CHARGES DENIED.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 November 1925, Page 9

CHARGES DENIED.

MR. CORRIGAN AND MINISTER RUMOURS OF THE STREET. CHALLENGE TO AUTHORS. (From Our Own Reporter.) Hawera, Last Night. Hundreds were unable to gain admission to the Opera House to-night to hear the final address of Mr. J. R. Corrigan, the Nationalist candidate for Patea. Mr. Corrigan was greeted with cheers on taking the platform. The Mayor (Mr. E. A. Pacey) preaided. Speaking of the “Corrigan charges,” with reference to the Minister for Justice, and the appointment of Justices of the Peace, Mr. Corrigan said Sir Janies 'Parr had broadcasted through the Press Association what he (Mr. Corrigan) termed a political lie to try to damage him in the eyes of the electors. In the message telegraphed from Auckland Sir James had said that Mr. Corrigan had the temerity to submit a list of seventeen names for appointment as justices. Only four or five justices were required, and Sir .James declined to stuff the rolls. He did not know the politics of the nominees even now. This, declared Mr. Corrigan, was incorrect and he was not going to withdraw it for anyone. Sir James had written to him, stating that he had appointed the first five men on the list of nominees submitted by Mr. Corrigan. The facts were, Mr. Corrigan said, that he submitted the names oi six Reformers and ten Liberals, and their politics were well known. Not th<* first five names but five names throughout the list had received the appoint ments. There had been a lot of nasty innuen does concerning him going about the street. Mr. Corrigan said, but he issued a challenge to pay £lOO to a hospital or other institution if it could be proved that he had committed a dishonourable act against anyone during his 33 years in Hawera. At the conclusion of his address, Mr. Corrigan was besieged with questions for over an hour, and finally Mr. Veitch moved a vote of thanks and appreciation to Mr. Corrigan for his address. Mr. J. Bayley moved as an amendment, and Mr. L. A. Taylor seconded, “that this meeting, while thanking Mr. Corrigan foi his address, has no confidence .in the National Party, and suggests that every elector vote for Mr. Dickie, and not for Mr. Corrigan.” Considerable support was forthcoming for the amendment, but it was declared Jost on the voices, and the mot ion was carried unanimously. Mr. Corrigan was then heartily cheered.