SIR JOSEPH WARD AT HASTINGS.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14972, 20 May 1914, Page 10

SIR JOSEPH WARD AT HASTINGS.

(press association- telegram.)

HASTINGS, May 19

Sir Joseph Ward addressed an audience of between 800 and 900 electors «.t the Princess Theatre hen. this evening. The heavy rain experienced during the last throe or four days still continued, but, notwithstanding this, every seat in tho theatre was occupied, and standing room had to be refused to late-comers. Sir Joseph and Lady Ward were accorded a great reception on their arrival, and the applause was renewed when Sir Joseph rose to speak. Although suffering from a cold, he spoke strongly for two hours. There were no interjections, and the applause which punctuated his address showed that ho had the meeting with him. Hβ spoke mainly on the lines of his open-air meeting at Christchurch on May 4th, and broke very little fresh ground.

Speaking concerning the Prime Minster's statement that when tho RofonnGovernment came into power they found the Treasury chests depleted,' Sir Jo?cph stated that Mr Massey did not tell the peoplo the real truth as to tho cause of the tightness of money that he experienced after he attained office. He did not tell them that the scarcity of money was due to the fact that the deposits in the Post Office Savings Bank had fallen very considerably during thefirst year ol their term of of&ce. Sir Joseph repeated his previous remarks regarding the naval policy of New Zea-i-jii'd, and added that he would use every- means in his power between now and'the election to induce people to protest against a local navy being established. Dealing with the advances to workers and cheap money, he stated that ho had received letters from all parts of the country tolling him of the difficulties facing borrowers in obtaining loans, and complaining of the high rate of interest asked. Since he had coino to Hawko's Bay, ho had received two such letters from persons who paid 8 per cent, and procuration foes of 1-J per cent. ' Referring to the watersidcrs strike, he said he believed in every man and woman having tho right to strike, though ho did not consider the strike the best method of obtaining what they considered themselves entitled to. He repeated the assertion that the strike could have been settled in two days. Thero were two Acts on tho Statute Book which could have been put into operation and prevented the strike from j spreading. He did not believe in syndicalism, and prior to last election he had told candidates standing in the interests of the party now known as tho Red Feds, that ho could not subscribe to their policy, and the result ■was that at the second ballot they voted for the Reform candidates. Referring to the Hawke's Bay seat, Sir Joseph Ward said during tho last few" weeks, meetings had been held with a view to crystallising tho opinion of the electors in the matter of tho selection of a Liberal candidate. Delegates from all parts of Hawko's Bay had assembled that day, and had unanimously selected Dr. McNah—(loud cheers) —who they considered had the best chance,of winning the seat. Concessions had been made by tho other aspirants for selection, who were entitled to consideration, and who, by standing aside,* had set a worthy examplo to other electorates. They had displayed a fine spirit, which would help the Liberal cause. , ' The following resolution was carried unanimously, rfnd with loud cheers :-r— "That this meeting conveys a hearty vote of thanks to Sir Joseph Ward for his address, expresses confidence in his Party, and congratulates him on his ahle leadership, and pledges itself to support the selected candidate at, the comaig election."