ELECTION CAMPAIGN

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15084, 3 November 1922, Page 2

ELECTION CAMPAIGN

WAIKATO SEAT, ; MR J. T. JOHNSON AT CAMBRIDGE. j VOTE OP CONFIDENCE ACCORDED. [■ A fairly large and very attentive I audience listened to Mr J. T. Johnson, ' one of the Reform candidates for the I Waikato seat, who gave an electioneeri rag address at the Cambridge Town ■Hall last night. His Worship the [Mayor, Mr S. Lewis, occupied 'the ■'chair and in introducing Mr Johnson i mentioned that the candidate was. a 'settler of Pirohgia, and was weu I known to the speaker as a man 01 1 wide experience in local government. < ' After explaining the position of me i new electorate and his own decision, I after repealed requests, to stand lor i Waikato in the Reform interests, Mr Johnson said he believed that his past j experience in public life placed him m |a position to correctly gauge the needs I-of and give- service to the electors. | In private lite he claimed to have had U varied and practical experience— I first as a wage-earner, then, as a small f farmer, and latterly as a fairly large dairv farmer. In public, life he had !; served for many years on the Vv aipa County Council, was- first chairman of the Te Awamutu Electric Power Board, was a member of the Waikato Licensing Committee, and was a member of several smaller self-governing I bodies. He had, therefore, gained the t experience necessary, both in public and private life, to enable him to represent the needs of Waikato and tdj serve the Dominion in wider adi ministration. (Applause.)

Aftermath of the War.

There would be no need for him, Mr j Johnson continued, to stress the fact that the difficult times this country I was experiencing to-day- were the di- . frect aftermath of the late war, with ! its inevitable expenditure and inflated I values. The country was in the position of a man whose expenditure had ! been allowed to exceed his income and [who was staggering under the-burden of a heaw mortgage over all his realisable assets. He quoted figures to f show how the national debt and the [country's pledged expenditure had in- . creased by leaps, atfl bounds since {1914. The payments from the Consolidated Fund had increased during the last eight years from £11,825,864, to £28,466,838. The expenditure, therefore, had increased by over 16 millions sterling, or at the rate of over two millions per year. Was it any wonder,- when expenditure had in- .. creased to such an alarming rate, that lour national debt to-day exceeded f £210,000,000. This had meant a big ; increase in taxation, and taxation re- • l ceipts, which stood in 1914 at £5,580,[Bll, had risen in 1921 to £22,184,414, -although it was satisfactory to note i that the year just closed showed a I reduction to £16,364,902. The review ! showed that the taxation paid by the - I people during the last eight years had ■! increased by over 300 per cent. This ..! state of high-taxation had obviously i the effect of a strangle-hold upon the 1 country, felt by all sections of the community, and we were experienci ing the truth of what all political eco- . nomists told us—that no country could Tprosper if It was over-taxed. I Cheaper Money and Production. i That being the position of New Zealand, said the-speaker, the question I arose for solution: How were we to I emerge successfully from our present \ position and get back to the state when j W e would once again' be living within 1 our income and at the same time liquidate some of our obligations? It was . fonly by response to-the advice, "Get (f*i back to increased production," that '- ! this could be done. Everything which

': would tend to increase production and jso increase revenue would have a -* I beneficial effect upon the whole comimunity. The only way to get response Yt was to work along lines upon which'* Sthe expenditure of capital and energy '{would be made worth while. In the | forefront of the measures that would Imake this possible was cheaper and ;more accessible finance, to stimulate fboth our primary and secondary in'dustries. In the pre-war period money 'was available on normal securities - * 'from 4$ per cent, and bank rates norImally at 6 per cent, whereas to-duy Cit was only available at from 6 to 10 iper cent, according to the nature of isecurlties, and these rates, coupled Hvith the huge increase in land values, improved restrictive in a degree. It was ia step in the right direction for Mr JMassey to be making £2,000,000 available for the State Advances Office to [loan to farmers and others, though he was disappointed to see when the Bill Reached him that this money was to be let out at 6£ per cent. They |ed-more money available at a low in-* iterest rate for primary industries and secondary industries as well. The speaker then dealt with other means of stimulating production, such, for Instance, as improved farm management, increased care in selection and breeding of high-class stock, and increased subdivision of land, which incidentally meant closer settlement, and so neormously increased wealth. By these means, even if they never added 'another acre to the settled lands of the Icountry, production could, be ■■ very jeasily doubled, and it was for the Government, in c6njunction with the 'settlers, to use every means to attain [that end. There was no reason why [the standard of production in this ifavoured land should not be equal to toe standard in the more unsuitable iclimate of Denmark. This would [vastly increase the national wealth of New Zealand. \ , Land Settlement and Returned Soldiers. Coming to questions of land settleWent, Mr Johnson said he was pleased 'to observe that this was one of the imain planks of the Reform policy. New Zealand had need to revive its old land 'settlement policy, which had been allowed to lag during the war and postiwar years. Not only must we work !for closer settlement and improved Wthods of farming, but we should encourage settlement to occupy some of the huge areas of Crown and native .lands at present unoccupied and unproductive. We had ! to face the 'problem of the soldiers who had been settled on the land, and who to-day in many cases were handicapped by a iiurden under which they must inevitably falter and fail. Whatever Government came into office nest year [would have to face this question. He 'reviewed the position and the outlook jto-day, and compared It with the prospect at the time When these purchases [were made and deprecated a good V~— pf the criticism that the Governiment had been subjected to. Neverltheles3, he was convinced that a re- *? valuation was required in many cases, laud that the State must be. prepared Ito write off necessary reductions just las a business would when it incurred j 8 loss. This would be in the interests Jof the State itself, the soldiers, and I the community. Rural Settlement Wanted.

day was to stop the drift of population to the cities and to get.increased numbers to follow agricultural pursuits; but, after all, it all resolved itself into the question, Could country life be made attractive enough? Every possible consideration had to be given to the betterment of country living conditions. (Applause.) The need for belter roading facilities was very strongly stressed by the speaker along the lines of Mr Massey's policy, as also was the need for postal, telephonic, educational, and medical facilities for the back-country settlers. By seeking these things they would encourage settlement, which as it increased in density would make possible the procuration of many other conveniences and social necessities not available to a widely-scattered community. (Applause.) Greater Industrial Activity. Dealing with the secondary industries, the speaker claimed that our national wealth could be very much increased by fostering the expansion of secondary industries. For example, New Zealand mills turned out the finest rugs and blankets in the world, and there was not the least reason why the whole of the country's exportable wool should not be manufactured within the Dominion. There was also the manufacture of leather goods from the country's hides and pelts which should be engaging a large industrial population here instead of at the other side of the world. In countless directions there was vast scope for expansion of trade within New Zealand, and the Government must cooperate with . private enterprise in gradually developing industries which would give the Dominion greater economic independence. (Applause.) In the war period, had this-country had an industrial as well as an agricultural community, the acute shortages would in a measure have been avoided. They should, therefore, over a course of years work on such lines as would attract capital for the expansion of industries, and he advocated also a well-planned system of immigration, which as the need arose would bring in skilled workers to make this expansion of the country's internal trade possible. Ultimately New Zealand would be a great maritime country, just as the Motherland was. (Applause.) Trade and Shipping. We had to encourage trade within the Empire as a business proposition—first, to assure more regularity in shipping as a result of an increased exchange in trade. Our imports from America were very considerable, but our exports to that country were not so extensive. On the other hand, Great Britain was a solid purchaser of New Zealand produce. If the purchases we made in the United States were diverted to Great Britain it would mean assured inward , and outward cargoes for British ships, and this in turn would give greater regularity in shipping to take our produce to the markets. (Applause.) Moreover, there was every reason why the wealth produced by the British Empire should be kept within that Empire, for when it came to the final analysis the Empire as a whole had a common destiny; the Motherland and her Dominions must stand or fall together. (Applause.) In relation to shipping, they had at all times to give increased attention to the handling of the produce as well as a revision in the freight and handling charges. Publio Works.

The country would particularly welcome the announcement made by the Prime Minister in his manifesto to the ; people that a vigorous public works policy was to be restored. When Mr Coates had brought down-his statement during the last session of Parliament particular 'stress had been given to the need for concentration of works, and that could havebeen construed to mean that only immediately directly profitable works were to be inaugurated. Now, though it was true that they did not want a return of the old conditions under which political ends were the factors in determining the works programme of the country they/ nevertheless, needed_ a steady prosecution of the undertakings that would tap fertile districts and pave the way for increasing settlement generally. The Prime Minister saw the necessity to push on with works of this nature, and had given a definite pledge that the present Government would prosecute public works in the ' order of roads first, railways second, and hydro-electricity third. That was a good and a sound policy, and the speaker said he would support it whether in or out of .--Parliar ment. (Applause.) Child Welfare and Education. '' Mr Johnson referred to child welfare and education as two questions of paramount importance to New Zealand, because in the hands of the children of to-day rested the destiny of the country to-morrow. The building up of a body of young men and women fully equipped physically, mentally, and morally was an enterprise in which the country could not spend too much in supervision, instruction, and thought. (Applause.) The speaker eulogised the good work done bv the Health Department and Dr. Truby King and his staff and by such institutions as the St. Helens maternity homes and the : ,.Plunket nurse system. (Applause.) Population was needed in New Zealand, and in this connection a policy of immigration was being fostered by the Government, but the very best and most desirable immigrant was the native-born New Zealander, who came into the country equpiped with a sound mind and a sound body. (Applause.) Turning to education, Mr Johnson referred to the attention being given to education and its cost. National expenditure in 1912 was £53,000 for school buildings or the building of new schools, but in 1922 the figure had risen to £328,000. The total cost of education went from £1,294,000 in 1912 to £3,573,000 in 1922. In some quarters it w'as held that this expenditure was too high for a young country, but he (the speaker) did not lake that view. Though it might, be in some minor respects that the money was not spent judiciously, they had ever to remember that education was the foundation of efficiency, and efficiency was the basis of production and wealth in the future. (Applause.) Stabilisation of Industry. Still another problem dealt with by the candidate was the stabilisation of industry to bzihg about a better understanding between Capital and Labour, without which no county could truly thrive. There must be a full and frank recognition of the rights of Labuur in industry, but this must also be reciprocated on the pa,t-t of Labour of its responsibility to industry and to its management. It did not seem too much to ask that labour, which engaged in the great'key industries of this country,, and upon which the whole community depended for its welfare, should have some consultative part in the conditions and the management. We could not give too much consideration to any measure which would make for the standard of comfort and happiness as applied to tKo fanlU-ir- 'sAcia.L *J3ri industrial lite

of the mass of our people. New Zealand was a young country untrammelled bv many of the traditions and customs of the Old World, and surely there was sufficient constructive genius in the country to build up'a State resting upon the foundation of equality of opportunity to all and steady progress toward humanitarian betterment along the lines of evolution as opposed to revolution. (Applause.) Supporter of the Government. In conclusion, Mr Johnson said he had endeavoured to enumerate some of the problems calling for immediate attention and solution. History had been repeating itself during the lastfew years, and just as the great struggle between Europe and Napoleon, in which old Britain played such an important part, left even the victors staggering, shattered and depressed, confronted by problems which seemed insurmountable, yet the statesmen of that day eventually won out and entered upon an era of prosperity and of social and industrial development unequalled by any other period in British history. Among the leaders of our political life to-day the outstanding personality was the present Prime Minister (Mr Massey), who, the speaker said, he would support in any political emergency. (Applause.) He had faith in the British Empire and confidence in this young country, which, under the stimulus of wise leadership and sane government, would rapidly recuperate, and very soon for us the clouds of adversity would again disperse, the sun again shine on a prosperous land occupied .by a prosperous people. Sports League Questions.

Mr Johnson said that the New Zealand Sports Protection League had written to all candidates asking for a definite reply to two questions. He explained at the outset that personally he did not patronise the sport of horse-racing. It was a matter of conscience, and though he did not follow the sport he did not condemn the man who held different views. (Applause.) The first question was: "Will you maintain the rights of the people to the full enjoyment of all legitimate sports and oppose any curtailment of the statutory privileges connected therewith?" To this Mr Johnson.said "Yes."

The second question read: "Will you pledge yourself not to oppose a reasonable increase of totalisator licenses or such other reforms as may be agreed upon between the racing and trotting executives and the Prime Minister?" — : Mr Johnson said it was largely a matter of interpretation of what was meant by "a reasonable increase." As a candidate he would not say yes to any question that was not clearly expressed. He was no.t pre-/ pared to support this second question until he knew clearly What was intended by it. I The address was punctuated with' frequent applause, and at the conclusion a hearty vote of thanks and confidence was accorded the speaker amid applause, on the motion of Mr Robert Fisher, seconded by Mr Gascoigne....-.,'.., RAGLAN ELECTORATE. MEETING AT NGARUAWAHIA. A most enthusiastic meeting of Liberal residents was held in Ngaruawahia on Monday night,, for the purpose of selecting a candidate to contest the seat for the Raglan Electorate at the forthcoming election in the Liberal interest. Mr Albert Watts occupied the chair, and said the people of New Zealand were ready for a change in politics, The history of the broken pledges was constantly before them, taxation was high, and the cost of living still "up in the clouds." Mr M. Jones said the Liberals were still solid in Raglan. All that was required was a good man to light for the seat. Mr Diver (Horotiu) said he had seen Mr Wilford, who ,had left the selection of the candidate to the people,, and he felt assured that a progressive farmer, with the true Liberal interests at heart would Win the seat. Mr Geo: Hall .(Horotiu) remarked that the Liberal feeling in Horotiu was strong 1 , and he felt sure that Mr S. Lye, whom he knew to be an expert dairy farmer and- a vigorous fighter, would be the ideal man to contest the seat. Mr Watts intimated that Mr Lye had been invited to the-meeting and would be available at any moment . He would propose that Mr Samuel Lye be asked to allow himself to be nominated., This was seconded by Mr J. Lynch, and carried with applause. Mr Watts then left the meeting and brought Mr Lye before the committee, which formally asked him to consent to nomination. On Mr Lye rising to speak the applause was spontaneous. In his opening remarks he said he felt very highly honoured .at being asked to offer his services as a candidate for the Raglan seat. It. rather came as a surprise, as his efforts had been for the good of the electorate and the Dominion as a whole. He realised that it would be a big battle, and if he consented he would fight it as a Briton and a gentleman.. He asked for a few minutes for consideration. On returning to the meeting, Mr Lye was told that he had been unanimously selected and was urged to consent. - ' In reply, Mr Lye remarked that the enthusiasm that had been displayed and the kindly sentiments expressed made refusal impossible. (Applause.) All present immediately formed themselves into a committee. MR SAMUEL LYE. Mr S. Lye, who has accepted the nomination in the Liberal interest for the Raglan seat, is a well-known farmer and pedigree stock breeder at Newstead. He has always taken a prominent part in local politics and in all things pertaining to the welfare of : the farmer. He is a member of the Tamahere Road Board and delegate \ from Matangi on the Waikato Sub- : provincial District of the N.Z. Farmers' j Union, a member of the advisory board and Farmers' Union representative on the Waikato Calf Club. He is also a member of the Newstead School Committee, and has been described as the "live wife" of his district. KIR H. G. ELL'S POLITICS. AN INDEPENDENT ATTITUDE. (By Telegraph.—Press Association) ' , CHRI3TCHURCH, Wednesday. Mr v H. G. Ell, Independent Liberal candidate for Christ<Jhiu;ch South, ad-' dressed a small meeting of electors. He asked the audience to elect a chairman, but no action was taken. He said he disagreed with the political views of extreme Labour, and if Mr Holland got into power he would vote him out. II depended on what the Liberal Party's policy was as to whether* he would vote to turn Mr Massey out. There wer e some planks irt the Liberal Party's policy he did not agree with. * Xla was frP-artrdaW A vote At tfaflriVc,

COUNTRY PARTY WITHDRAWS. The Country political party promoted by the Farmers' Union in the Auckland district will not nominate any candidates for the forthcoming general election. This decision was announced yesterday by the official leader of the party, Mr A. A. Ross. Tlie attitude of the party in rclaUon to the political situation was outlined in a lengthy statement in which it is claimed that the attitude taken up resulted in the benefit of farmers. The statement concludes: —"Altogether we are satisfied that by the independent stand we have taken in our incursion into the political field we have materially assisted in doing some good work, and fully justified our action and shown the value of an independent Country Party. Many farmers are inclined to repose blind faith in the Reform Party, quite oblivious to lh e fact that there are within that party 'certain interests quite opposed to theirs who have every advantage in getting their views adopted, and only by independent action can the interests of the primary producers be safeguarded when any conflict arises. We now make the definite announcement that we will have no candidates in the field at the present election. This does not mean that we are disbanded. We intend to keep ready for the fray, and we will be heard of again, and making our influences felt when occasion requires."