POLLING TO-DAY

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1305, 7 December 1911, Page 5

POLLING TO-DAY

VOTE FOR REFORM. FINAL SPEECHES OF CANDIDATES. NEWS AND NOTES.

Speaking at Ivilbirnie last night, Dr. iCeuman said that when tho Government leit Parliament to go to the country they were quite joyiul, and, in tho strain of a Xopolennic aphorism, taid confidently "\Vo will wipe out tho Opposition. There will be nothing left." llut they forgot that it is always the unexpected that happens in politics. Tho Primo Minister got tho shock of his life when Mr. llassey went to Wiuton. Ho got the second shock the other night, but the chairman gave him the benefit of the doubt. And now he had to stop in his own electorate and tight. It was a thing that had not hccii heard of for thirty or forty years—tho Prime Minister not in Wellington on the night of tho elections. It was a tiling unheard of that the Prime Minister oi' the colony should bo frightened and fighting for his seat. This Happy Land.

Twenty years of "Liberal" administration have, if tho X'rime Minister is to bo believed (says tho Christcburch "Press") brought the Dominion to tho pinnacle of prosperity, and tho whole population is simply bathed in contentment and happiness. The fads hardly bear nut the theory. Labour, ior instance, is so satislied willi the Ward regime that it is fighting Government candidates in twenty or thirty constituencies, and its representatives are saying things about Kir Joseph Ward that are almost as rude as hi.-, own retorts to intorjectors. The industrial conciliation and arbitration system, which has been one of the Government's boasts, is falling to pieces under the attacks of those for whose benefit it was intended, and Who have received alt tho advantages accruing from it. Tho countrv settlers are still crying out for roads wlikh wero promised to them when they first took up land in the back-blocks. The railway servants, in spite of tho pre-election llso in pay, are openly dissatisfied with the Government's treatment of them, and if Ihe Civil Service is half as discontented as it is said to be, it is as happy as a toad under a barrow. The general public wonders whv it is not ns well off as Sir Jossph Ward says it is, but has a tolerably strong conviction thai its troubles nro duo to heavy luxation. New Zealand may be fairly oozing satisfaction with things in general, but if so it has a fjuccr way of showing it.

A Turn on the Tight-Rope, "Jlr. Fletcher," said a questioner at that candidate's meeting at tho Druids' Hall last evening, "if you say you aro not wholly in accord with tho "Government policy, and that (hero's onlv a hair's breadth between you and the I,about- party, why didn't you support Labour?

'I didn t say 'c hair's breadth,"' said ?i V , I ; lct !'. !lcr - "What I did say was that, the line of demarcation behveen myFell' and Labour was so small that you couldn't see, it."

"You're splitting liair.s" retorted the questioner, contemptuously. "Why didn't you support the Labour party;-"'ho persisted.

"Because I don't want to," replied tho candidate. "I'm just as good a Labour man as any iu New Zealaud," lie added.

"How Are the Mighty Fallen!" The Christehurch "Press" publishes tho following extracts from a letter which a Ctmstclnirch resident has received from a friend in Southland:—"There can be no question about the enthusiasm shown ?i i } las£e y's meeting at Winton, though there was undoubtedly a large contingent of outsiders present—that is, people other than Awarua electors. Still, right through he had a royal reception, and at the Ciosethe whole crowd stood up on forms and simply chcercd themselves hoarse. I am assured by independent men that never in the history of Southland has a public man had such a reception. Like many others, I scouted the idea of Mr. Hamilton contesting the seat against Sir Joseph Ward, but the winton meeting gave me something of a and though I still feel confident that Sir Joseph Ward will win, yet every{■hiug points to his getting the run of his life. His meeting in Winton was by far tho most hostilo he has had to face m Awarua. They boohed him on his arrival at the station, and on his departure. One of his supporters got up to move the usual vote of thanks and confidence, but was howled down, and obliged r°n T? l r 'How are the mighty iallen! I can remember attending a meeting of Sir Joseph Ward's in Winton some ten years ago, and tho man who had ventured to 'booh' then might have ordered his grave, or, at the very best, space in the accident ward in the nearest hospital." He goes on to slato that he has known Air. Hamilton for many 'years, but at first looked 011 his standing against Sir Joseph Ward as u joke. Continuing, he Hamilton succeeded his lather as County Councillor, and has been a real success. His victory this year, when he was also aspiring to Parliamentary honours, was very significant, especially when. hisppponeni—Mr. D. Moore, exMayor of Winton, and a consistent supporter of Sir Joseph Ward—was tho very strongest and most popular man the Ward crowd could have picked." In spcakiug of the Premier's Winton meeting, writer obviously means the meting of November 7,. as tho above was published m ChrMchurch before the meeting of lost Monday, when (according to the Press .Association) tho meetin? got completely out of hand, and the opposing forces seemed equally divided. .

Mr. Robertson's Candidature. Mr. Robertson, Labour candidate Tor Otaki, stated in a. speech at Foxtcn that the reason that his namo did not appear lia the "Weekly Ilorald" among the names of the Labour candidates was because the "Weekly Herald" was tho official organ of tho Trades and Labour Council, and only the names of the candidate's nominated by that body were published. The union directly responsible for his nomination was affiliated to the New Zealand Federation of Labour, and there were some ten other candidates in the samo position. The Stubborn Fact. As as perhaps only natural, tho syndicate who purchased the Mokau Block from Mr. Herrman I.e\vis and sold it to the company of which Mr. M'Nab is tho chairman, can see nothing improper in tho transaction. Wo have never contended that thero was nnything wrong in what was done by Mr. Herrman Lewis, by tho syndicate, or even bv Mr. M'Nab, except that the action of the latter seemed a triflfc inconsistent with his former action of nailing tho leasehold flag to tho mast. But all the protestations in the world hy a legion of syndicates will not disguise tho fact that the Government, which professes to befriend the small settler, gave special facilities in the case of (he Mokait Block to cnalilo land speculators to exploit the small settler to the tune of at least. .t50,000, and as much more as Mr. M'Xnh's company can pet out of them.—CkrJstcliurcli "Press."

I Exceedingly Dangerous Habit. Tho "Otago Daily Times" says: "Tho Dreadnought od'er provided an illustration on a large scale of the establishment of tin autocracy in New Zealand, and revealed to the public ,at large, what scares of improper commitments of small extent failed to reveal, the existence of an exceedingly dangerous habit 011 the part of the Government. The Ministerial disregard for constitutional principle lias Ijoon furl her illustralwl by (lie indoiensiblo payment to Hie Chief .Tustice for his services as a Koyal Commissioner, and its contempt for propriety has been demonstrated in a paltry way by its making the public pay for the cost of ,1 dinner tendered to a member of llio Government by his colleagues. Criticism of tho fatter item of expenditure may be described 'oy the Government as petly, but tho principle involved is anything but petty, and for tho reason that the expenditure was grossly wrong and that it serves as a. useful illustration of tho xraj in which • tho public funds are frittered an ay a jpublic exposure of it is fully warranted." 1

Unsatisfactory Employees. If an employeo in any phaso of- lifo fails to do Lis duty, the man who pays him gives hiuj his discharge and Books ior another man more capable and inoro zealous in the performance of the duties for which he is paid. This is the duty the people of tins Dominion are called upon to discharge at tho ballot-box. 'Jim Ministry whom they pay has not served them either wisoly 'or zealously, and should be removed. This can only bo done by voting for tho Opposition "candidate on Thursday.—"Warkalo Argus." Tho Old Weary Fallacy.

Dr. liard, and probably quite a number ot other Wardist candidates, repeated last night the oft-esploded fallacy that the Helena policy of allowing Crown tenants to buy the freehold at the original value involves giving away tlio equivalent of millions sterling in public property. But probably , a majority of. tho electors realise by. tfiis , time iliat this Pp. ? . policy simply means i ,Q t the tenants shall be'permitted to [my lroiu the State exactly that part of the. property which belongs to the State, instead of being invited to purchase what any actuary would certify is already their own. Mr. llusse.v has stated many times that lie does not advocate taking ir.'Ufl i h t!*i ? SIIJ B' C penny that boongs to tho btatp, or talcing from tho. tenant a penny that belongs to him.

Those Men are Dead. "The Government are fond of rains back twenty or thirty years and attacking the men of the old Conservative paivy and their policy. Ladies and gentlcjurn, tuo££ men arc goiic, and their policy i; dead with them/'Dr. rscwiiiui) ul Kilbirnic.

Lilce Barnacles. Politicians whose sole purpose in publia lie is apparently to cling to ofiico with the jiertinacitv of bnmnclcs'to a are a ways to be distrusted. This by 'itselt would condemn tho pmcM Government, but there are oilier sound grounds why it s.ioiild be displaced, lias the adminisration of Ihe Government been in the best interests of llio country as a.whole? Una its policy been calculated to promote the happiness content went, and prosperity of the great majority of the people? ue do not think that any unbiased mind can honestly answer these qiiostions iu the alliimative. Its administration haa beau glaringly and admittedly bad.— Auckland "iiciald." The Wairau Seat.

Tbe 'Telcrus Guardian." says there does not wem to bet any doubt that Mr. Duncan (Independent Opposition) uiii K'curc re-cloctjon by a good majority, JJh'Vo tire -toma who contend that there H'jJJ not be any nrcd for a second ballot, Amused.

Ilius tho "Bluff Press": —Although we havo summed up in favour of the candiaature of tlio fitting member for Awarua, wo cannot refrain from expressing our surprise at the political bias of our Invercurgill evening contcmpopary, whoso efforts to support Sir Joseph Ward and his Government ai-e of such; a blindly extravagant nature that they aro Wilculaled to ineenso electors rather than improve the claims of tho member and party which it profess to advocate. Its continued reference to what, in its ignorance; of the actual facts, it is pleased \o attribute to the "packing" of tho Wiutoii meeting of Jlr. Massey, is so childish and peevish that wc cannot but voice the opinion of both Bluli' and Winton residents by literally shaking our sides with laughter. ■

Pointed Questions. On the morning befpra Sir James Car* roll s big speech at Gisborno u correspondent of the "Gisborno Times" asked through that paper several questions ior him to answer at thv mooting. Tho fol- ■ lowing aro some of those to which ho apparently ijavo no reply .— What position does lib. take up in regard to Government advertising? ' ; Can he give us anj; 'satisfactory reason ' why the Coronation invitations were not delivered by those to whom they wero ; entrusted, to those 'o whom they wero 1 sent; and can lie show.that there'is any difference between such procedure an'd the intercepting of private mail matter in transit, cases of which have been before the Supreme Court recently? Why was Parliament given no opportunity to discuss tho deliberations of tha Imperial Conferoneo last session, and will tho now Parliament be more fortunate in that respect,, or does Sir Joseph Ward consider Imperial affairs exclusively his department in which ho is to bo allowed a free hand?

Aro wo really on the ere of seeing a. Local Government Bill 'discussed after waiting seventeen years for'tho promises of same to bo fulfilled?

Aro tho back-blocks roads likely to have tho money expended on thera that is specified in tne Estimates, or is'half of it to bo held over, as usual, to provo tho economical administration of the country's; finances?

Their God of Clay, Sir Joseph Ward has proved adisastrons investment for the Liberals of New Zealaud (says tho "Pelorus Guardian"), and wc nrn riniln prepared to see n number oi really capable candidates, whowould almost, certainly have been elected if they had not accepted the party label, fail because of their worship of a god of clay. Burin? his electioneering campaign throughout the country, Sir Joseph W\nv) lias not. enhanced his reputation as a polished speaker, as a dignified gentleman, or as a. statesman. We cannot imagine the Into Mr. .Seddin—plain, title-less, and blulf though' ho was descending to tho level of tllo Premier at his meeting at l)aniievirkc. ■ .'. A Convenient Carrot. "It is a. very convenient, carrot held under the noses of people who can be useful to Hie Prime Minister if they like." —Mr. Bell on (he present system of electing members of .the Legislative. Qoiinci],. Native Lands. It will Ix) noted (says the "Wanganui Chronicle") that Sir James Carroll claimed that Mr. Merries was (ho only member of the Opposition who understood the position of affairs as regards Nativo lands. Well, what: does Mr. llerries say? That Sir James Carroll's policy is really to keep the Natives under tho communal, system ns long as possible. But it is not; necessary to go to members of tho Opposition for adverse criticism.cf tho Government's Native land Why, only Ihe other day Sir A. If.. Guinness, who lias a wide knowlcdgo of tho subject, declared that under the present fcysteu) tho Natives had nil tho best of things.

Tho Swan Song—A Dying Appeal. . "It appears to 1110 to be rather like a. swan soils. It is a dying appeal," faid Mr. Doll at Karori last, evening, referring to the Prime Minister's manifesto. "It is full of wind and words and has not cot a penny-worth of substance," conclud« cd Mr. Bell. Wanganul's Interests.

Says the "Wanganui Chroniclo" :—"lt is obvious that wcro Wanganui represented by a man of whom any 'evil-doing Government might well bo afraid, Iho town would receive that fair treatment which has never yet been meted out to' it. If wo mistake not, the electors of Wanganui realise this, and by (heir votes will send to Parliament Mr. George Hutchison, who, it may be safely predicted, will restore Wanganui to (hat high place in New Zealand polities which its greas men of years gono by secured for it,"

A Somcrsaultcr Luke-ing On, Mr. Hcrdman was saying last night Hint Mr. 'Luke (who had been a followor of the Government, and recently announced Mint 110 would vote with tho Ojfposition on a no-confidencc motion) had tried to turn a somersault and fallen ou (lie back of his head Olio .ot the nudi--01100: "JIo will have (o Lulco 011 now I" (LaughtOT.) Feeling in Mnstorton Electorate, Mr. Hogg's reception at tlvo hands of the Eketalnma peonlu wiis very kindly, very tolerant (says t'ho Mitxtvrton "Times"). It was evident lihnl: (he men w'iiei were must persistent in (heir interruptions wcro personally ulispowl to . entertain warm friendship towards a. gentleman who has given thorn faithful sorvieo for twenty .year;;, If Mr. is beaten in this election, and-there svnis every probability that lie will bo, it will be largely '• bccaneo tho pooplo of this electorate aro detorminod to take their share ju. a very- urgent, and necessary ■work—that of ridding co'tmtiy of a decadent and uadesiruMe Administration.

Railwaymen Watched. An Addington Workshop employee said to a representative of tho Cnristchurcli News:— "We railwaymen aro jnst as tongue-tied in politics arc aro tho men in other branches of tho public service. Moreover, I do not think that thero is any section of Government employees more closely watched than wo aro. It -is a well-known- fact that in the railway service thero are men low-down enough to spy on tho others. For instance, if 1 were to attend a meeting of an Opposition candidate, there are those who would inako it their business'to inform the head of my Department." ••• "That would bo so only; if yon took an active part in tho meeting," suggested the "News" representative. "Nto necessarily. Tho very fact of my being present at tho meeting would be mad'j known. It. would bo all tho worso if I look part in it." "What about Government candidates' meetings?" asked the reporter. ■ ■ ■ "Oli, w<; can attend as many-of these ns we like. Tho moro the better, perhaps." < Another railway 'servant took a less wriouy view -of the- condition~of- things;" "It is perfectly true that our presence at Opposition candidates' meetings is not allowed to go unnoticed, but I think that is due to jedlousv anions certain men. There aro always vacancies," with' prospects of increased F.lhiries, occurring, and if it can bo, said that a certain qualified railwayman lias shown Opposition ieaiitngs,. then that- counts against him. and is often enough to ptevent him being appointed to a better position." Wellington's Railway Stations. "You have probably noticed the magnificent railway stations wo have in Wellington," eisid Jlr. Bell rather sarcastically when discussing the expenditure on the Dunodin L'.iilway Station at his meeting last night. A cheerful voice from the back of tho hall piped out: "If you pull down tho advertisements we have no station at all." (Laughter and applause.) '