THE GENERAL ELECTION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16590, 12 November 1919, Page 8

THE GENERAL ELECTION.

SPEECH BY MR- MASSEY. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Nov. 10. Addressing a meeting of liis supporters this afternoon, the Prime Minister said: “Wo have solved the problems of the war, and if we deal with the problems of peace with the same determination all will bo well. Wo must not forget that wo have a. heavy burden of financial responsibility to bear, and that tho very best brains of the community are required to carry on tho business of the Dominion; but to my mind tho most important issue is, who is going to govern tho country for the next three years? Is it to' bo the law-abiding, responsible and patriotic elements of tho community, or is it to be tho political extremists —a combination of Bolshevists, I.W.W.’s, revolutionary Socialists, and others of the same category. It may be said that the latter class cannot secure a majority. I agree, but they may hold the balance of power. That is tho danger—tho possibility of the Government of the day being at their mercy and having to do their bidding or resign office. Personally, such a state of afl airs would not suit mo. When I cannot retain my self-respect I go out of office. I ask tho people of New Zealand to sec that a strong, honest and patriotic Government is placed in power, with a sufficient working majority. The record of last session in progressive legislation shows -where this party may be found. In saying this I ask tho people of the country to forget their ancient party differences and party shibboleths, and to stand together for the best interests of tho Dominion. Thei coming elections will probably bo the most important Now Zealand has ever seen, because on the men elected will depend whether tho work of reconstruction's to ho carried on successfully and satisfactorily or the reverse. Eighty years ago tho pioneers of this country laid the foundations of prosperity which we enjoy. During tho long years of war tho young manhood of tho present generation of Noav Zealanders fought to protect our rights and freedom from a cruel and unscrupulous foe. I believe the answer will bo in the affirmative, and that they will give tho men who carried through to a successful issue the work of last session that support of which they have proved themselves worthy.” MR. SEMPLE’S PROGRAMME. WELLINGTON, Nov. 11. Mr. R- Semple, Labour candidate for Wellington South, opened his campaign at Brooklyn to-night. _ , He said it was the desire of the Labour Party to fight the election on principles, without personalities or side issues. Pie condemned tho proposal to permit the employment of indentured labour in Samoa. Referring to the Housing Act, he said tho rate of interest provided was too high. He took exception to the provision giving tho Government power to lend money to an employer to build houses for employees, which, ho said, would give the employer power to evict workers if they went on strike or were impudent. He thought the. Government should lend money direct to workers. He condemned the provisions of the Undesirable Immigration. Restriction Act, declaring it was the worst form of tyranny that could be imposed upon the community. Speaking of coal mining, ho expressed tho belief that with the proper management of the industry people could have an abundance of coal at half tho present price. Ho condemned the clause in the Coal Mines Bill giving the Minister of Mines power to fill tho mines with unskilled labour. A vote of thanks and' confidence was carried without dissent. THE TEMUKA SEAT. TIMARU, Nov. 11. Mr. T. D. Burnett, tho owner of Mt. Cook station and farm at Cave (son of the original lessee of tho run), opened his campaign for the Tcinuka scat at Cave. While preferring unity for parties ho will follow Mr. Massoy for tho sake of a strong Government. Independents were useless. His main plank was progress and well being, founded on land administration and fair incidence of taxation. Tho aim of the former should, bo occupying ownership with leasehold as a stepping stone to freehold and the multiplication of small holdings. Wheat districts should .grow the Dominion’s bread, farmers to be encouraged to do so by assured prices. Rural production was largely dependent on the number of men to bo fed on farms . Therefore he advocated electric power to lessen slavery. As to railways, the South Island trunk should be finished' and motor trollies run on both roads and branch railways by a change of wheels. NELSON CONTEST. NELSON, Nov. 11. Mr. H. Atmore, a candidate for tho Nelson seat, delivered his opening speech to a crowded audience to-night. Ho declared himself a supporter of Liberalism and sane Labour. On a noconfidence motion ho would vote with tho Liberals. The candidate was accorded a cordial hearing and received a veto of confidence. i