POLITICAL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11961, 12 December 1919, Page 5

POLITICAL.

Mr Brady’s committee and sapporters meet at Marton to-night.

MR MELDRUM AT MANGAMAHU.

Wanganui, Dec 12,

Mr Meldrum addressed a representative gathering of electors of Mangamahu district last night and received a most attentive hearing. Speaking on the land question he stated that it was most important that as many as possible should be put on the laud. ‘Large which were not sufficiently worked' should be taken for returned soldiers, and others who wished «to go on the land. Many large estates.had not been valued for ten years. Valuations should be made every three years. The first care should be for returned soldiers. The Urewera land should bo opened up by Government. Agriclutural Colleges should be established to assist the youths of the Dominion. He advo'oafceSd a State Bank, and said Government should take over~the Bank of Now Zealand as a going “concern. He contended that the Banks in the | Dominion were making a profit of 40 per cent out of the people of the Dominion. A State Bank would standardise overdraft charges! rates of exchange and interest. The candidate advocated nationalisation of the coal mines. He combated Mr Massey’s assertion that the Dominion coal mines should make no profits. The need for more reading was stressed. He expressed the opinion that New Zealand was the worst roaded country in the world and there was no reason why. Greater encouragement should •be given to the teaching profession. He strongly 4 advocated that free dental and medical attention be given to children. He considered women should receive the same rate of pay !as men. Numerous questions were asked and satisfactorily answered. He would do all ho could to road soldier settlements to give access to holdings. The candidate created a splendid impression and received a hearty vote of thanks.*

MR MASSEY AT AUCKLAND.

Auckland,’Dec 11

The Prime Minister addressed ove 3000 people in the Town Hall tonight. He did not believe the extreme Labour Party would form at the most 25 per cent of the new House. The Reform Government, he believed, would secure a majority, and probably a working majority. Besides the Liberal, Reform and Labour Party, there was the prospect of a fourth party, headed by Mr FowldS.

A resolution was passed expressing appreciation of Mr Massey’s services to the Empire and Dominion at the Peace Conference, and continued conlidence in him as Leader of the Reform Party.