THE WAIKATO SEAT

Waikato Times, Volume 91, Issue 14236, 10 December 1919, Page 5

THE WAIKATO SEAT

MR P. H. WATTS AT RUKUHIA.

Mr Percv Watts addressed a meeting in the Rukuhia Public Hall last evening. Mr Mason presided over a large attendance of electors.

Mr Watts, who was favourably received, strongly criticised the administration of the present Government, and generally outlined his policy. Questioned as to his views on the State Bank, Mr Watts said that he was gen'erally in-favour of such an institution, but every care must be exercised to see that if established, the State Bank would remain independent, and that the people were not merely adding another member to the present existing banking ring. The people of this country were undoubtedly suffering to-day from the existence of a banking ring. There was no free competition between banks, and the chance of the present system being .improved.would be lost if the State itself became Interested in the existing ring. At the close of his address a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the candidate, the proposer stating that Mr |Watts' meeting was the largest held in that district. -. > ■:•

MR YOUNG AT CLAUDELANDS

Mr J. A. Young addressed a full house at Claudelands last night. Mr W. C. Sayers presided, and said Mr Young had proved himself by fighting for rich and poor, high and low. After the candidate's address several questions of a general character were answered. In regard to the operations of the shipping and meat trust, he would support any line of action on the part of the State which would ensure that the primary producers were protected and not exploited. The dangers from the meat trust,, he thought, were real, and the time had arrived when the New Zealand Government should confer with the Imperial authorities as lo the best means-to .meet the situation. The institution of our own oversea shipping fleet would, no doubt, help; but he thought that any scheme of control to be effective would need to extend right through to the distribution of our exported meat to the consumer in the United Kingdom. In any case, before deciding that the country should be finally committed to such a policy, he would seek the advice of experts. (Applause.) Mr Mason moved a vote of thanks to Mr Young and confidence in him as their member. He had known Mr Young for 20 years and always found him a man of sterling principles. Major J. B. Whyte seconded, and said he could vouch for the work Mr Young had done for returned soldlerrt. The vote was carried unanimously, and three hearty cheers were lustily given for Mi- Young, ' il-.'S

MR LAFFERTY AT TAMAHERE. Mr C Lafferty addressed a meeting of electors in the Tamahere school last night. Mr Wallace occupied the chair. The candidate proceeded on_ the lines of his address at the King s Theatre. He critcised the Massey Government for seeking office in 1911 under false colours, and throwing in their lot with the extreme Labour Party. In addition the speaker showed the position the farmer was in to-day in regard to the shipping .combines operating against them. He emphasised the fact that there were two important sections which should unite in this election to protect themselves against Hie combines and trusts—the producer and the worker. The speaker was given an attentive hearing, and at the close of his address he was deluged with questions, totalling in all 51, which were answered lo the evident satisfaction of the meeting. A vote of thanks to the speaker was carried unanimously. • To-night at 8 o'clock Mr Lafferty will speak at the Te Rapa school.