MR M. J. MILLER'S CANDIDATURE.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14842, 6 December 1913, Page 15

MR M. J. MILLER'S CANDIDATURE.

Mr M. J. Miller, the Government candidate, held some successful meetings on the Peninsula on Thursday and yesterday. At 11 a.m. on Thursday, Mr Miller addressed a meeting in the schoolroom at Port Levy, Mr R. Fleming presiding over a good attendance. " A unanimous vote of thanks was accorded him. In the afternoon he visited Puran, Charteris Bay, Teddington, and Alleudale, and met supporters. Mr Miller addressed a well-attended meeting at Governor's Bay yesterday afternoon, when Mr W. Cowlin, one of the oldest residents, presided. Tho candidate received a very attentive hearing, and at the conclusion of his address answered a number* of questions. Ho stated that he was in favour of the Bible-in-Schools movement and tho free education system. Mr Miller was accorded, a hearty vote of thanks, and those prese_t joined in singing, "For he's a jolly good fellow." Last night, at 7 o'clock, Mr Miller addressed a largely-attended meeting at Heathcote, Mr McDouell; jun., presiding. He was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his address, only ono or two persons voting for an amendment that the meeting had no confidence in him. MR MILLER AT REDCLIFFS. Mr Miller addressed an open-air meeting at Redcliffs last night. He was accorded an attentive hearing. Conservatism, as some of them understood it, he said, had practically disappeared from tho politics of New Zealand. If it had not been for the extreme tactlessness of those in charge of tho Federation of Labour, the whole matter relating to the strike would have been settled in a few days Mr Miller denied that he had stated ho was a He was not m favour ot placing a tax on land and letting everything elso go free. Mr Miller referred with gratification to the possibility of tho Government introducing a Bill next session reducing the majority required to carry national prohibition from bU to 55 per cent. . ..., In rer>ly to a question, Mr Miller said tha"t if he folt it was for the general benefit of the Dominion he would support legislation Brought forward by the Opposition. ~ "What do you think Massey would do to you?" enquired the questioner. "That would not concern mc in tne slightest." replied Mr Miller. '•No I am not in favour of the canal " replied tho candidate to another question. - ''There is time to con; rider it in about fifty years from now, he Mr d A-iler.was accorded a unanimous vote of thanks for his address. DR. THACKER AT WEST LYTTELTON. Dr Thacker addressed a meeting last night in St.. Saviour's Schoolroom, West Lyttelton. Thero was.an attendance of about 150 persons including, a fair proportion -of. Mr Gr.OSmith presided..The candidate in his -address planks of his platform as outlined !-* £m *t Wj «ton Dr. Thacker asserted that he had a hold on Lyttelton as ever he had: But that hejvas up against-' one •of the strongest opponents in New Zealand, the late Mr <*. Laurenson, five .years, ago, he would have headed-the poll then. In the present contest, if Mr McCombs were first, he would be.second. and if Mr M. J. Miller wero on top, he, would still be second, (Laughter.) He thought that tho Government had done well ur importing a new man from -England to manaee" ; the -New Zealand., railways. Mr Hiley, the hew, general manager, could be; relied upon to bring railway :• matters up to date, and there was plenty of room for improvement .in Lyttelton. ' _-.' . - ' The candidate said he was m favour of military training, but in the of those who had conscientious objections, and for whom no equivalent service could be found, he thought that such a man, if earning, cay, a minimum wage of £2 10s, should pay the 'sum of £5 in lieu of the two weeks' training. •; . • '*.■■ The meeting was good-humoured throughout, and after answering a number of questions, the.candidate was accorded a vote of thanks.