THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16609, 5 December 1919, Page 7

THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN.

MR. MASSEY AT CHRISTCHURCH. Per Press AssociationCHRISTCHURCH, Deo. 5. A deputation from the City Council met Mr. Massey to-day with regard to the collection of local rates on workers’ dwellings. ' The matter is very unsatisfactory and the council asked that the properties be put on the same basis as other properties. Mr. Massey said that the whole question would have to be considered and possibly legislation would, be required in regard to the 10 per cent, penalty. On financing the housing' scheme the council said that the mauer was ol national importance and tho money should be provided by the Government. Mr. Massey said that the Government was unable to supply sufficient money for the housing requirements of the cities. The Government proposed to spend £1,000,000 a year where the houses were most urgently needed. Private building should be encouraged. With regard to the shipping outlook, it was much better, particularly fqr colliers. There was sufficient coal in hand to carry the railways over the holiday season. A deputation from the Returned Soldiers’ Association waited on Mr. Massey and complained of the returned soldiers not being reinstated in the Railway Service, quoting specific cases. They also represented thuc the land settlement on country estates was not being vigorously pursued, and that several anomalies regarding gratuities should be rectified.

Mr. Massey said that Canterbury had done more than any other land district m the settlement of soldiers and the Government had placed 4000 men on country land in the Dominion, and 2000 in houses in cities. Not even the British Government had done as aeU. The Government also had never bought at extortionate prices. The railway matter would bo discussed in Wellington; he would also go into the question of anomalies. HAWKE’S BAY SEAT. HASTINGS, Deo. 5. Chas. Henry Chapman was to-day nominated for the Hawke’s Bay seat by the Labour Party. SIR J. WARD. AND EXTREME LABOUR. TIMARU, Deo. 5. Sir Joseph Ward, speaking at Temuka last night, said he was in favour of Moderate Labour, but did not countenance direct action as opposed to constitutional law. He would not remain in office if he had to depend on the support of an extremist like Mr. Holland or Mr. Fraser. He was out for progress, but would not allow himself to he squeezed on any question of which he was not in favour.