MR THOMAS AT PAREORA

Timaru Herald, Volume CXL, Issue 20260, 8 November 1935, Page 14

MR THOMAS AT PAREORA

COKDIAL RECEPTION Sixty electors assembled at Pareora Hall last night to listen to Mr W. Thomas, National Independent candidate. Mr A. G. Pratt was in the chair and the address of the candidate, which followed on the lines of his opening address in Timaru, was given a most attentive hearing. Asked if elected as member, would he support the full publication of the evidence of the Native Land Commission. Mr Thomas said that he was of the opinion that nothing should be hidden. He praised the excellent work done for the Maoris by Sir Apirana Ngata who had given the Maoris a new lease of life. He had succeeded in gaining the confidence of his own people where other Native Ministers had failed. The methods might have been wrong from the pakeha book-keeping point of view, but Sir Apirana could be judged by the marvellous results attained. Asked whether he was in favour of the compulsory clauses of the Arbitration Court being returned to the Act, Mr Thomas said there might have been reason for suspending the clauses during the depression but, as an admirer of Mr Pember Reeves and the legislation which he helped to frame, he was certainly sorry to see them repealed. He would point out, however, that the Labour Party had on previous occasions objected to compulsory arbitration which Mr Holland had alluded to as “leg-ironing” the worker. A question on guaranteed prices was answered by the candidate who contended that the Labour Party did not seem to know definitely how they were going to implement the scheme for its

members were speaking with different voices. On the motion of Mr A. McKenzie seconded by Mr P. A. Coote the speak-

er was given a hearty vote of thanks. CANDIDATES’ MEETINGS The Rev. Clyde Carr is to speak in the Pareora Hall to-night at 8 o’clock. The Hon. John Bitchener will address electors in the Mt. Nessing Hall at 8 o’clock to-night. Mr D. Barnes will speak at Hunter at 8 o’clock to-night. COMMUNIST CANDIDATE By Telegraph Press Association DUNEDIN, November 7. Because he is standing as a Communist candidate for Dunedin South, in opposition to the official Labour candidate, Mr Jones Samuel Ikin’s resignation as secretary of the Carpenters’ Union has been demanded. He declined the alternative to retire from t e contest, and is resigning. He stated that on principle this was the only course, as the Union was composed of all shades of political opinion, and was not political in nature. Although the Union has 496 members, only 37 attended the special meeting, and the motion demanding his retirement or resignation was carried by a majority of six votes. WESTLAND SEAT. Bv Telegraph Press Association CHRISTCHURCH, November 7. Mr H. R. Young, who contested the Avon seat against Mr D. G. Sullivan at the last general election, has->been announced*as the National Candidate for Westland.