POLITICAL.

Waipa Post, Volume VIII, Issue 370, 27 November 1914, Page 5

POLITICAL.

MR J. A. YOUNG AT TE AWAMUTU. ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION. One of the most enthusiastic J political meetings ever held in this district took place on Wednesday evening, when Mr J. A. Young, the sitting member for the Waikato electorate, addressed the electors at the local Town Hall. From the start to the finish of his address Mr Young received a most attentive hearing, and there was not a single interjection throughout. The hall was w|ll filled, the seating accommodation being fully availed of, whilst many were compelled to stand throughout the addre'ss. Mr Young spoke for two hours, and at the conclusion of his address several questions were put to him and these he answered to the apparent satisfaction of all. His remarks were very frequently punctuated with rounds of applause. As he entered the hall . and walked on to the platform he was very loudly applauded, and spoke in a manner that could not fail to convince his hearers. Mr A. S. Wallace, chairman of the Town Board, presided, and briefly introduced the candidate, who was present to give account of his stewardship, and to offer some indication of what he would do if returned to represent this district in Parliament. -He felt sure that he had no need to ask that the candidate be given a courteous hearing. (Applause). THE PEOPLE'S DUTY. On rising to speak Mr Young received quite an ovation. He thanked them for the reception accorded him. In accord with constitutional practice the people were called upon to review the public actions of those who represented them, and to exercise a i wise judgment, which was reflected in the Parliament of the country. So far as his campaign was concerned, he was pleased to be able to state that he had covered about half of his electorate, and throughout had found a healthy interest in political questions. The policy which he urged had found ready support throughout the electorate. (Applause.) THE WAR.

It so happened that to-day the political situation was such as to make it necessary that all political questions must be viewed through the fact that the country is engaged in war. He made brief reference to the circumstances of the war, and in touching upon the incident "for a scrap of paper," he emphasised the fact that the scrap of paper represented Britain's honour. He likened this to individual communities, which individually and collectively had their moral obligations to fulfil and their duties to themselves, their State and their Empire, to carry out. THE ELECTIONS.

It had been urged by some that the date of the elections be postponed on account of the war. He held a different view. Owing to our being so far removed from the seat of war we felt its effect only to a slight degree—particularly in the channels of exchange and commerce. From all quarters it had been urged that private enterprises so far as possible follow the even courses of their respective trades. How much more necessary was it, then, that the affairs of the State be maintained. If precedent were necessary, the people had only to look to Australia, where the elections were going on as usual.' THE CANTEEN SCANDALS. It had been alleged by some that the canteen arrangements in connection with New Zealand's expeditionary forces had been grossly mismanaged. He gave a brief review of the mobilisation and despatch of these forces, and reminded his hearers of the immense amount of work that this had involved. The Imperial Government had accepted New Zealand's offer to send her sons to serve the Empire during this war, and had asked the New Zealand Government to equip and despatch 8,000 troops within three weeks. The Government had given the defence authorities full power to act in accord with the instructions received from the Imperial authorities. The fitting up of the ships and the mobilisation of the forces were carried out within the required time, and the ships duly departed. They were recalled on the day following as the result of an appeal made by the Hon. Mr Massey to the Imperial authorities. After the ships had returned to port some earnest opponents of the Government had submitted complaint: in Parliament, and, as showing how groundless were the allegations, the speaker quoted from the report furnished to Parliament by General Godley, who said that" certain wild statements that men have been over-charged could not be substantiated." In so far as the canteens were concerned, he laid stress on the fact

that they supplied to the men only extras and what might be classed as luxuries, and had nothing to do with the every-day rations or genuine requirements. During the extra two weeks that the ships remained in port the canteens had been taken over by the regiments. The question was really one of so trivial a nature that he had to express regret for introducing it. He did so only to show how some little minds were trying to magnify small things in their attempts to damage the Government. DEFENCE POLICY.

After making passing reference to the convoy which had accompanied New Zealand's transport ships, Mr Young paid high tribute to the Australian navy which had done much to guard the waters of the Southern Pacific. Some had ridiculed Australian plans, and classed its navy as " tin pot." To-day these men had to acknowledge the value of the protection it had given. The policy of the New Zealand Government is not to give money to the Imperial Government for defence, but rather to train and equip New Zealanders so that when the nation is threatened New Zealand may give of her best in an organised, equipped and trained force to bear their share in the defence of the Empire and its free institutions which are so dear to them. (Applause.) TRADE AND COMMERCE. At the outset of the European hostilities the Government had risen to the occasion and made a very determined effort to make lighter the burden of those more likely to be effected consequent upon any trade depression. He went on to explain the purpose of the Regulation of Trade and Commerce Act. Dealing with the wheat supply he referred to the known shortage, and the Government's efforts to secure from Australia a sufficient supply to meet the demands of the country A supply of no less than a quarter of a million bushels had now been secured from Canada to be available in this country at a price not exceeding 5s 3d per bushel. This would help the small millers to carry on the work at their mills, and would thwart any effort—should effort be made—of the large millers holding stocks to unduly inflate prices. Whilst it will result in slight loss to the State it was only right that the loss be borne by the general taxpayer instead of the poorer people and those with families being compelled to pay a very high price for bread. (Applause). MORTGAGES EXTENSION. New Zealand is a young and rapidly developing country, and consequently requires the assistance of borrowed money. Large sums have been borrowed in the past for public and private development, and further extension of the Dominion's industries will require further borrowing. Recognising this the Government had to look to the 'great importance and far reaching effect of maintaining normal conditions as affected finance. . Naturally enough those who had invested large sums in the security of the country would become uneasy if the conditions under which their security is made are likely to be disturbed in times of crisis. He. referred to the conditions imposed in the Mortgages Extension Act which applied not only to mortgages but also to agreements to lease land with the right of purchase, agreements for the sale and purchase of land, and the repayment of bank overdrafts. It was designed to give a full measure of protection to those men who were in a small way of business or with borrowed money carried on their occupations, and who would be the more likely to feel the effects of any financial panic. (Applause).

THE EXPORT TRADE. The wealth of New Zealand was necessarily mainly the outcome of the industry of the farmers and of the quantity and price realised for its exports. It had been one of the difficulties associated with the war to secure a safe and sure means of maintaining our export trade. If the insurance and war risk had required a heavy premium payment it would necessarily have followed that the money which reached the primary producer would have been correspondingly reduced. He explained Britain's method of providing for this demand bv setting up an office in London to undertake the insurance of cargoes. The New Zealand Government had applied for an agency of this office, but, for reasons explained, without success. The New Zealand Government had now opened a war risks insurance office on its own account for the benefit of the small exporter, and was, undertaking insurance to the extent of £io,ooo on the cargo of a ship. The Government had further arranged to place insurance on behalf of the exporter with the Imperial office in London. This, he held, proved the Government's desire to help those who might not be in a posi-

tion, owing to altered circumstances, of helping themselves, and truly showed that the Government was working in the interests of the small settlers. (Applause.) STATE ADVANCES.

Referring to the State lending departments, Mr Young stated that at the outbreak of die war, when possible financial contingencies had to be anticipated, it had been deemed expedient to retain any money balances then available. Consequently, State advances for development purposes had been temporarily stopped. After briefly explaining the system of State financing, making special reference to the issue of Treasury bills and the timely legislation of last year empowering the Minister of Finance to issue these bills to the value of £2,000,000 in the event of national emergency, the speaker stated that although the Government had now raised its war loan of £2,000,000 it was not going on the London market at the present moment for its current loans, because the market was not favourable. The recent loan raised had enabled the Government to remove some of the restrictions. To-day the Advances Office was making advances on first mortgage for new works up to £750 in the settlers' branch, £4OO in the workers' branch, and £IOOO on new applications to local bodies. The Government was not lending for the purpose of lifting existing mortgages or to complete the purchase of properties, but was making advances for genuine development purposes. A COMPARISON.

He compared the affairs of the State lending departments with the conditions of three years ago, when no great crisis had arisen to hamper the sound conduct of the country's finances. Before the Reform Government came into office the limitation on advances then was £SOO for settlers; £3OO for workers and nothing at all for public bodies, and as instancing this he referred to the replies given by the then Minister for Internal Affairs to local deputations which waited on that gentleman at Ohaupo. As showing how conditions varied he referred to the difficulties which had beset the present [Government. It had come into office during the time of industrial unrest Later had followed the .smallpox epidemic, and only 12 'months ago the country had suffered through the general strike. The Massey Government had been brought face to face with all these difficulties, in spite of which, in June of this year, the full functions of the State lending departments had been resumed. Remembering the state the country's finances were brought to by the Ward Government three years ago under normal conditions, he was forced to wonder what sort of mess they would have made with the State lending departments of the country in the face of the difficulties since experienced. THE REAL DANGER.

He referred to the several political parties now before the electors of the country, and held that the real danger which besets the Dominion is the alliance of the Liberal and so-called Labour parties. He personally did not think that, in spite of the alliance, the opponents of the present Government would gain a majority. (Applause). Dealing with those who called themselves the Labour Party, he did not believe that the leaders of that party had a sole right to take that title, for they were preaching a class war and sundry doctrines dangerous to the country and ruinous to the working man. As showing that the alliance really existed, and that concerted action was being taken to place the remnants of the once Liberal Party in power subject to the dictates of the socialists and syndicalists, he quoted from the utterances of the leaders of these parties. He could not think that the intelligent democracy of this country would cast their votes in favour of Sir Joseph Ward in the knowledge that he would have to depend entirely for his political existence upon the will of the leaders of a political party who were for eyer preaching a class war and the destruction of all private ownership, and of even parliaments and governments. So far as Waikato and the speaker was concerned he felt sure that the electors would take no risks. (Applause). THE FREEHOLD. It had been said that the Reform party had given Crown tenants the freehold in return for their votes. What Reform had done was to give to Crown tenants the right to acquire the freehold if they so desired, and if they were prepared to pay for it in cash. (Applause). THE CIVIL SERVICE. It was also said bv the opponents of the Reform party that its reactionary proposals had been carried into effect so far as they concerned the reform of the

civil service by placing public servants beyond the scope of political influence. The genuine worker recognised what Reform had done for him, and appreciated the betterment of his conditions of employment. The wastrel in the service who had lived only by the political influence he could bring to bear, was the man who classed the reform of the service as reactionary and detrimental.

LAND AGGREGATION AND LAND TAX.

Quoting from a Liberal publication in which it was said that one of the fruits of Reform administration was "to convert prosperous townships into immense sheep walks," he set off against this the development of this district which was only in keeping with the development going on throughout the country. The same article, dealing with Land Tax, said that the people could take it that a " scorching Graduated Land Tax " would be one of the main proposals of the Liberal Party. Whilst Reform believed in making it in accordance with the absolute requirements of the country, he deprecated anything in the nature of a tax that was of a scorching or vindictive nature. He mentioned these things as being the sort of rubbish that is being held out as a bait to the people of the cities. LOCAL RAILWAYS. Dealing with the Local Railways Bill he explained the purpose of the measure. Whilst he held that it was first the duty of the Government to construct and control the railways, he held that if it was not possible for the Government to meet all the demands, it was wrong of it to act the dog in the manger, and deny the people the right to carry out a district undertaking themselves. (Applause). An effort had been made- by some to cast odium on the Government by alleging that it shirked its own duties, and put them on to the people of a district. Against this he reminded his hearers that it was optional on the people whether they constituted a local railway district, under the control of a district Board or not.

KAWHIA TO MAIN TRUNK,

Mr Young, with Mr Wilson.had urged upon the Government the claims of the district for railway connection between Kawhia and the Main Trunk, and he submitted some details of the departmental report. This information was now available for the districts concerned if they desired to undertake the work themselves. The question of route was for the people to determine, and, so far as he was concerned, would remain outside the sphere of his politics. NATIVE LANDS.

It had been alleged that the Reform party was not doing so much as previous Governments had done for the settlement of native lands. In proof of this statistics were quoted as under :

Dealing with the transactions for the year IQI2-13, Mr Young reminded his hearers that this was during the period of the smallpox epidemic, when it was impossible for any transactions with the natives. If Reform was not following in the steps of the Liberal party it was in not paying the unduly excessive prices for the purchase of native land. The Moerangi block, where some £lß,ooo had been written down by Reform in order to make the land available to the settlers at a reasonable price, proved the errors of the methods of the Liberal party's purchase of native lands. Under the system of the Government of the day no imposition would be worked upon the settler or upon the general taxpayer. The natives would receive what they were entitled to—and that was a fair price. (Applause.) WORKERS' DWELLINGS.

After emphasising the distinction between the State Advances to Workers Office and the Workers' Homes system, he went on to show that Reform was making a very genuine effort to provide for the industrious, self - reliant worker who desired to improve his position. In 6 l / 2 years previous Governments had erected 209 workers' homes, whereas in the last 2% years 345 homes had been provided by the Massey Government. This went to show that the present Government was in full sympathy with the claims of the workers who had an ambition to assist themselves. Reform had also eased the conditions on which the payment of these homes was made. THE HUNTLY DISASTER. He classed it as very mean indeed that some should endeavour to turn the unfortunate disaster at Huntly to political disadvantage. Extracts from the Coal Mines Act and the special rules were quoted, which went to show

that the necessary powers were vested in responsible parties outside the Government to safeguard the lives of those engaged. ASSESSMENT COURTS. He was particularly pleased to note that the Reform Party had promised to make provision for a better means of appeal in the case of disputed valuations of land. This he had strongly advocated, believing it to be right that the objector was entitled to direct representation. RAILWAY FREIGHTS. Reform had also promised to thoroughly overhaul the existing fares and rates with a view to reducing the cost or travelling, especially to children of tender age, and to readjust the various admitted anomalies in the goods freights, especially in the case of hardwood and imported timbers. This he had also urged as he considered it wrong that the inland districts served by the railways should be unfairly taxed. He had further made strong representations to the Department that excursionists should be permitted to travel by the night express trains, and was hopeful that his representations would soon be given effect to. SOCIAL LEGISLATION.

The Reform Party had widened and bettered the conditions of the social laws. As concerned the old age pension it had been said that Mr Massey would destroy the system. He had done the very opposite. Under reform the age limit had been reduced from 65 to 60 years, and the restrictions as affecting property had been further liberalised. Reform had further recognised those veterans who had served their country well. In 1913 the veterans' pension had been increased to £36. The conditions of the widows' pension, which was really a children's pension as well, had been altered in one very important respect, in so far that the pension now went to every child under the age of 14 years, and not cease upon the death of the widow. This was a marked improvement by comparison with former conditions, whereby only three children had been provided tor and only so long as the widow lived. A woman whose husband was in a mental hospital could now, under Reform,receive assistance for the young children dependent upon her. He was proud to take some measure of credit for this reform, he having successfully laid the matter before the Hon. Mr Fisher. (Applause.) STOCK FOR SETTLERS.

" In my first session of Parliament," said Mr Young, "I put up a strong appeal on behalf of the settlers on the improved farm settlements that the State should purchase necessary stock." As a result a system was inaugurated whereby the settlers' holdings would be stocked upon easy, terms to the settlers. He explained the conditions which applied to these farm settlements, which were for men with limited means and experience to get upon the land. The question had been introduced into the campaign in an effort to damage him (the speaker), and it was held that the money should have been advanced, so that the settlers could make their own purchases. It was also alleged that the purchases made were such as would exploit the settlers. In defence he submitted tha.t it was only business-like that the State should have made the purchase through responsible officers and from reputable firms. Good stock (heifers) was supplied at a cheap rate, which were not to be paid for until they came to profit and 25 per cent of the milk cheques would go to the Government and the remainder to the settler. All that was charged for interest was only five per cent. The scheme was fair in every way, and without the aid so given a number of worthy settlers would have had either to forfeit their sections or remain on them and starve. The Right Hon. Mr Massey, who was essentially the friend of the struggling small settler, acted in such a way that the people neither starved or left the districts, and as far as he knew everyone who had received stock was well satisfied and grateful to him and the Government for what has been done. (Applause). LOCAL MATTERS. In referring to local matters Mr Young said that when he came before them three years ago he did not make promises that he would obtain votes and subsidies for them, all he said was that he would give of his best service on their behalf. He took up that same position to-day. He had certainly been successful in obtaining substantial assistance and improvements in many parts of the electorate, and read out to the audience the following list of grants and subsidies obtained this year for the Waipa County : —Cambridge to Kihikihi, on account £I,OOO, £ for £, £250; Hamilton to Tuhikaramea, £ for £, £500; Pirongia to Te Awamutu, on account £1,500, £506; Puniu

Bridge Road, Kihikihi, £100; Te Awamutu-to Ohaupo, on account £2,000, £ for £, £500; Te Awamutu to Te Mawhia Bridge, £ for £, £so; Te Kowhai to Te Rapa, £IOO, £ for £, £250; Tuhikaramea to Rukuhia Railway St, £350. £ for £, £550; Walker's Gully, £1 for £2 £250; Whatawhata Swamp Road, on account £1,350, £ for £, £650: Mangahoe Bridge, £ for £, Rangiaohia Road District, £100; Mangapiko Bridge, on account, £SOO, £ for £, £250; Te Rore to Pirongia, £ for £, £100; Te Rore to Paterangi, £ for £, £150; Paterangi to Ngaroto, £ for £, £100; Te Awamututo Pirongia, Frontier Road, on account £450, £ for £, £100; Walker's Gully, £l for £2, £100; Kihikihi to Waotu, £750 (Waipa share estimated £450 ?), £ for £, £450 ; Te Rore to Ohaupo, £ for £, £SO; total sum obtained, £SOOO. The above does not include total of amounts on account —£4500; grand total, £9500. LICENSING. In respect to the licensing question Mr Young explained the difference between the' national and the local issues, and said that as far as the merits or demerits of these two questions were concerned they must be settled by the people themselves. That was their business as electors, and not his as a politician. On any national issue submitted to the people he declared the electors must accept the full responsibility for their own law making at the ballot box, and he favoured on all such issues legal effect being given to the result as expressed by a majority of the votes cast. (Applause). Regarding local option he did not favour the bare majority, only the 55 per cent, as it was a question subject to be influenced by the local movements of population : but on this question he reserved-to himself the right to compromise even to the extent of its abolition if he considered the terms warranted. (Applause). BIBLE TN SCHOOLS. On the subject of the Bible in schools and religious instruction, Mr Young said that as the law stood at present he would not vote to put the Bible in the State schools, but that his position was clearly set 'forth in a letter addressed by him on 31st October last to Archdeacon- Willis, of Cambridge, which is as follows :. ''l have to thank you for your letter on the subject of the Bible in schools, and in answer I may say that I am in favour of a referendum being taken on the subject, but I do not feel disposed to pledge myself to support in all its detail the religious instruction, referendum, or any other bill dealing with the subject. I must claim the freedom to exercise my individual judgment in regard to the details of the Bill or any amendments which may be proposed. Briefly, my position is this : that on general grounds lam in favour of a vote of the people being taken to decide the question, and on the result of that vote, Parliament to give legislative effect to the will of the people so expressed."

THANKS AND CONFIDENCE. At the conclusion of the address Dr. Reekie moved a vote of thanks to Mr Young for his very capable address, and also confidence in him to further represent Waikato in Parliament. In the motion was also embodied a vote of confidence in the Massey Government. So far as Mr Young was concerned he had proved himself a very capable and energetic representative in whom Waikato could place every confidence.

After a round of applause Mr G. Spinley seconded the motion and spoke in eulogistic teims of all that Mr Young had done. Without amendment, the vote was carried by an overwhelming majority and marked by enthusiastic applause. At the close of question time Mr Jary, on behalf of the Mangapiko riding, proposed a special vote of thanks to Mr Young for all that he had done in the interest of the electorate and particularly for the Mangapiko riding. He hoped that the people would show practical appreciation at the polls. Applause. In returning thanks Mr Young expressed the desire that his actions would fullv justify any trust reposed in him. At his request a vote of thanks was accorded the chairman. AT TE MAWHAI. On Wednesday morning Mr J. A. Young addressed a wellattended meeting in the new goods shed at Te Mawhai. Mr Rushbrook presided and introduced the candidate in appreciative terms, referring especially to what he had done for them during the past three years he had been in Parliament. At the conclusion Mr Parlane proposed and Mr Calder seconded a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Young and confidence, which was carried unanimously. AT POKURU. During the afternoon of Wed-

■ nesday Mr Young spoke to the electors at Pokuru. Mr Pearman was voted to preside at the meeting, which was held in the open, and said when introducing the speaker of the day, that Mr Young came before them three years ago as a new band whom they did not know, but who said he would do his best for them, and now all must admit he had done well as their representative in Parliament. He also had voted with the Government, as they have been most progressive, and have introduced the best laws tor the country. (Applause). The audience, which was most appreciative, was very representative of the district, and included a number of ladies. At the conclusion Mr P. Snell proposed and Mr R. Webster seconded a vote of thanks to Mr Young for his able address, and appreciation of his visit to the district, coupled with an expression of confidence in him as theif representative in Parliament, which was carried unanimously. As the meeting broke up three rousing cheers were given for Mr Young.

MR A. SCHOLES AT HAMILTON. , Mr A. Scholes, liberal candidate for Waikato, addressed a very large meeting at the Hamilton Town Hall on Wednesday evening, when he was given an enthusiastic and attentive hearing. The meeting was presided over by Mr A. E. Manning, Mayor of Hamilton. At the conclusion of an interesting address.he was, on the motion of Mr Thomas Hirst, accorded an almost unanimous vote of thanks and confidence amidst much cheering.

Area Value Acres £ 1910-11 .. . 75,437, 123,437 I9H-I2 .. • 91495 254,892 1912-13 ■• • 31,035 61.039 1913-14 •• . 83,619 217,502