CHRISTCHURCH EAST.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 253, 28 November 1914, Page 12

CHRISTCHURCH EAST.

DR THACKER AT LINWOOD. No political leader in history over had a more devoted admirer and follower than Sir .Joseph Ward has in Dr Thaeker. The Opposition candidate for the Christehureh Hast seat addressed a meeting last evenin}? at the corner of Barbour and Charles Streets, Linwood, and in the course of a speech lasting- over an hour managed to refer to "my chief" and "our great leader" about 20 times. There was an attendance of about 200, and the candidate A\as given an attentive hearing, although the audience was at times highly amused flt some of his phrases and sentiments. Mr 11. Pearce presided. At the outset, Dr Thaeker said-that he; was always sure of a. "thumping" ma-' jority in Linwood, and he looked forward to the same generous treatment at the forthcoming election as he had always received on past occasions in the district. He was, as he had always been, the '' canal candidate. " '' We should have the harbour right here,'' he said. Rumours were going about that at the strike time he had had a barrier put up round the waterfront at Lyttelton, and had advocated that any worker coming outside of it should have his head broken. As a matter of fact, he had opposed the erection of barriers, and protested against the settlement of the strike by means of batons. He advocated a system whereby an elector confined in a hospital or sanatorium should have the right to vote. He instanced the case of a man who had had his ribs broken on the previous day whilst .-.topping a runaway horse. That man surely had the right to a vote —especially as he Avas going to vote for Dr Thaeker. (Loud laughter.) The candidate appealed to any Avon electors who might be present to support Mr Russell, the second greatest Liberal in tlie Dominion. By doing so they would be rendering valuable assistance to the cause of Liberalism. _ When Mr Russell was a Minister of the Crown and came to Christehureh he could be seen by anyone at the Provincial Council Chambers. It was not necessary to approach him formally by way of a deputation. Most j Ministers hired a small room in an hotel, but there were many people who did not care to enter hotels. (Laughter.) Dr Thaeker announced that this evening he would address a meeting in the Square in front of Warner's Hotel, on the subject of the cost of living. He had been warned that if he addressed a meeting in the Square he would be prosecuted, but if he could not afford to pay the fine he would send the hat round. .Something would have to be done with regard to the cost of living, or bread would soon be 2/a loaf. Asked if lie was in favour of propor-. tioual representation, Dr Thaeker said that he was. His reason was that it was favoured by his leader, and what was good enough for Sir Joseph Ward was good enough 'for him. He was asked to explain proportional representation, but referred the questioner to Mr McCombs. Pie said that lie knew all about it, but it would take too Jong to explain. Any man could start up a motor-car, but he could not explain how it worked. The candidate told another questioner that he was in favour of removing the duty on music for brass bands. Music was the mother of sympathy, and the hand-maiden of religion. (Cheers.) At the conclusion of the meeting a vote of thanks, and confidence was carried unanimously, and cheers were given for the candidate and Sir Joseph Ward. MR HIRAM HUNTER. Mr Hiram Hunter, Labour candidate for Christchurch East, addressed a meeting at the corner of Montrose and Huxley Streets last evening Mr Frank Le Roy presiding. A vote of thanks and confidence was carried on the motion of Mr Waterson, seconded by Mr Ankins.