ON THE PLATFORM.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1285, 14 November 1911, Page 6

ON THE PLATFORM.

WELLINGTON SUBURBS. ME. W. H. D. BELL AT NEWLANDS AND PAPAIUNGI. Mr. W. 11. D. Bell, tho Opposition candidate for Wellington Suburbs, addressed a well-attended mooting at the Schoolroom, Ncvlnnds, last night, Mr. F. Fuller being in the chair. Mr. Bell pointed out the fallacy of applying tho term "Conservative" to the Reform party—a party which ho said stood for true liberal principles and was more Liberal than the present Administration The candidate then went on to criticise the Administration of tho last twenty years, and explained the points of the .Reform party's constructive policy for the remedy. of the abuses which had crept in, and for tho more efficient, more economical, and moro honest conduct of tho country's affairs. The Legislative Council should be on nn elective basis, and should not be composed of tho nominees of the party in power. The candidate answered several questions, chiefly directed to the system of sharing profits, which he had suggested as a possible solution of the labour problem. At the conclusion of his address tho candidate was accorded a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence, on the motion of Mr. H. W. Lawrence, seconded by Mr. Atkins.

ME. LTJKE AT MAKARA. J[ r . J. P. Luke, M.P., addressed a meeting of Suburbs ©lectors at the Makara Hall last evening. Mr. F. Hawkins was chairman. Mr. Luke said that ono of tho great problems that was pressing upon the peoplo of the civilised world was that of devising some method of promoting uniform employment of tho people. The problem was ono that tho Imperial Parliament was bow grappling with, and durin" the life of the now Parliament of tins Dominion similar work must engage its serious attention. Means would have, to Ik> found of removin;; the great strain which kept large numbers of willing workers always on the poverty line owing to insecurity of employment. Ouportiuuties

presouted themselves to the people of lliis Dominion of building up a strong, progressive national lift'. 'I hero must tie a mutual understanding and enlhusin.sni hi advancing tho common interests of primary and secondary industries. Mr. Luko explained several oi tho principal Acts passed llwt Mission, and declared thai: the work, of llio incoming Parliament was to lm in the direction of building up a national lifo lull of privilege for tie young, of opportunity for llioso.in llio lighting line, and of comfort and happiness for old people in t lie evening of llieir days. On the motion of Mr. lr. Monk, .Mr. I'. I lea ley seconding, Mr. J.uke was unanimously accorded it vole ot I hanks and confidence. Mlf. MOOBE AT PLIMMEHTON. Mr. F. T. Moore, Laliour candidate for the Suburbs seat, addressed oleclors at. Pliuunerton last nighl. Mr. Jiolmtimiii occupied the chair. The candidate said that So regarded t.lio strong vole accorded him iu tho recent M.aknra, Comity eleetion as evidence of the support which he would receive in llio coming Parliamentary contest from t.lie country part of the electorate. lie went, on to say that tho farmer, whoso staple products wcro wool and moat, was in for a bad time this season, as wool buyers were only offering Gd. per Hi. for medium crossbred?. His chief aim in desiring a. seat in Parliament was to slop tho operations of middlemen'. The wool grown in the Suburbs constituency was honestly worth double tho money which buyers were now ottering, and lie was perfectly confident that ho had the requisite knowledge and ability to introduce in Parliament measures for the sale and distribution of wool and other products that would double tho return now obtainablo by farmers. It was folly on the part of the Legislature to neglect making provisions as would assure a solid return for tho country's staple products, and it was his determination to pioneer the way for reform in this direction. The Land for Settlements Act and the Advances to Settlers Act were incomplete without tho aid of a Farm Products I'ealisation Act. Ho would introduce such a measure in Parliament if the electors would give hiin the opportunity to do so. A vote of thanks and confidence was carried unanimously on the motion ot' Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Johns.

WELLINGTON SOUTH. MR, BARBER AT BROOKLYN. Mr. W. ]1. P. Barber, Government candidate for the Wellington South seat, addressed a meeting of over one hundred electors in Fuilford's IlaU, Brooklyn, last evening. Mr. G. Frost presided. Mr. Barber said that although a Libowl and a supporter of progressive legislation ho stood for principles rather thai) for party and reserved the right to vote for a reconstruction of the Ministry or for a new pa ty. Under a Liberal Administration. New Zealand had progressed well in every way. The Opposition wero a party of stagnation. Mr. Barber eulogised the manner in which the Government had promoted land settlement und had assisted settlers. He also commended the humanitarian and other legislation of tho Government. He claimed thai during its period in office tho Liberal party had done much to imarovo the lot of all classcs in New Zealand. Tho Opposition had no attractive alternative to offer.. Their proposal to sell the lands of tho State would involvo giving away millions of national assets. Mr. Barber supported tho hydro-electric proposals of tho Government. Tho development of tho iron and oil indnstries by the Government, he said, would bo of very great advantage to this country and would add considerably to its prosperity. Unfortunately tho living was high, but this was not due 'to any increase in tho Customs tariff. Oil tho contrary liberal remissions had been granted.' flo was in favour of admitting all foodstuffs free and considered that the graduated land tax should bo increased. Defence training should commenco with tho State school cadets who numbered 30,000 and wero increased by JO,OOO every year. If these boys kept in touch with their cadet corps until they attained tho age of 21 yrars all tho requirements of a practical defence scheme would bo met. Jfr. Barber said be favoured reducing the throe-fifths majority at pk-sent required to carry No-License, to 55 per cent. A vote of thanks to, and confidenco in, Mr. Barber was moved by Mr. O'Brien, seconded by Mr. Short and declared carried umnimousiy. DR. COUJj.BNS'S CANDIDATURE. Dr. Conzens met a number of his friends at his committee rooms last evening, when a strong and enthusiastic committee was formed to assist him in his campaign. WELLINGTON EAST.

JfR. BOLTON AT KILBIRNIE. Mr. F. Or. Bolton, who is standing as the Government candidato for Wellington East; addressed the electors at O'Donnell's Hall, Kilbirnic, last night, about 150 being present. The candidate outlined his proposals to raluco the cost of rents ami necessaries of life by taking the duties off all primary products, aud also i timber from abroad. Another candidate (Mr. M'Laren) had said at Eataitai that he (the speaker) appeared to think "that lie had a monopoly in the question of raits and prices, as he warned everybody off from discussing it .except himself. This was perfectly ridiculous, as the workers in thousands were discussing it before Mr. Bolton came on the scene." Mr. Bolton said that he claimed ■ no monopoly on the question, and was quite aware that the subject was one of vital interest to everyone, but that for this very reason he had outlined a constructive policy, and if his friend Jtr. Jl'Laren could show a oetter policy he was welcome to do so. Also, be .desired to know if that gentleman hid. during his three years' occupancy of a seat in Parliament, introduced any Bill or resolution bearing on this vital -jiiestion. He had no desire to indulge in •personalities, and would not have ailu-led to the matter had not a. personal refercnco been made to himself. Ho described himself as a leaseholder, and against parting with the freehold of any mere Crown lands, and incidentally _ asked where Jlr. M'Laren was when ill" important question of land policy was before the House io the s'.upc cA Jlr Massey's resolution to part with the freehold. Although "2 members out of 80 had votpd on that occasion the name of the sitting niembei foi JVell:ngto\ East did not appear, either as voting or pairing on tho question. He considered the Opposition quite impossible, as their policy consisted of three things: (1) To get into office at ail hazards. (2) For that purpose to present the Crown tenants with the difference between the present and the original value "f the freehold of the lands' occupied by them, which was a gigantic bribe at the expense of the public of New Zealand. (3) To sell all the remaining Crown hinds of the Stale. Ho favoured an increase in the graduated - land tax, with 'he object of breaking up the big .'states, ,-r.d thought this would be preferable the community paying tho pr?sent. > igh prices to the largo landowners. Ho declared ' himself in favour of free, secular, mid compulsory education, and against Bible-reading in schcols. A vote of thanks and confidence was carried, imidst applause.

WELLINGTON CENTRAL. MR. W. T. YOUNG'S CANDIDATURE. A largely-attended committee meeting to forward the interests of Mr. W. T. Young, Labour candidate for Wellington Central, was held at the Trades Hall last night. Progress reports indicated that tho candidate was being favourably received, and it was arranged that the nest meeting at which the candidate will address tho electors should be held at tho Tory Street Mission Hall on Wednesday next. A Ladies' Committee, is also to be formed to promote the candidature of Labour in this electorate.

PALMERSTON NORTH. VIGOROUS SPEECH BY ME. BUICK. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Palmerston, November 13. Mr. D. Buick, M.P., addressed a crowded meeting at the Oppra Ilouse to-night, the Mavor presiding. In opening his electoral campaign, and replying to statements by Mr. M'Nab, Mr. Biiick said that if he did not do more in Parliament in the next ten years than Mr. M'Nab had done in his thirteen and a half, he would be prepared to retire. Eeierrius to a statement that ilr. iiasser

hud not lii'i'ii npprnnoliril l(i j»in (lie Ministry, Mr. Iluick snid Mini. h« believed All-. Miissry's f-liilciiKMil when lu< nil ill lie wns. lid (Mr. Iluirlo wiiil Hin• In' hnil not boon Iwo months in I'nrliiiini'nl when ho whs asked if lie wiiil Id join I In' Minist r.V- <t cuiililiou I" keep down the working mini. (l.migliliT.) Ho kiik »|i|irnii(:lii'il l>.V a Ml|»jnn Ut "f Mie Government In ii.hl; if li» would ni.'ilrsci! willi Mm (:<>viM-utniMi(. parly lii light. Mm Labour inleri'sls. (A voici': They wrro "pulling your Inc.") Me replied tlml. lie would mlher lon limes luivo n Labour Administration t ji.-Mi the present Adminislration, fur lie luiew what: Labour would do, and lie dlil mil. know ivii.il I In; pre.,cnl Govoriiuiciil wonIH *li». Mr. rriljcis^ij I )((• ("Sovitiuih'iH. PMjardn f lip MunlnnnM ciisi-; ulwi ill <-oiinoclion with ItHrotongan all'nirs nml Mir employment. of the Chief •liislice. 11(1 was opposed Id judges receiving mtirrs than llieir salaries. "lor Mod's snke." lie pleaded, "lot. us have our judges pure." lie. condemned llie prepeiilnlinn of llio Dreadnought. by Kir .Toseph Ward lis bombastic hysteria, bill, would not object to Iho gift of (ifly Dread noughts if needed. Keferring In Mokau, ho said Messrs. lindlny and Dalzioll dominated cverythiiift, and_ there whs suspicion thai. Sir John 1 lndlay and Sir .tames Carroll had worked n. point. Mr. Buick denouncod the Budget as a conglomerated mass of verbosity. A vote of thanks and confidonco was declared carried.

MASTERTON. SPEECH BY MR, nOGG. (By Telegraph.—SDccial Correspondent.) Mastcrton, November 13. Mr. Hogg, M.P., addressed a crowded auilicncc in the Town Hall to-night, <id(l met with .i good reception. He was apparently still weak alter his protracted and painful illness, but stood the strain of tho address remarkably well. In rcferenco to his position in politics, Mr. Hogg said he had made this clear at his meeting in the Wellington Town Hall. Ho had lost confidence in the Ministry, and proclaimed the fact all over the Dominion. 110 referred at considerable length to the State note issue, and commented on the fact that this had been adopted by tho Government, although it was the chief cause of his retirement from tho Ministry. He expressed sm-piifo that the Government did not go on with tho Bill last session, but ventured the opinion that tho.v were waiting for Australia to pass a State Bank Bill, and then they would conv l>nth. Mr. Hogg traced tho rife and fall of tho TConds and Bridges Department, and stated that a great mistake was made in wiping this out of existence. Tie said the retrenchment scheme of the Government had been a. false one. He strongly advocated removal of dutiesfrom the necessaries of life, and said ho intended, if returned, to again introduce a Bill for the removal of the duty from flour and other necessaries. Ho strongly urged that the Government should givo facilities for the people to get upon the land. He opposed, compulsory military training, and said an expensive system of militarism was a burden which should not bo imposed on a country which is still in its infancy. He denied the rumour that ho had entered into a. compact with the Government to vote with it on a noconfidence motion, and said that while ho was friendly with Mr. Massey, as with Sir .Tcisenh tWrd, he disagreed with both politically. When the timo for action arrived ho would endeavour to place a new.party in power. At tho conclusion of the address Mr. Horn? was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence, on the motion of Mr. E. G. Eton, thero being no dissentient voico.

OROUA. MR. GUTHRIE AT BEACONSFIELD. (Br TelesraDh.—Soociai Corresoondent.l Feilding, November 13. Mr. D. H. Guthrie ha<l a very successful meeting at Bcaconsfield on Saturday evonin?. Mr. J. Corpe occupied the chair. Mr. Guthrie spoke for nearly two hours, traversing practically tho whole of his Feilding spoech. Several questions wore asked and answered. At tho conclusion the following motion was "carricd by acclamation: "That tills meeting expresses its hearty appreciation of Mr. Guthrie's excellent speech,' a.nd of tho valuable service rendered by him' as member of this district." TARANAKI. SPEECH BY MR, OKEY. (By TelceraDh.—l'r»«a Associatton.l Ncv/ Plymouth, November 13. Mr. H. J. H. Okey (sitting member and Reform party candidate for Taranaki) addressed a big meeting of tho electors of New Plymouth to-nignt. In a speech lusting two hours he reviewed the legislation of the past session, and accused tho Government of want of strength to carry' on a policy in accordance with its traditions. He believed that the peoplo of tho Dominion wero rijio for a change of Government, more particularly becauso of tho failure of tho Government i» enunciate a satisfactory land policy. 110 believed in borrowing for public works, but thought there was room for economy and better methods of expending tho money borrowed. A vote of thanks and confidence was passed.

PARNHLL. SIR J. FINDLAY ON THE LAND QUESTION. (Br- Telsgrapt.—Press Association i Auckland, November 13. The land question and the problem of the closer settlement for tho future was the principal feature of a' speech delivered by Sir John Findlay to-night. lie said that a crisis in regard to land settlement was rapidly approaching in New Zealand. If the breaking up of ttic largo estates was. to be accomplished by n Graduated land tax it could only be done by adopting tho very drastic form Df tax adopted some years ago in L'c::mark, wiich had resulted in some 186,000 small freeholders being placed upon ths land in that country in the place c.f the few large land-holders, who previously occupied the land. Unless tlio.v adopted a similar system they coiud not look to the graduated tax as a means of the subdivision of tho large estates. In Great Britain tho State had taken power to take land through the county council compulsorily, not only by purchase, but also by renewable lease for ever. Ihe Mother Country had realised, that the State must do this work.' "If," he said, "I had mv wav we would do what they are doing "in England—make it compulsory."

GREY. Greymouth, November 13. Sir Arthur Guinness opened tho campaign at Greymoutn to-night beforo a lar"0 audience. Ho dealt at length with the" measures passed during the session, and declared himself a staunch Liberal and follower of tho present progressive Liberal party. He was accorded a splendid reception and a vote of thauks aud confidence.