TARANAKI ELECTION

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13797, 31 October 1908, Page 2

TARANAKI ELECTION

MR OKEY AT CARRINGTON ROAD. A correspondent writes: "Quite a record attendance with regard to political meetings in this district was established last night, when practically the whole of- the residents "or this district turned out to listen to an address, from our popular M.P., Mr H. Okey. Mr Okey, who was in good form, touched on matters-of interest to the district — advances for workmen's hoine&j-ad-vances to settlers, New Harbour Bill, etc. At the conclusion of his address a number bf^ questions were asked and answered satisfactorily; and a vote, of thanks-and confidence in. our present 'member* was carried linanimously. The ladies of the* district with their customary, generosity provided I ' a tip-top supper.". „ *■'"" f - r ! Mr H. Okey wjU-addr.ess.thja electors at the Theatre Royal- on, Sjtonday. night. * Mr C. ,E. ( Bollririger adressed, .the electors at Kaimiro on Thursday'evening, Mr Shoemark occupying the There was_a good* atfendance ? and the address Vas well received: Several questions wore asked and answered. " '"A .vote of thanks , was itnanimpiisly carried. . A... -._, - "-■ '■ •-{•' • * •-' . On Friday evening Mr Bellringer gave his a ddiftgs.aJL Upland. -Road, there eing a fair number present. Mr J. -Martin was in the chair. Referring to the strictures passed upon him by Mr Hine at Stratford, Mr Bellringer said that he was ' not going -to* make <ny personal references. In the heat of the moment Mr Hine had made statements that were absolutely .incorrect, and which could "only recoil ' on his own head. The Government had,, .been repeatedly urged t6' increase the number of men, on .the; -Stratf ord-Ongarue. railway;' tney had promised to do so, aWL keeping their' promises were now accused by Mr Hine of sending men there to influence the J elections. He had much respect for, <Mr Hine ( but these statements were made at Inglewoqd, right on the border of the Taranaki electorate, and were reported; in the press. The Government had done the right- thing, and . he was prepared to defend their action against -Mr Hine or anyone who attacked : them. It was of" infinitely more importance ta Tarauaki that, this railway should be pushed on at a rapid rate than that even Mr. Hine should be elected M.P. for Stratford. He had "made no reference to either of the candidates for Stratford. The matter was one vitally affecting New Plymouth, and in fairness to the Government he had every right to refer to the matter and defend their action. They might rely upon his doing the utmost in his power if elected to push on this very important work. A vote of thanks Avas carried by acclamation.