POLITICAL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11930, 25 October 1919, Page 5

POLITICAL.

Per Press Association

Hawera, Oct. 24,

Mr W. Morrison, the Liberal candidate for Patea, addressed a meeting at Hawera last night. Although standing as a Liberal, Mr Morrison said he did not favour party politics. He favoured an elective Executive. He dealt with the formation of the Coalition Government, and defended Sir Joseph Ward's withdrawal. He maintained that soldiers should be settled on small areas of the best land. The people who had aggroga • ted land were Reform, supporters. He favoured the present education svstem and greater facilities in country districts. He criticised the railways management and supported the nationalisation. of injnes. He believed the present system of Territorial training, with some modifications, would meet the case. He dealt with war taxation, saying he considered producers should pay the largest share. He did not favour the Government controlling arterial roads. He thought the State should build houses for tno people. No questions were asked, and the candidate was accorded a vote of thanks. Stratford, Oct. 25.

Mr Hine, member for Stratlord and Minister for Internal Affairs, opened his election campaign last night in an address defending the policy of the present Government. Mr Hine took some trouble to prove the falsity of the statement widely made that Mr Massey was responsible for imposition of the butter tax. He proved that Mr Massey was in England at the time. A resolution of confidence in the present Government was passed. Wellngton, Oct. 24.

Miss Ellen Melville and Mr Samuel Turkington (formerly of Hawera) announced themselves to-day as candidates in the Reform Party interests for Grey Lynn seat. Mr Fred. W. Shortland, barrister, of Taumarunui, announces himself as an Independent candidate for Waimarino electorate, pledged to support modsrate Labour. RANGITIKEI ELECTION. MR BURNETT WITHDRAWS. Mr C. H. Burnett requests us to publisn the following letter— Mr W. Meldrum, Solicittor, Huntervillo. Dear Mr Meldrum. —Re Rangitikei Election-.—After consulting my friends I have decided to definitely retire from the contest m your favour. I recognise—and I feel sure tbe Electors do—the eminent and valuable services you have rendered our country during the war. I was absent in America at the time, and I believe you put up a big fight at the Bye-election in 1910. In these circumstances and the fact tfcat you are the accredited nominee of the Party I feel you have every claim to a clear run. I realise at once that a split in the vote may seriously prejudice your chances of election. I sincerely hope my friends and supporters will concentrate their vote upon you and that you will be returned by a big majority. Wishing you every success. I am, yours faithfully. C. tf. BURNETT. Wanganui, Oct 24. A meeting of Mr Meldrum's supporters will be held in Marton on Tuesday evening. Mr F. P. Brady, Labour candidate for Rangitikei electorate, will address the electors in Marton Town Hall on Monday evening nest at S o'clock.