SANDON BLOCK NOTES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11114, 2 December 1914, Page 2

SANDON BLOCK NOTES.

From Our Own Correspondent, Mr Guthrie, M.P., addressed a meeting in Sandon Block Hall last Friday evening. On account of the boisterous night there was a very poor attendance. Mr Ogden occupied the chair. The speaker gave a splendid address. He dealt with criticisms hurled against the Government and reviewed its history since Mr Massey came into power. He also dealt with Mr Massey’s jiolicy and explained how most of it was carried through in spite of Opposition criticism. Other subjects dealt with were: Finance*and-Tariff Reforms, Laud Policy, Native Lands, Legislative Council, Civil Service Board, Old Age Pensions, Reform and Local Government At the conclusion of the address a few questions were asked and satisfactorily answered. Mr Stent asked about the grant for the Mangamako Road. Mr Guthrie said that he had received a letter about obtaining a grant for this road and understood from the letter that £7OO would complete the metalling. He interviewed the Minister and obtained a £350 £ for £ subsidy. He learned on aoming to Sandon Block that at the very least £I2OO would, be required to complete the metalling, so he promised to see if he could obtain any more money. A vote of thanks and confidence was carried. Mr Guthrie in concluding, said that he had not time before the general election to give another address, but if the Sandon Block people wished him to give another address, he would gladly do so after the election, whether he wins or lose?. Mr Morrison, the Liberal candidate for Groua, addressed a meeting in Sandon Block on Saturday evening. The night was perfect and there was only a moderate attendance. Mr Wood was voted to the chair. The speaker’s address dealt mainly with criticising the present Government and Ministers of the Crown. He ridiculed Mr Massey’s Laud Policy and showed maps of two estates the Government had acquired in the Oroua electorate and had not settled one man on them. He also said that they were favouring the large landholders and reducing their taxes. He touched on Finance and reckoned that Mr Allen could not obtain money as cheaply as Sir J Ward. He upheld Dreadnought gift, and said that we could not afford to build a navy of our own, but should build ships and give them to the British Nkv.f. Among the several questions asked was. -“Can you explain how Sir Joseph would have settled the water - siders’ strike in two days?” Mr Morrison replied that Sir Joseph would have settled the strike in two minutes by going to the , Shipping Companies and asking them to comply with the strikers’ demands. He was also asked what he thought about the baby bonus scheme. He thought it was a good thing and the bonus should be paid at the age of 14 or 21. In conclusion he was given a unanimous vote of thanks.