MR. VEITCH'S APPEAL.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXIV, Issue 17733, 5 December 1919, Page 5

MR. VEITCH'S APPEAL.

ADDRESS AT OPERA HOUSE

| A political address was given r.t |the Opera House last night by Mr W. A. Veitch, M.P. The Mayor presided over a fairly large gathering. Mr Veitch spoke for about an hour on the lines of his previous addresses and received a patient hearing. He dealt fully with the land question, repatriation of soldiers and appealed for national unity. He claimed that the most important questions were housing and preventing profiteering. At the close of his address Mr Veitch said in 1911 the people took him on trust. He ha.d done his best to justify the confidence reposed in him and a renewal of that confidence would v be surer in the hands of a man with political experience. He claimed it was the duty of his political opponents to show where he had failed. He appealed to the electors "to stick to the old fellow just a ltttle longer" and they could rely on him to continue to play the game.

Mr Veitch answered a number of questions, one being as follows: — "An attempt is being made to discredit you by bringing up the New Plymouth incident. Will you give us your assurance that the 'Herald's' version of what took place on that occasion is the true one?"

Mr Veitch replied that it was an election for selecting members of Parliament, not to discover who was the biggest liar in Wanganui. He told the truth in 1911 and he did not see it was necessary to go further into the question. As a matter of fact, his opponent was going to make some disclosures that there was something wrong in 1911. If he held something up his sleeve he should take the people into his confidence. He should have said in 1911 that something was wrong or forever held his peace.

Replying to another question, Mr Veitch said he had not promised to support Ward. He hoped to see a number of moderate Labour men returned. If they could make reasonable arrangements with the Liberal Party they would get behind that party and keep them in power. He would use his influence to preserve the balance of power to prevent disloyal men getting the balance of power. He could not render better service than that.

"Do you think prohibition would be in the best interests of the Do-minion?-was the following question.

Mr Veitch: It is not a fair question to ask. I will record my vote the same as an ordinary citizen. In answer to following questions he disfavoured licensing polls every nine years, and if no issue was carried this time he was prepared to give more consideration to clubs than "pubs."

Mr Cuttle asked: You have stated on two platforms that the Reform Party and I are in league with the official Labour Party. Can you prove that statement?

Mr Veitch: I have.not mentioned Mr Cuttle's name, nor have I interrupted his meetings.

Mr Cuttle: I am not interrupting your meeting, but questions are invited and I have the same right as anybody else to ask you a question. (Hear, hear.)

Mr Veitch admitted Mr Cuttle was not in collusion with anybody, but he claimed the Reform paper had taken Mr Cuttle by the hand and was trying to secure an unholy alliance with the Labour Party.

Mr T. B. Williams irioved a vote of thanks, which was seconded from the gallery.

Mr George Durham, who is visiting Wanganui to speak in support of the Liquor Trade, spoke in. support of the motion, and paid a warm tribute to Mr Veitch. He said Wanganui should be proud to have a unique politician with the courage of his convictions.

The vote of thanks was carried amid applause.