PATEA ELECTORATE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 279, 25 November 1931, Page 8

PATEA ELECTORATE

LABOUR CAMPAIGN MB. W. G. SIMPSON’S PLATFORM (From our Own Correspondent) PATEA, Nov. 24. With the advent last Friday of a Labour candidate for the Patea electorate, interest in the election has increased tenfold. This was made obvious at the first political meeting held in Patea last night, when Mr. . G. Simpson (Labour) made his opening address in the campaign. The Town Hall was filled with a: attentive crowd of over 250, there being many ladies present. The Mayor (Mr. F. Rainsbottom) presided, and called upon the audience to give an impartial hearing, which he saw was carried out. Mr. Simpson, who has a very pleasant platform manner, and an accent that straightway endeared him to those of the Land of the Thistle, was no. stranger to the election platform, as' was evidenced in the manner with which he proceeded to outline the Labour Party’s policy, and more particularly his platform policy. Several interjections were made from time to time, while a voice from the front row kept those about him in continual subdued laughter, which at- times spread to the whole hall. Mr. Simpson found this would-be speaker on the floor very trying to speak against, the unknown “bushie” passing remarks first in favour of one party and then the other. Commencing with the statement that his ambition was the ambition of the Labour Party, Mr. Simpson outlined the policy of his party. He stated that while thousands in other countries had the necessities of life, the Labour Party were appealing for them for the New Zealander. They wanted bread, security and -work. He continued with an outline of the three years leading up to the present coalition of the Reform and United Parties, quoting from many a manifesto issued by both during the election of 1928. Mr. Coates had sent out a circular in which he explained the Reform Party’s policy in regard to fusion. Mr. Simpson stated that Mr. Coates had waived the principle of doing away with the people’s vote, and seemed more concerned with the estabment of the precedent of prolonging the life of a Parliament fusion. He had seemed frightened of Socialism coming into power, and yet everyone fostered socialistic tendencies, whether consciously or unconsciously. Mr. Simpson congratulated Patea people on owning and running an electric lighting system on socialistic lines. They were endorsing Socialism by sitting under that light. If they did not endorse it, they would have smashed those lights. Everyone was a Socialist at heart.

Mr. Simpson attacked the Hon. R. Masters on the expression of an opinion on the coalition of the parties. The speaker could not understand why the Hon. Masters was allowed to express an opinion, when he had stated that he had not the time to contest his seat at the last election, but several months later had seen him in the Upper House, then the Legislative Council, and lastly the Cabinet. After continuing on the same lines, pointing out the weak points in the Coalition Party’s policies, Mr. Simpson was called upon by a voice from the hall to give the remedy for the troubles that had evidently arisen from these policies. Mr. Simpson, went on to speak of unemployment probles-is, commencing with the first “cut” in wages. He stated that when the drop in the prices of primary products fell, and the farmer was thus restricted in his spending power, the Government could see only one remedy, a wage cut. Consequently the spending power of the worker was reduced, followed by a fall off in business, both retail and wholesale, which reacted back on the farmer and producer. This was followed very quickly by unemployment, and the institution of the £1 and 3d in the £ taxes. Today, with over fifty thousand out of work, and in contrast t&e undeveloped and also amassed wealth, the country presented a negative aspect. Mr. Simpson also stated that with the Coalition Government in power, there was considerable danger of the Arbitration Court being wiped out —the Court that had been erected at great pains for the protection of the workers. The speaker continued with examples of the restrictions placed on the wage-earner by the unemployment tax and the “cut.” He stated that there was something obviously wrong in the country. A start should be made at the other end, and the vicious circle tapped where there was least danger to the economic structure of the country. He pointed out that the Labour Party stood for the compulsory reduction of interest, giving to the farmer more purchasing power, which would start all the supply and demand again. If continued, the present system of more “cuts” and more taxes would bring the country down to a coolie standard of living. Mr. Simpson then went on to give

statistics in regard to the tremendous increase over the last few years in amassed wealth in the banks and in private wealth. Ho also touched on the matter of employment of women who were paying the unemployment tax and deriving no benefit therefrom. When Mr. Simpson spoke on the matter of funds spent on the Ministerial residences in Wellington, a general laugh went up at a voice from the front row stating: “I reckon they should be prohibited.” Mr. Simpson then went on to speak of his opponent, Mr. Dickie, the sitting member. He pointed out the votes given on division lists by Mr. Dickie on the question of unemployment. Ho concluded with the statement that “Mr Dickie was the toriest of the Tories.” The next question the speaker took was that of education, stating that improved teaching facilities hatl been attained an an increased cost of 8 per cent., while the school population had increased 32 per cent. In the increased need for an educated community at present, there should be no reduction in the education vote. The Labour Party stood for free compulsory education from primary to university standard. With so much wealth in the country, and yet so great the unemployment, Mr. Simpson stated that there was a direct need for a scientific measure for banking and currency afcd international trading. A board of economists should be set up to supply a solution on these questions, based on commonsense. After touching on questions appertaining to wheat duties, insurance, and land settlement, Mr. Simpson answered questions from the audience on Empire trade, unemployment in Australia, trade agreements, and the abolition of the Upper House.

In reply to a question Mr. Simpson stated that he did not enjoy the support of the Labour Party’s Patea representative committee.

Mr. J. Haworth moved a vote of thanks and confidence in Mr. Simpson, which was seconded and carried with acclamation. A vote of thanks was accorded the Mayor for presiding. Mr. Simpson will return to Patea before the close of the election campaign.

CANDIDATES’ MEETINGS PROGRAMME FOR TO-NIGHT With tho election campaign in full swing, candidates aro facing heavy work in meeting tho electors at tho various centres in their respective constituencies. r, he. meetings arranged for to-night in the Wanganui and adjacent electorates are as follow: Mr W. A. Veitch, Coalition candidate for Wanganui, will speak at the Tea Kiosk, Castlecliff. Mr W. J. Rogers, who is contesting the Wanganui seat in the Labour interests, is to appear at the Aramoho Boat Club’s shed. Mr Alex. Stuart, Coalition candidate in Rangitikei, is to address the electors at the Upper Wangaehu School. His meeting at Rangiwaca tomorrow night is timed for six o’clock, and not eight, as appeared in yesterday’s advertisement. Mr J. T. Hogan, Independent, Rangitikei, speaks on Durie Hill at seven o’clock, and at Okoia at 8.15 p.m. Mr 11. G. Dickie, who is standing for the Coalition Party in Patea, is to address the electo at Patea. Mr W. G. Simpson, Labour candidate in Patea, is to appear at Maxwell, at 1.30 p.m., and at Mosston at 8 p.m.