THE POLITICAL CAMPAIGN.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XV, Issue 4090, 16 November 1911, Page 5

THE POLITICAL CAMPAIGN.

HON. J. A. AIILLAR’S AMBITION.

LEADERSHIP OF THE PARTY.

Electric Telegraph—Press Association. Dunedin, Last Night. Hon. J. A. Alillar addressed a meeting of electors in the Garrison Hall this evening, when the building was packed.

In opening his remarks the speaker said he had got to the second highest position a man could get in this country, and it was his ambition, if anything should necessitate a retirement of the Prime Alinister, to offer his services to the party as leader. He answered the charges of alleged bribery of railway men by increasing their wages, and quoted a letter from tile secretary of the N.Z. Locomotive Engine-drivers, Firemen and Cleaners’ Association wishing him luck in the coming contest. Speaking for himself, he was in favour of the three-fifths majoritv on the licensing question. The Alinister dealt at considerable length with the Acts which had been introduced by the Government to assist the workers, and at the conclusion of his address he was accorded a vote of thanks and continued confidence, amid cheers and counter cheers.

Air Alillar was not at his best, having a severe cold, and being in bed most of the morning. He was subjected to some interruptions, but on the whole had a verv good hearing.

A FIGHTING SPEECH. Of Air Alassey's speech at Eketahuna the AYellington Post says : —lt was vigorous, entertaining, and full of fight. From every point of view we should say that it was a better speech than that which Air Alassev delivered in AYellington just before the opening of the session. On that occasion he was, as usual, sensible, but he was neither inspiring nor convincing ; but there was much more heart in the Eketahuna speech, and the Opposition may be congratulated upon the fact that their leader has kept his best till the last, when it is most needed. AIR AIeROBiE STARTS. Air Nisbet Alcßobie, the Reform Party’s candidate for the Ohinemuri seat, opened his campaign at AA'aihi last night. He addressed a large audience and was accorded a splendid hearing. (Mr Alcßobie was a former resirent of Pahiatua). LABOUR AND REFORM. During the course of his address at Napier Air Alassey said he was glad to see that there was a good understanding between the Labour and Reform parties in Napier. It had been suggested that they might join hands. If so, he was willing to support the Ilian who was chosen. JOTTINGS. In consequence of the very boisterous weather prevailing, Air G. R. Sykes decided to postpone his meeting at Kaitawa last evening till tomorrow (Friday) night.

Air A. E. Jull. Liberal candidate, addressed a large meeting at Wqipawa last night. He strongly defended the Government policy. He received a vote of thanks and confidence.

Air George Hunter, the Opposition candidate for Waipawa, told an interrupter at his meeting at Dannevirke that he knew no more of politics than a mermaid knew of a harem skirt.