GISBORNE SEAT

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19759, 13 October 1938, Page 4

GISBORNE SEAT

BIG PATUTAHI MEETING MR. JONES' CAMPAIGN VOTE OF CONFIDENCE TRIBUTE TO MR. LYSNAR A meeting of 150 electors was addressed in Patutahi last evening by Mr. K. F. Jones, National candidate for the Gisborne seat at the elections, Mr. S. D. Briant presiding. The chairman, in introducing the candidate, stated that Mr. Jones was already becoming well and favourably known to the people, his outstanding ability as a platform speaker being evident in the thorough grasp he had of the subject matter. Mr. Jones, on rising, received a hearty reception, and expressed his pleasure at the manner the electors of Patutahi had come to hear him. Democracy was doing its job, and every elector should exercise his right to vote on polling day. Politics exercised the minds of the people to-day more than at any previous time in the history of this country. Mr. Jones continued. The use of the radio played an important part in this connection by bringing to the minds of listeners a new conception of economic problems as implemented by the legislation placed on the Statute Book by the present Government

"Grave Responsibilities"

The issue to-day was fraught with grave responsibilities, and the battle was between two great political organisations, the Labour Party and the National Party.

At this juncture the speaker paid a tribute to Mr. W. D. Lysnar for the chivalrous part he played in withdrawing from the cbntest in order to allow the electors an opportunity of deciding the issue untrammelled" by independent factors. Mr. Lysnar had given many years' service in the public interest to the district, and Mr. Jones was sure that the public appreciated Mr. Lysnar's splendid spirit. Mr. Jones spoke for two hours, covering the ground of legislation brought down by the Government and the policy of the party for which he stood. He dealt very fully with issues directly affecting the farming. community. He stressed the danger of losing the country quota, in which connection he was heartily applauded. "Vote on election day as you think fit," said the candidate, "but remember it may be the last occasion you will have that balanced electoral privilege if the country quota is wiped out." Frequent Applause Mr. Jones was frequently applauded throughout his address. There were frequent interruptions of disagreement from those holding opposite views, but they betokened the best of ijood nature. "You are all right, Ken, but you are backing the wrong horse," said one at the conclusion of the address. A number of questions were asked and answered. Mr. H. R. Chrisp complimented Mr. Jones on the clear and lucid address he had given and on his uncompromising attitude towards socialism. He then moved that they accord a hearty vote of thanks and confidence in the candidate and in the National Party. This was seconded by Mr. C. Burling. On being put to the meeting by the chairman, he declared the motion carried, the "ayes" overwhelming the "noes." A vote of thanks to the chairman was carried by acclamation. Mr. Jones' final appeal to Gisborne electors will be made in the Opera House to-night. MR. COLEMAN'S TOUR GATHERING AT NUHAKA GUARANTEED PRICE PLAN (Special to the Herald.) NUHAKA, this day. There was an enthusiastic meeting; of over 130 electors of the Nuhaka and surrounding district to meet Mr. D. W. Coleman, M.P., in the Unity Hall on Tuesday, in furtherance of his political campaign for the Gisborne seat. It was stated that this was the largest political meeting held there. Mr. Coleman spoke for two and a half hours on Labour's platform, dealing particularly with the matters of guaranteed prices to farmers for their'j produce, and with the Government's' 1 recent enactments in respect to social security.

At the conclusion of his address, which was a comprehensive exposition of the Labour Party's policy, Mr. Coleman answered numerous questions relative to the interests of the district.

Mr. D. A. Hughes moved a hearty vote of thanks and confidence to Mr. Coleman for his efforts in the past for the welfare of the district, and wished him every success in the forthcoming poll. The motion was seconded by Mr. J. T. Begley, and carried unanimously. Mr. A. A. West occupied the chair.

Other addresses during the last two> or three days were given by Mr. Coleman at Paritu, Kopuawhara and Waikokopu. At each place Mr. Coleman received an excellent reception, and was listened to most attentively. He again dealt with the policy of the Labour Government, and explained in detail the social security measure. He explained that the National Party's speakers were endeavouring to mislead the electors on this question, particularly as to the universal 1 superannuation and old age pension. They were two separate benefits. The old age pension of 30s per week was payable to a person at 60 years of age and the universal stmerannuation at 65 years of age.

He also dealt fully with the farmers' position, and compared their position to-day under the guaranteed price with that which operated previously.

At each meeting votes of thanks were extended to the candidate.

To-night Mr. Coleman will address the electors in the Majestic Theatre, Gisborne. He will address pensioners in the City Hall to-morrow after* noon.