POLITICAL CAMPAIGN.

Waikato Argus, Volume XIX, Issue 3049, 5 December 1905, Page 2

POLITICAL CAMPAIGN.

THE WAIKATO BEAT

MR GREENSLADE AT CAMBRIDGE (j!T TBLEGBAI’II —OWN CORRESPONDENT) Cambridge, This Day. Mr 11. .1. (liinuNshADK had a good meeting l.st night. He spoke on the same lines as of late, chiefly referring to the manner in which ho considered Mr Lang had neglected the electorate. On the motion of Mr George Hustle, seconded by a lady, a vole of thanks and confidence was carried.

As it is expected that the result of the election will bo known to-morrow evening, wo will bo pleased to telegraph results to those in other portions of the electorate if they will let us know what returns they require. The telegraph offices will bo open till midnight. In connection with the general election and local option polls to-morrow we would point out that the method of voting is the same as on previous occasions—that is, the voter is to strike out the name of the candidate or the proposal for which he does not desire to vote. Wc mention this fact as at local elections the voting is not done in the same manner.

No doubt for the purpose of creating sympathy, a report has been circulated by Mr Greenslade’s supporters to the effect that it -is the intention of Mr Lang’s friends to attend the meeting which Mr Greenslade is to bold in Hamilton to-night and give him a “ turn.” Being in touch with Mr Lang's organisation, we can give this rumour the fullest contradiction and say that on no occasion have Mr Lang’s supporters in any way interfered at any meeting, and on the present occasion they have no intention of interrupting the meeting in any way. It seems to us that those who have started the report are anxious that there should be a disturbance for, as we have written above the purpose of creating sympathy. It is a weak cause that has to descend to such tactics to gain sympathy and support.

GENERAL NOIES

MANIFESTO BY MB MASSEY. To the Electors of New Zealand — The questions which you will be called upon to answer next Wednesday by your votes at the polls are these : (1) Are you going to expiess confidence in a Government which is autocratic rather than democratic ; (2) Which has added .£21,000,000 to the public debt, abolished Parliamentary control of the public finances, curtailed the powers of the AuditorGeneral and wastofully expended public moneys j

(3) Which is recklessly over-borrow-ing, and thereby, unless all financial history is false, knowingly running the colony into grave and wholly unnecessary risk of reaction ; (4) Which has treated the Public Works Fund as a fighting fund for electioneering purposes, manipulating it for the benefit of the Government candidates at the pulls ; (5) Which has made numerous appointments to the public service from its own friends and supporters regardloss of merit, justice, or law, and which has impeded the progress of education by an attempt to bring that system also under political control;

(G) \\ Inch has deliberately shirked the land question and has practically admitted its incompetence to deal with it;

(7j Which has grossly neglected the interests of the colony by allowing millions of acres of native lands to be locked np to tho injury of both natives and Europeans;

(8) Which has increased general taxation and maintained heavy customs duties on the necessaries of life in order to swell a surplus largely used in purchasing political support; (9) Which has stuffed the Upper House with party nominees, instead of making appointments on account of intelligence, experience and general fitness ;

(10) Which has harassed almost every industry, restricted individual liberty and freedom of speech, and placed the interests of party on every occasion before the interests of the country ? Or, are you going to vote for a party which, if returned to power, will—(1) Reform the Legislative Council by making it elective and directly representative of the people; (2) Advance education by making it free from the primary school to the university;

(3) Borrow only for necessary pur poses;

(4) Distribute public money equitably ; (5) Repeal the Public Revenues Act, 1000, and restore the powers of the Auditor-General ;

(G) Reduce Customs taxation on the necessaries of life :

(7) Grant the option of freehold to every settler on the land of the Crown whose tenure is lease in perpetuity, thereby encourage settlement and promoting the prosperity of both city and country ;

(S) Settle the native land question with justice to tho native race and to the satisfaction of the people of the tho colony;

(0) Reform the Public Service by setting up a Public Service Board to make appointments by merit, absolutely excluding political influence; (10; Put local bodies’ finance in a better footing; (IX) Make its first aim honest, prudent, and business-like administration, and strive to give justice, independence, and equal opportunities for all, and place the welfare of tho whole colony above the interests of party ? W. P. Massey.

MR SEDDON'S ADMIRERS. (BY TELEGRAPH OWN CORRESPONDENT ) Hokitika, Last Night. The setting up of oppositiou to tho Premier for the Westland seat has excited a remarkable spontaneous outburst on behalf of Mr Soddou from all parts of the district. Committees were speedily organised everywhere to workon behalf of the sitting member, who is assured of a large complimentary vote. A large pro-Li beral demonstration is being held here this evening in favour of the return of Mr Seddon. Delegates will be present from various parts of the district, aud bands have volunteered to parade tho town prior lo the gathering, which promises to be of record proportions. The Mayor of Hokitika moves.- “ That this meeting of representatives of the Westland constituency resolves that the Right Hon. It. J. Seddon, P.C., is a lit and proper person to represent the district in Parliament, and takes pleasure in congratulating the Right Hon, gentleman on his long record of past and public services, unparalleled in the legislative history of the colony; and further wishes him continuance in ollice to guide the Liberal party in the broad policy of beneficient legislation which has so uplifted the people and given New Zealand the assured and flourishing prosperity so generally enjoyed.” The chairman of the Westland County seconds tho proposition, which will be supported by the Mayors of Kumara and Ross and the leading oitiz.ens of the district.

PASTORAL BY BISHOP NELIGAN The following pastoral was read in all the Anglican Churches throughout the Auckland diocese on Sunday last:— “ The exercise of the rights of citizenship is a responsibility which can best bo discharged by men and women who believe, and act on the belief, that ‘ Righteousness and equity are the habitation of Thy seat: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.’ (Ps. Ixxix. 15.) A general election is an opportunity for Christian people so to exorcise their privileges of citizenship that the national conscience may be quickened by such an activity of the Christian conscience. 1 trust that we shall all make special prayer to God for our country at this time. A suitable collect is published in the Church Gazette for this month. Patriotism is a noble passion; but, if God be forgotten, it can become ignoble. Men may and do legitimately differ in their political opinions; but all true patriots can unite in prayer that the issue of an election may redound to the honour aud glory of God in their nation, aud that the men chosen for tho high office of Parliamentary representatives may

realise their national rnsponsibilitios a.- in the sight of God. May lie •'rant us geni'roiiß j lulaini-ntsof others, kindliness of feeling in political contests, at this time, and a right judgment in exorcisin'; the responsibilities of citizenship.”— Vnur faithful friend and bishop, M. It. A lli'li I,AND.

GUI ill ESI ’ON! )EN GE, MR GREEN,SLADE AND UIS ALLEGEI) M A LIGN HRS. TO THIS EDITOR. Silt, —According to press rcporlu Mr Orccnslado at his meetings at Oliaupo, To Awauiutu and Cambridge West accused the wife of a well-known resident of I’ukcrimu of slander in connection with the Eeneonrt ladies’ social. At Cambridge West he was asked privately, and also at his public meeting, to name the person accused, so that she might have an opportunity of defending tierself or of confessing her fault, and thus remove the stigma Dial, at present rests on every married woman in the district; but he positively declined to do so. adding that his solicitor would at the proper time let tho accused person know all about the matter. Now Mr Greonslade is a resident of the Pukoriimt district, and therefore the accused person is his neighbour, and probably both parties are well known to each other. Would it not have been more neighbourly and manly for Mr Greonslade to have given this lady an opportunity of explaining, denying or confessing before he, having only heard the story from a tale-bearer, publicly denounced her at his meetings ? Had he done so, and the talon as found to be true, he would have had the sympathy of every well-meaning person in the electorate; but, his ill-judged denunciations have created a widespread feeling of indignation that a person who aspires to represent Waikato should descend to such tactics.

I am a mai vied resident of Pukerimu, and believe that I know the ladies of the district sufficiently well to declare that they are as free from evil speaking, scandal, or malice as are thoir sisters of any other portion of the electorate. Of course it is possible (but, I think, not probable) that one of them has uttered the words Mr Groenslade charges her with; yet I would rather stan l in her shoes to-day than I would in those of the contemptible mischief-making informer, or in those of the man who, for political reasons, on the public platform denounces a woman, while refusing both publicly and privately to afford her au opportunity of explaining, confessing, or denying what she is charged with.— I am, etc., Benedict.

A PLEA FOR CLEAN POLITICS. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Ere the sun has twice set the people of New Zealand will have chosen their rulers for the-next throe years. We value our heritage as Britons, but it is well to recognise that our great privileges carry equally great responsibilities, and the casting of our votes on Wednesday next is no light matter for, viewed in the light of possibilities, the action of the individual is fraught with great consequences to ourselves, our colony, and even to our Empire. We are apt, 1 know, to look upon our vote as a lover with which to better our own particular class in society or our individual pockets; but surely it is not right to so regard it. We ought rather to study the subject well, and look at the matter from a national standpoint, apart altogether from party sentiment and natural proclivities. We should, first and foremost, demand clean politicians, for in the idiom of the Old Book, grapes do not grow on thorns nor figs on thistles, and to secure pure politics we must have pure representatives. In America it is said by some that politics savour of fire and brimstone, and evidence is not wanting to demonstrate that in this favoured land our political life is trending in the same direction. If one-twentieth part of the shady tricks and artifices accredited to the present administration daring the progress of the present campaign is true the citizens will undoubtedly be wanting in their duty to their country if they do not end the existing regime forthwith and replace the Government with cleaner and better men. We all proudly boast that Britons will never be slaves but methinks we are fastening the shackles upon our own limbs, whilst our Government is doing its utmost to gag both the individual and the press for during the next day or so it will be a matter of considerable risk to even mention the names of those who are seeking the suffrages of their countrymen. We loudly prate about our independence and our liberty but our liberty is being gradually filched from us and as to our boasted independence it is openly asserted that in one of the chief towns of the colony (which thanks to tho secrecy of the ballot consistently returns Opposition members) those candidates who are standing as opponents of the present administration have found it a matter of considerable difficulty to find people willing to formally nominate them or to openly act on their committees—so fearful are the electors of avowing their political colours lest they are boycotted or become marked men. These and similar things have been repeatedly exposed by the press during the past twelve years, and the clutch of Tammany has become more pronounced each year. The people have now a chance to say whether this pernicious system shall continue for another three years. If they decide in the affirmative they will not have the excuse that “it was through ignorance they did it ” for they will do it with their eyes open and, consequently, will deserve all they will have to put up with. —I am, etc., Patriot.

THE SINS OF THE OPPOSITION. TO THE EDITOR. Sie, —In a recent speech the Premier is reported to have said that the Opposition has proved a deadweight to the Government and inferred that had it not been for Mr Massey and his benchmen the Government would have made considerably more headway along the path of progress. Well, I will not attempt to gainsay the contention, for 1 certainly \ believe that had it not been for the Opposition many more of the crude measures of the Government would have passed; for instance, the famous Criminal Code Bill would have gone through as brought down by its authors, and it would have been a crime to meet publicly to demand the redress of grievances or to discuss the faults and shortcomings of those whom we have set over us. The vigilance of Mr Massey and his patty in preventing the passage of such “Liberal” measures ought according to some, bo rewarded by relegating them to private life in order that Seddon and Co. may proceed on their way unhampered. Whether the Waikato and Franklin electors think so Wednesday’s poll will disclose.—l am, etc., Colonial.

MR LANG AT TE ROKB, TO THE EDITOU.

Sir, —In your report- of Mr Land’s meeting at To Eoro an error occurred. It should have read : —“ Mrs Thompson, on behalf of the ladies, proposed a hearty vote of thanks and confidence in Mr Lang. This was seconded by Mrs J. Bell. Mr Hodgson proposed a similar vote for the male electors, and this was seconded by Mr Allcock.”—l am, etc., B, S. Jones, Chairman for Mr Lang. BIBLE IN SCHOOLS. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Kindly allow me sufficient space to correct an impression which prevails here as to each candidate’s views on tho Bible-in-schools question. Mr Lang, at his Cambridge meeting in reply to Archdeacon Willis, said, “He favoured a referendum.” Mr Gteenslade, as reported in Tun Argus of November 4, at Cambridge, said, “ He favoured a referendum.” Where is tho difference ? This is only for fair play. Thanking you in anticipation.—l am, etc., Kukuhia. Francis Quinn.