .for the electorate «s a -whole. He- lived on the fringe of the electorate., and if desired ar any time could be got 4jy telephone in a few minutes. After one err two questions had bean asked' and answered a motion was carried thanking Mr Martin for his address. I might eey in passing that Mr Martin is setting up a good £ght. .His speeches are practical and convincing-, and he is being well received wherever he goes. There is a feeling in the air that the Government party is increasing in strength in the Wakatipu electorate, and that the time has arrived when that party should be represented in the Parliament of the Dominion. The Weather. — We have had a good deal ,of rain here during the past few days, , andkare hoping that it will soon clear up again. There is abundance,, of feed, and stock are looking well. There is every promise of a very high percentage of lambs in this district, as the weather during the past month was very warm and mild. Agriculture. — Our farmers havo been very busy during the present month tilling their land and sowing their crops. Given a few showers during the coming summer ■there should be a. good yield of oats and barley at harvest time. Angling. — A number of local anglers have been very successful on the Mataura since the opening of tho season. ■ This stream affords very good sport to the lover of the rod. Several Dunedin gentlemen visit 4rie diav.-ict each year for a few days' fishing. Coaie good catches have already been obtained, chiefly with the worm bait. I hear that a movement is on foot . to form an anfrHng club here. Such c club would to of untold value to the district.