THE GENERAL ELECTION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16611, 8 December 1919, Page 3

THE GENERAL ELECTION.

MR. MASSEY INTERVIEWED. EXCELLENT RECEPTION IN THE SOUTH. DEFENCE AND OTHER MATTERS. 8 BT TELEGRAPH. —OWN COEa'ESPCNtffiK'X. AUCKLAND, Dec. 8.

Tho Prime Minister arrived in Auckland by tho Main Trunk express yesterday morning. Ho will remain In Auckland or tho immediate neighbourhood for tho next few days. He will address meetings at Parnell and Newmarket te-night. Questioned regarding his experiences in the South Island, Mr. Massey said that, with the exception of that in Christchurch, every meeting he had addressed had been an unqualified success. He had faced 11 meetings in all during his tour of the south. The people, so far as ho was able to judge, were more enthusiastically in favour of tho present Government than evot before. The affair in Christchurch of course it was a fiasco, but Mr. Massey said there was no more to be said about it than had already appeared in the papers. * It is the wish of tho Prime Minister that the now Parliament shall he called together as soon as possible after the end of the financial year, that Is a,fter March 31 next. Discussing the matter Mr. Massey explained that _ the sooner Parliament could “get to grips” with tho problems of the future the better it would bo for the country. He was still of opinion that it would bo a very good thing lor some of the members of Parliament, at any _ rate, to visit Samoa and see the position for themselves before legislating for the future administration of tho islands. If this Samoan trip eventuated the probability was that the House would not bo able to meet before the end of May-

I Tlie controversy around the question [ whether Sir Joseph Ward did or did f not promise, with the authority of a I Minister of the Crown, that the bonus | payable to officers of the Post and i Telegraph Deportment was to ho cqui tinned for a further six mouths will, i in accordance with the decision of the i Government, bn referred to a judge of ! the Supreme Court for decision. ■ The Prime Minister stated that the 1 Chief Justice. Sir Robert Stout, who | has had a wido experience in past : years ns Minister.ot the Crown, lias I consented to examine the departmental files and make recommendation to the Government regarding the matter. A statement of the Government’s intentions regarding the Legislative I Council Act. which provides for the ! constitution of the Upper House by j election instead of nomination, was I made by the Prime Minister. Legisla- ' tion passed in 1918 postponed the operation of the Act until the year after ■ the issue of the proclamation by the , Governor-General. Mr. Massey said it, was the intention of the Government to issue tliis proclamation at an early date. The Act would then automatically corns into operation an.d the first election of members of the Council would bo held at the next general elections. Mr. Massey added that when the original Bill was .passed in the House of Representatives he gave • an undertaking that, before it ’ came ■ into operation, Parliament would be given an opportunity to review the I measure. That promise would bo fulfilled, and the legislation now on the ! Statute Book would would be submit- , ted to tho new Parliament. Referring to tho Government’s policy ' towards defence by both land and sea, I Mr. Massey dealt with particular cm- ! phasis with tho proposal for the period 1 of training in camp for youths entering upon their career as territorials and also disposed of tho allegation that the. Government was in favour of the establishment of a local navy. “Tho matter of -training in camp has not been before Cabinet in any shape or form,” said Mr. Massey, “and Sir Jas. Allen never intended to convey any other impression. I repeat that the matter has not been considered by Cabinet, consequently nothing whatsoever has been decided. My own opinion is that the whole defence'scheme will have to be revised and readjusted, and Parliament will be given an opportunity of doing so. In view of our war expense and the report of Lord Jellicoo I believe our whole defence policy, including naval defence, must be reconstructed. It; may be noted that one of the planks of my platform was the revision of tho defence system, so as to reduce the disturbance of industry. T Tn all our suggestions for better naval protection in the Pacific there has never been any idea of a local navy., In accordance with Lord Jollicoe’s proposals the squadrons stationed in New Zealand and Australian waters will be in each case local units of the Imperial. Navy. There is one ship coming here,; a light cruiser, which will bo under New I Zealand control and available to young ‘ men who desire to enter the Royal Navy, either as officers or seamen. That ship will take the place of the Philomel, which is out of date. _ The other ships, when they come, will be supplied by the British Government and will bo , under tho same conditions as the other ships of the Imperial Navy. T should emphasise that we shall not be called upon to provide ships, though wo shall be expected to contribute to the maintenance of theirf, especially in case of those ships whose headquarters will he in Now Zealand waters.”

THE CONQUERING? PREMIER. WELCOMED AT MARTON. Per Press Association. MARTON, Dec. 8. Mr. Massey was given a civic reception at Marton on Saturday. The station was decorated with bunting, music was provided by an orchestra, there was a big attendance, and the Prime Minister had a good reception. The Mayor read an address expressing appreciation of the excellent results obtained by th© dignified filling of his position as the chief representative of the Dominion at the historical conference and warm appreciation was expressed of the way in which'he had grasped the situation, also the results following his efforts to obtain the mandate for New Zealand to administer Samoa and Nauru. Peace had a tendency to make the community forgetful, and therefore, quite apart from political considerations, it was wished to assure him of tho_ grateful appreciation' of his public services for New Zealand, which were so warmly welcomed by the Motherland and the.

j centre of the British Empire. I Replying, Mr. Massey spoke on the ! Dominion’s share in the war, and con- | gratulated Marton on the quota sent, I and her share in production. For all j time, as long as the Empire lasted, and 1 it would last for ever, representatives lof the Dominions would be on the i committee to advise. ■ Nauru Island would bo of considerable value to New Zealand. They must have fertilisers to maintain fer- - tility, and Nauru would supply phos- ' phates to Australia and New Zealand ■ for 200 years. The control of Samoa was undertaken largely in order not . to allow it to fall into the hands of ' an enemy Power. There would bo no I indentured labour under British control. Samoa, woulci pay its way. Thev were 'up against the serious problem of reconstruction,, not only , for Now Zealand, blit for the Empire. : The Dominion should do its share in ' naval defence ns well as on land. Britain depended on her naval supremacy. . Mr. Massey thanked the . Mayor for the kindly thought which bad prompted the reception. (Cheers.) i THE PRIME MINISTER. ON A POLITICAL TRICK. ‘ Per Press Association. - ■ AUCKLAND, Deo. 7. Referring to a Press Association message from Ashburton yesterday regarding a statement said to have been made by Mr. H. M. Jones to the effect that the Rev. Howard Elliott had ask- , eel him to withdraw from the contest, etc., the Prime Minister said: “I believe the Ashburton incident referred to in tile Press Association message to be a political trick snch as we have had experience of in previous elections in New Zealand. However, one thing is quite certain. I have never been consulted directly or indirectly about the matter, nor would I allow such a proceeding. The suggestion is to my , mind absurd on the face of it. "It is stated in the telegram _ that | Mr. Jones is a Democratic Liberal I candidate, and this being the case, I I cannot understand his withdrawal being in any way likely to benefit the i Reform candidate, although for genu- ' ine Liberalism' the latter is, probably ahead of the other two candidates. I hop© the matter will be thoroughly sifted and the blame placed upon the right shoulders. If I can assist in any wav I shall be very glad to do so. : Electors throughout the Dominion who are working with mo are out on our side for a straight, clean contest, abso--1 lately free from improper methods or . sharp practice in any way whatever. | TARANAKI SEAT. ME. BUCKERIDGE. This morning Mr. Buckeridge addressed the suppliers at the Ken bo factory. He had a most sympathetic hearing and after satisfactorily answering a number of questions he was accorded a unanimous vote of thanks. Mr. Buckeridge held a successful mooting at Tataraimaka on Saturday night. There were about 40 people ' present. The. candidate spoke tor about an hour and a half, and at the termination of his address was accorded a hearty vote of thanks and confidence. There was a splendid attendance of . supporters of Mr. Buckeiidge's candidaturo at the Soldiers’ Club, New Plymouth on Saturday afternoon. The meeting was an enthusiastic one, being representative of both town and country districts, and further details in connection with the organisation of the Reform Party’s campaign in ' this electorate were arranged.

am. SMITH AT CARRINGTON ROAD. Sir. Smith addressed 40 electors at Carrington. Road on Saturday night, Mr. D. liitchie presiding. Tno audicnco was most attentive and sympathetic, the speaker being frequently applauded. He answered all questions most satisfactorily.' A hearty rote of confidence in Mr. Sinith, moved by Mr. Hill and seconded by Mr. Adlam, was carried unanimously. am; smith at smart road. Mr. S. 6. Smith addressed 160 employees at the Smart Road Freezing Works at lunch hour to-day. He received a mos*b attentive hearing. At the conclusion of his address he was asked several questions dealing with Labour matters, which were answered satisfactorily. A motion of thanks and renewed confidence was carried unanimously and with hearty cheers. THE STRATFORD SEAT. HON. J. B. HINE AT STRATHMORE. A well-filled house . greeted Major Hine at Strathmore on Friday evening, when the usual political questions were dealt with. Mr, Athol Meredith presided and the audience listened attentively to the address. At the conclusion a vote of confidence in Major Hine as the most suitable man to represent the district in Parliament was moved by Mr. Jas. Rentoul and carried. MR. MASTERS AT BIRD ROAD.

About 60 electors met Mr. Masters at tbe Bird Road School on Friday night, every available seat in the school being occupied. Mr. _J. Pattinsbn was voted to the chair. _ At the beginning the speaker was subjected to a running fire of interjections, but easily disposed of them, and as the meeting proceeded he was listened to with keen attention. The speech was on the lines of his Stratford address except that ho broke new ground in regard to the question of railing rates. Mr. Masters pointed out the manner in which country residents .were penal ised on the railways by the excessive rates on hardwood timbers which were duty -free, the town consumer at a port having a great advantage in this respect. The speaker enumerated a list of articles such as tea, foodstuffs, patent foods, boots, drapery and benzine, and compared the railway freights charged with the much lower rates that luxuries were carried. A number of questions were answered to the satisfaction of the audience and the questioners, and a splendid meeting concluded with a very hearty vote of thanks. The ladies 'of Bird Road entertained Mr. Masters and the electors at supper. The meeting finished up with three hearty: cheers for the candidate.

ME. JENNINGS IN THE OHUEA. SPECIAL TO HERALD. ONGARUE, Dec. 8. Tbe Obura district and tbe railway works were visited by Mr. W. T. Jennings, M.P., during the past week, and meetings were addressed at Tatu, Tokiriraa, Obura, Nihoniho, Otangiwai, Matiere, Oknbukura and other places. There have been good attendances, and the candidate has had a good recep-

i tion all round. TEe Indications are i that the sitting member will poll heavily in the Ohura district. j SIR. J. WARD AND LABOUR. | Per Press Association, j CHRISTCHURCH, Deo. 6. I In his address at Leeston last evening Sir Joseph Tvard referred to Ids ' attitude towards the Labour Party. He said he was against-the men who wanted “direct action”—the men who did not realise the position the Do* minion was in to-day. He wanted tp say they would be responsible for bringing about a condition 'of .things l in this country incomparably worse than, they were before. If the people wanted to prevent the' small seeds of Bolshevism from being sown here and growing up and spreading about the country they must recognise Labour. He -was standing for the country’s good and appealing to the moderate section of the community to help. If he were returned as head of the Government he would give Labour its fair representation in that Govern- : ment. It was not only right, but it • r was a far-seeing thing' to do. Mr. j W. A. Voitch had been on,the footj plate when the speaker was Minister I for Railways. That class of man in’ i the Government of this country' would .• bo an antidote against thfe sowing of i those seeds he had referred to. A ; nettle must he grasped. 1 Sir Joseph Ward pointed out that ; whenever an extreme section of the j Labour Party in the ! House levelled j any ciiticism against public men it was ; generally directed against himself.. ,In two places he had refused to put up '; candidates, as the representatives -of , that extreme party would probably get ; in. -He was not disposed to rest under | the imputation that be .was in league : with the extreme party. The people, i could go to Fraser and Holland and ; they would find he had, never spoken to either of them in' regard to the Eolitics of the v future. •Np agreement i ad ever been made. t i list of Dominations./ j TARANAKI SEAT. Nominations closed to-day and Messrs. G. H. Buckeridge and'B. G. Smith have ! been duly nominated. ' The- election j takes place next Wednesday. , ! Messrs. G. R. Sykes, A/M'Leod, W. B. Ma the son, and, A. O. Holms have 1 been nominated for the Masterton seat. Manawatu.—Nominations for'the Mai nawatu seat include'Alfred Chase Hil- : lier, scrutcher, Shannon (Labour), and Edward Newman,* farmer, Marten (Reform). Patea.—Messrs. G. V. Pearce and W. D. Powdreß (Reform), W. Morrison (Liberal), and. P. B. Fitzherbert (Labour), have been nominated as candi - dates for the Patea seat.

Gisbhorne.—Mr! Thomas Brindle, official Labour candidate, has been'nominated for Gisborne,

Oroua.—Mr. E. J. Tunnicliff, official Labour candidate, Has been nominated for Oroua.

Waipawa.—G. Munter (Reform), and A, E. Jull (liberal) has been nofiiinat-

ed. . , . ' ... .. ■ Wanganui.—William A. Veitdr, (labour), William J. Cuttle (Reform), Lewis M'llvride (official Labour). ‘ Temuka.—Nominations for Temukr , are Messrs. T. D. Burnett (Reform) and ! C. J. Talbot (Liberal). Palmerston North.—Mr. J. A. Nash (Reform), and Mr. M. Ayrton (Labour), have been nominated for the Palmerston seat. , . ; Western Maori.—Thirteen candidates have been nominated, including a, woman, who withdrew at the last minute. They are: Eruera Porhipi Chase, Henare Kaihau, Kepa te Whatamii, Ngatirawhana Keri, Toki te Ahu.Mam Pomare, Ngurangi Katiha, Otine Paora, Tanea Kaawe Short, Taiwiwi Tukimana, Te Taniwha Tena ; Poupheretapu, Kamene, Tauwhakani Patena, and Pomare Heteraka. The consent of the last named has not yet been obtained. Wairau.—Bernard James Coke (Labour), John Joseph Corry (Independent), Richard M'Callum (sitting Liberal), Edward Henry Penny (Reform). Southern Maori. —Nominations for the Southern Maori seat are: H. M. Kapuka (Invercargill), J. H. W. Uru R. te M. Taiaroa (Taumutu), T. M. Erihana (Puketerako). Napier.—Vigor Brown (Liberal), Henry Hill (Independent), F. C. Evans (Labour). Timaru.—Nominations, for ■ Timaru are; Messrs. James Craigie (Independent Liberal), P. C. .Vinnel (official Labour). Waitaki.—William Paul (official Labour) has been nominated for the Waitaki seat. -

Waimate.—John Anstey (Liberal) and John Bitchener (Reform). Mataura.—G. J. Anderson (Reform), D. M'Dougall (Liberal), N. MTntyre (Independent Labour), A. M'Lachlan (Labour) have been nominated for the Mataura seat.

Rotorua.—TV. C. Hewitt (Independent), F. F. Hockley . (Reform), G. T. Jones (Labour), P. Keegan (independent), and M. Larney (Liberal).

Bay of Plenty.—t-W. D. S.‘MacDonald (Liberal),'K. S. Williams (Reform).