LIBERALS’ CAMPAIGN

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 161, 28 September 1927, Page 13

LIBERALS’ CAMPAIGN

CANDIDATE AT HUNTLY MR. PARKER SPEAKS FREELY (From Our Own Correspondent) HUNTLY, To-day. In contrast to the reception given the Independent Reform candidate was the meeting of Mr. Thomas Parker, the Liberal candidate, held last evening in in the Lyceum Theatre. Mr. E. George presided and the candidate did not suffer one interruption. Taxation was trenchantly dealt with, the candidate stressing the increase from 1912 to 1926 as appallingly heavy the per capita amounts being £5 Ss lOd against £l2 7s lid. During that period there were 35,273 landowners paying £647,015 in taxes against 50,063 paying £11,266,659 at present. The land policy of the present Government was impossible to criticise for it had not evolved one yet. After vigorously denouncing the practice of country officials taking Ministers of the Crown about the electorate, Mr. Parker paid a compliment to the officers appointed to control the ballot, remarking that he had no money for scrutineers, etc. The repeal of the income tax for farmers was wrong. Mr. Parker urged the reduction of the duty on motor chassis and an extra levy on the bodies. Mr. Parker claimed that his previous good work on behalf of the county eminently fitted him to take on successfully the duties of member for the district.

“I have not one tale for the miner and one for the farmer,” he said in conclusion. Mr. Veitch, M.P. for Wanganui, also .spoke in support of the candidate, and though suffering from a bad cold, was given an excellent hearing. On the motion of the chair, seconded by Mr. H. Gavin, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded both speakers amid applause.