MEETING AT THQRNDON.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1736, 29 April 1913, Page 8

MEETING AT THQRNDON.

SOME OF THE'NEW CANDIDATES. THE CASE AGAINST THE LABOUR I'AK'iT. Addresses in support of their candidature for the City Council were delivered in the Thorndon Jlet'hodist Schoolroom Inst evening by Messrs. 31. Luckie, 11. Buddie, W. J. Thompson, and T. C. A. . Hislop Councillor L. M'lCenzie presided over ail attendance of about 30 electors. All the candidates were given a good hearing, and were frequently applauded. MB. 31 ART IN LUCKIE. Mr. I.ucliie slid tluvj ho spoke for all .members of the ticket With which ho was associated in saying that they were not pledged (n any particular section in the community. Labour was entitled to fair and reasonable representation, but it was. not entitled to the monopoly of representation oil all local bodies for which it was asking. Labour was pledged lo a hard ami fast platform, and if a majority of' Labour candidates wore, returned it would mean nothing more or less than caucus yule. This meant rule by the secretaries of various Labour organisations which stood behind the Labour party. The candidates on the ticket ho represented were pledged to give, failrepresentation not .iii the interest of r.ny ono section, but in the interests of the city as a whole On the subject of the city reserves, Mr. Luckie said that until a short tinio 'ago AVellingion was less well supplied with recreation grounds than almost any other city in the Australasian colonies. He was strongly in favour of leasing some portions of the Town Belt which could not he made use of without money being expended upon them. Authority was taken some years ago, Jtr. Luckie stated, to lease not more than 100 acres of the Town Belt, subject to a condition that the public should be admitted at all times to the grounds though they .were not permitted to uso the greens unless they were members of the leasing clubs. He had no sympathy witli "-those councillors who were opposed to granting any more of the<» leases. Mr. J/nekie emphasised the need for better for technical education in this city, and attacked the system under which hospital and charitable aid rates are at present levied without citizens having any say in the matter. The Government, in his opinion, should take up the question of establishing a more even, distribution of these rates over the Dominion as a whole.

MR. W. J. THOMPSON. Mr. W. J. Thompson said that some people seemed to think that the Municipal Electors' Association had a programme to which all the candidates in its "ticket" were expected to subscribe. This was not the case. The association had been formed to advance the interests of citizens as a whole, and exacted 110 pledge from its candidates. Mr. Thompson mentioned that lie had served the' city in the council during part of 1910 and 1911. 110 had contested the succeeding election, but was mot returned, owing, he had been told, to tho fact Hint he did not come out a,'id placo his views before the electors. No doubt this was tho case. Some people, he went on to remark, had a great horror of borrowing because they considered that it must inevitably lead to an increase ot' rates. This was not always the case. He anticipated that within tho next few years tho city would be of aii increased revenue, which would meet, it' necessary, the interest upon a very large loan. An increased revenue from corporation leases of ,£20,000 to was in prospect. This would not justify the adoption of any reckless borrowing policy, but half the increased revenue might be devoted to reduction of rates. The remaining portion would provide the interest 011 loans to cover the cost of useful and accessary works. One such work was a continuation of tho wood-blocking ' in tho principal streets. This wns a work that would reduce the cost of street maintenance. Tepid baths could also be established when the increased revenue became available and in addition the city should be in a position to adopt the tree-planting scheme of the corporation forester. Granted that his estimate of the increased j revenue to be obtained within the next few years from corporation leaseholds was not excessive, it should be possible to carry out all these undertakings without increasing rates: Mr.. Thompson said that, lie favoured tho policy of leasing portions of the Town Belt. It could be made * condition that lessees should plant a belt of trees round the areas leased. At present much of the Town Belt was leased for grazing purposes. A problem calling for early attention was that of clearing away tho slum areas in tho city. Concluding his address Mr. Thompson said that he had a fair amount of spare timo and would bo glad to devote some of it to the service of tho ratepayers. He had served upon the Chamber of Commerce and the Industrial Association, and had been a member of a school committee at Te Aro for the past seventeen years. MR. H. BUDDLE. Mr. H. Buddlo said that ho stood fo* election as a free citizen. He did not stand in the interests of any particular section or of any locality. Any nnestion that cropped up, he would consider froni the broad viewpoint of tho interests of Wellington as a whole. Ho would support any proposal satisfying this reriuiremorit whether it was brought up by a Labour party member or any other member. All sorts of improvements were being advocated, but the thing that had to lie considered was: "Could the city afford it?" The city must progress nil sound financial lines. Most of the proposals which were being advanced would tend U> improve the city, but it did not always follow that they could be gone 011 with sir-light nwav. If lu l were elected coiij-ideralinii-nf all such proposals would lie iliiminateil in hi.- mi ml by I lie <1 ne.-f ion as l<> whether or not the riti&rns could afford it. The citizens of AVelliueton

[ should return to their council men ur whom they could be proud and lict men who would be ruled b.v a caucus. The.v should protect their own interests by voting for i.'eu of I lie right class. ]f I hey liad not the vote they would rise in revolt against the deprivation. Once again he urged citizens (o turn out en masse and vole. If they did so lliey would get (he right council and if (hoy did not (hey would have themselves'to (hank. Mil. T. C. A. HISLOP. Mr. T. C. A. Hislop said that he had already addressed (wo meetings that day, one at the wharf—which they would admit was strenuous work—and the oilier at Newtown. It was a desirable thing I hat young men should come, forward 1o fake their part in public affairs. There were certain things which they all de- ■ sired to see done if the financial position of (he city would allow of it. One of tho first of these things was. a reduction in tram fares. It was not for the good of the city that its affairs should be solely directed by the nominees of Labour. He hoped to see Labour secure fair representation at this election, but he also hoped that tho nominees of .an irresponsible party would not be allowed to dominate the City Council. He appealed to the citizens of Wellington to go to the poll ill their numbers and take up the challenge which had been thrown down by T.aboiir. If they did not, Labour would have a triumph which would be disastrous to Wellington. COUNCILLOR L. M'KEXZIE. At the invitation of Dr. Newman, seconded by the audience, the chairman (Councillor M'Kenzie) now addressed the* meeting. He claimed that the reform of the Iramways which had taken place during the past term was largely.duo in the lirst place to his efforts. The creation of the Tramways' Board had placed the tramways'on a sound basis, and would tend ultimately to provide a belter service. The only thing which had been done with which lie disagreed was the adjustment of the sections. He still thought (hat (lie sections could be reviewed and altered with benefit to the service. Mr. M'Laren claimed credit for \vlnt had been done to improve the position of the tramways, but as a fact the proposals which he brought down and ujliich were adopted by the council embodied the recommendations of the Tramways Board. A proposal to again alter tho sections which. Mr. M'Laren subsequently brought down was passed out by the council.' If thj? Tramways Board were given time, the tramways system in a lew years would bo a model for the whole Dominion. In the matter of pure milk supply the council had promoted a Bill in Parliament, but unfortunately a clause was inserted at the last moment in the House which nullified the intention of the Bill.

Th? candidates answered a number of nuestions and, oil tho motion of Dr. A. K. Newman, were unaiiimous'i.v recorded a vote ■of thanks and confidence.

MR. n. FLETCHER.

lIIS MUNICIPAL POLICY. Mr. 11. Fletcher, a candidate for the Wellington City Council and tho- Wellington Harbour Board at the elections to-morrow, addressed a meeting of about TO people in the Druids' Hall last night. Mr. W. T. Hildreth presided. Mr. - Fletcher said that although municipal affairs were somewhat dry, he felt it his duty to (jivo.somo account of his stewardship. • Ho spoke of the selection of the Municipal Klectors' Association's ''ticket." A coterie of 32 people had assembled in solemn conclave in the Chamber of Commerce and selected twelve people to administer civic affairs for tho next two years. For his part he preferred that tho people of Wellington should make, their own selection. It was a piece of downright impudenei for a few people, to take-such a dutv upon themselves as to select tho city's representatives, and lie was glad to be olf tin"ticket." He had always thought the "ticket" system was pernicious and undemocratic. And in aaiy case the "ticket" was not representative, for many old councillors who had served the city long and faithfully had been overlooked, lie referred to tho fact that he had topped tho poll at lust City Council election, and ho believed he might repeat the pcrformaneo.on Wednesday next. At any rate ho lielieved tho citizen's should make tho of the men to represent them, nnd not any small coterie. . The other councillors,'ho felt bound to. say, were doing their best according to their lights. Ha had disagreed with some of them often, but they wore nil doing their brst. His idea nbout municipal ventures was that they should bo made to pay their way. Ho had voted for the report altering tho sections brought down by the Tramways Board, and he believed the best thing that had been done to pro-, mote the successful working of the tram- . ways of this city was the setting up of the Tramways Board. The Newtown people might feel aggrieved at the shortness of the John Street section, but it was still longer than tho Thonidon Quay section, for which the residents of that ' locality had been paying the same rate ever since tho cars were set running, In a,uy case the trams would not stop at the present Newtown terminus; by and by the line would bo extended along Hoy Possibly the new council might amend tho sections'a little, but the fact was that the trams were now paying, and they must be kept paying, lie did not think it would bo saio to make tho Royal Oak corner the end of a section now, for the reason that the traffic would never be accommodated there. If tho Manners Street police station site were acquired, and the old firo brigade site also, lie believed it would be possible to make tho end of tho section at that point. He thought also that the council should keep in view tho possibility of the extension of the tramways system by the use of motor, buses, and steps should be taken to secure to the City Council bj; legislation the right to exclude other private companies from entering into competition in the passenger transport work of tho city. He was in favour of the extension of tho Constable Street line into Kilbirnie, and of the Wallace Street line to John Street.

He would, if ho were rctjirned again, do his best to have a Pure Milk Supply Bill passed through Parliament, which would enable the City Council to supervise effectively the supply of milk for the city. He claimed some credit for having been tho mover of tho resolution under which tho modest municipal iisli market was established.

lie spoko of the controversy in the council concerning the leasing of patches of tho Town Belt. . He justified his own vote, which had been in favour of allowing residents to beautify small pieces of ground to be used for recroation. New candidates had been advocating the reduction of the cost of electric light to consumers. Ho admitted that this could bo done, but not just yet. The reduction would come by and by, when additional plant now on order was running. These new candidates had advocated tepid baths; lie himself had been advocating tepid baths for years. All these tilings were very line, but they all cost a (leal of money. Regarding the traffic tunnel to Kilbirnie, he had also advocated that, but engineering and financial difficulties had come in tho way of the construction of the tunnel.

He spoko at some length on harbour affairs, combating in-detail tho proposals put forward by some new candidates. He was opposed to tho To Aro Railway project. A vote of thanks and confidence was carried unanimously. MR. R, B. WILLIAMS. MEETING AT CENTURY HALL. Mr. R. B. Williams, a candidate for the City Council, addressed a meeting of the electors at the Century Hall last night. Mr. C. M'lntyre occupied the chair. At the outlet, Mr. Williams explained that it had been impossible for him to address the electors as often as ho would have desired on account of tho fact 'that lie was under the doctor, and was forbidden to take the platform. He pointed out that ho was an Independent candidate, and free from any suggestion of party restriction. With this much said he was willing to adopt the motto of tho Greater Wellington Municipal Electors' Association: "One aim, the city; one class, the. citizens." Not as a novice did ho come before the electors, for lie had been Mayor of an adjoining borough (Onslow) for live years, and had served for three years on the Hosr.Kal Board and other local bodies. The objection had been raised against him that he was (in-.' of a parly nl' lawyers out to capture the >-<vits, but lie belonged lo no party and he failed lo see whv his conncction

with (hi' legal should lender li im unlit for I lie position.

Speaking of I!io present position of AVcllincfli>n, tin! candidate considered it w-as a city lve might well In; proud of. Four years ago he liail travelled extensively in America and other count l ies, lint lie had never come across a city of the same size that was so well appointed as Wellington. 'L'here were still many tilings lo do, but "Home was not Ijnilt in a day," and Wellington was a young city with a virile people. On the subject of Irnmway-, Mr. Williams expressed himself as in favour of the Constable Street line being extended to link up with the Kilbirnie line. While advocating « shorter route to ICarori, he did not favour the Sydney Street line. He mentioned other de.-irable extensions, but considered many of them would have to wait for .-.nine time. The trams ami such undertakings should lie made to pay wliilo !he fares were kept at reasonable price.-. Jte believed that without increasing the fares, it was possible to considerably improve the income from the trams, in this connection, lie suggested tho use of

"trailers" in order to cope with, the extra traffic at rush hours, present arrange' inents being inadequate.

-Tepid baths should be established in different parts of the city. If elected, Mr. Williams announced that he would advocate tho removal of the destructor, which was objectionable to the peoplo living in its vicinity. Another site should be found for the morgue, which at present advertised its gruesome business almost under the Hag wliidi waved over the Clyde tjiiay School. Great improvement could still be elVcctcd in the control of tho milk supply and the meat' supply of tho city, the candidate thought. 110 stressed these points because it was not likely the council could undertake any great utility schemes during the year. There was a unanimous mind on the need far caution in the administration of the city finances during the coming term. It was for the doctors to say on Wednesday who were to be entrusted with the finances—experienced hands or not. Considering the extra amounts that would be required for expenditure (he mentioned the Ilutt Road, the Hospital levy, and others), the credit balance of last- year might easily be turned into n deficit. His services, his time, and what, ability ho had were at the disposal of the electors, whose interests would be his. Mr. E. L. Burgas? proposed a vote of thanks to tho candidate for his address and confidence in him as a fit person to represent the electors. The motion was seconded by Mr. J. Martin and carried unanimously and with applause. OPEN-AIR MEETINGS. MESSRS R. A. WUIGIIT AND LEIGH HUNT. Mr. R. A. Wright and Mr. A. Leigh limit addressed open-air meetings at Brooklyn, Willis Street School, and Clyde Quay last night. Mi-. Wright strongly urged the necessity for a recreation ground at Nairn Street, to servo the large population in Brooklyn, Aro Street, and its neighbourhood. He also held that' candidates elected to the City Council should not ba controlled by outside influence. Government by caucus was wrong in principle. Ho contended that a councillor should be governed only by his pledges to the electors, and by nothing else. Tho meeting at Courtcnay place was very enthusiastic, and cheers were given for both candidates. Mr. Hunt spoke on the lines _of his previous addresses, dealing particularly with the part ho considered tho Harbour Board should play in developing tho 1e Aro railway and in Uio concentration nf coastal shipping on the northern foreshore.

MR. PERRY AT WADESTOWN

Mr. W. Perry addressed a meeting of between :S0 and' -10 electors at Wadestown last evening. Mr. Joplin presided. Dealing with tramway matters, Mr. Perry said that the trams must financo them: selves, and only when the trains were paying could any reduction of tares be made, lie criticised tho tramway timetable and certain matters of tramway detail. lie advocated the issue of return workers' tickets up till 9 a.m., such tickets to be available for return at any time of the same day. By this means large numbers of. people—especially girls working in factories, offices, and large mercantile establishments, and whoso weekly wages were small—would be benefited. ' With.regard to.the Basin Reserve, he suggested an alternative schsmc_ to that proposed by Mr. Morton, Mr. Perry's suggestion being that a large grandstand should be erected on the east sido of tho reserve, to provide accommodation for spectators, and that the trams should run in a curve on the same street, level as at prcsecit, but under the raised stand, 011 which the spectators were seated. After tho candidate had answered a number of questions, a voto_ of thanks and confidence was accorded him, on the motion of Mr. Wall; seconded by Mr. h. Wylie.

"GRACE AND CULTURE." COUNCILLOR M'ICIONZIH REPLIES TO THE MAYOR. Councillor L.. M'Kenzie writes:—"ln your report of Mr. M'Laren's speech at 'Courtenay Placo ho referred lo a remark made by me at a special meeting of tho council "when discussing the arrangements to bo made for entertaining the officers and crew of the 11.M.5. New Zealand. Tho facts are these: Tho councillors were discussing tho matter, and I was on my feet, when tho Mayor rudely interrupted me, as ho does with other councillors at almost every meeting, and stated that he had already instructed (he Navy League to convert their ball inlo a citizens' ball, thus assuming'the rights and privileges of his council and ignoring tho authority of tho Navy League. Under such circumstances, is there any wonder that 1 should refer to him as the joker of tho council, especially when ho wants to take credit for everything that has been done. Tho public aro well acquainted with the personal reputation of most of the present council, so there is no need for me to make reference to their actions." LABOUR PARTY AND TRAM FARES. A STATEMENT CONTRADICTED. Mr. L. M. A. Rearden, secretary of tho United Labour Party, writes as follows:— "Sir,—ln the interests of fair play I would like to contradict a public statement made by Mr. A. R. Atkinson on Friday night last, on which occasion he stated 'that tho United Labour Party had actually proposed tho establishment of a universal" pemny fare. The idea was to collect fares enough to pay working expenses and to charge ratepayers in any event with the payment of interest and sinking funds.' This statement is contrary to fact, and I trust, will bo retracted oy the above candidate." HARBOUR BOARD.; Mr Michael F. Bourke, of Wellington, ono of the original Bnurkes of Kilbirnie. i< a candidate for the Wellington Harbour Board in the citizens' interest. Mr. Bonrke, who has spent the major portion nf his life in Wellington, and is now established here in business, is a member of one of the old pioneer families, and his late father was the first settler to juke up laud when the late Mr. Jas. Coutts Crawford cut up his big estate ovr the other side of Jlount: Victoria. H is- not on that account that Mr. Bourke asks for support, however. He states in a'/ announcement, in this issue that lie is experienced in the affairs of local bodies and in particular harbour administration, having been a member of the Napier Harbour Board for several years. After representing the Hawke's Bay. district on the board lie was returned three years ago bv the citizens of Napier. Mr. Bourke is an advocate of prudent progress and promises to give the maximum service to the affairs of the board. He adds that he has no "axe lo grind" and is not looking for "pickings." ' CANDIDATES ANNOUNCEMENTS. CITY COUNCIL. Mr. J. I'. Luke, in an advertisement iy this issue, sets out the policy which it is his intention to adopt if elected as Mayur to-morrow. Mr. J. P. Luke will address the electors as follows:—To-night, at the State School, Willis Street, at 8 o'clock. Mr. T. C. A. Ilislop will address the electors as under:—To-day, Post Offico Square, midday; AYadcstowii, Social Ilall, (o-nigli't, at i.-lii, and Concert Chamber, Town Hall, at 9.

Councillor L M'Kenzio lias an announcement in this issue.

Mr. W. Perry, will deliver his filial address at I lie Sydney Street Schoolroom ,to*nizht .it b o'clock. Mr. T. M. ilford,

M.l'., will preside, and will deal with the Mayor's recent statements.

Jlrs. (Dr.) I'latls-Mills explains in an advertisement in this issuo that sho is not connected with any "ticket" in connection willi her nomination as a candidate for (he Wellington Hospital and Charilablo Aid Board, and is standing as an "independent." In grouping tho names, as was done in yesterday's Dominion, the name Dr. Plaits-Mills was placed among tile Municipal Electors' Association's candidates, simply because it had been so included in Hhe advertisement inserted by the association.

Mr. Fredk. Castie, a candidate for the Hospital Board, solicits the voles of Wellington, Knrori, and Miruniar doctors. Mr Castle has been a resident of Wellington for over 25 years and lias conducted a pharmacy business in Cuba Street for sonic time. He is a member of the New Zealand Pharmacy Boar<l and was president of the Board for four years. Sir. Castle stands for efficiency iu medical aid, discretion in cha'ritable aid, and economy is administration.

Mr. K. B. Williams, a City C-ouncil candidate, sets out his policy in an advertisement. ' , The following Wellington College Old Boys, who are candidates for the City Council, will address the electors at 'the Sydney Street Schoolroom to-night, commencing at 8 o'clock. Messrs. W. Perry, H. Buddie, Martin Luckie, Len M'Kenzie, Mr. 'JVC. A. Hislop. Mr. 'J'. M. Wilford will bo in the chair.

Mr. It. Buddie will make his concluding addresses to the electors as follow:— To-night, Mount Cook Boys' School, 8 o'clock; and at the Sydney Street Schoolroom, at 8.30.

Candidates of tho Greater Wellington Municipal Electors' Association will speak this evening at 8 o'clock, at tho Concert Chamber, Town Hall, Mr. J. G. AV. Aitken will be in the chair. Messrs. Hislop, Neave, Luckie, Barber, Wright, and Godber will all give addresses. At the Mount Cook Boys' School, Messrs. Atkinson, M'Kenzie, Trevor, Buddie, Thompson, and Frost will speak. Councillor Jas 1 . Trevor has an announcement concerning his candidature in this issue.

Mt. D. Moriarty, (ho "Independent" City Council candidate, will address the electors at the Newtown Stale schoolroom, Riddiford Street, this evening at 8 o'clock. Mr. Falk Cohen will again stand for reelection in tho forthcoming City Council election to-morrow.

Mr. A. R. Hornblow one of tlic selected Labour candidates, who stands for tho City Council, is a staunch advocate for fairer treatment to suburbs, strict attention to matters of finance,£ tramways, lighting, gas, public convenience in suburbs, and making tho surroundings of the city dwellers of those localities more congenial.

Mr. ,T. H. Pollock, a candidate for the council, announces that his extensive business training eminently fits liim to supervise municipal affairs. He is not a man of fads, and will treat matters concerning all classes fairly. Mr. Pollock approves of moderate tram fares to tho suburbs, tepid baths, nnd ninplo playgrounds. Hp "has no object in representing you beyond officiating as your trustee nnd watchdog." Mr. Ilartin Luckie, a City Council candidate for election to-morrow, is opposed to any form of party government in connection with the administration of municipal affairs., Hb considers . that every class and party is equally entitled to representation on the council; but not to absolute control, or to the exclusion of any other party. If elected ho will consider every question which comes before the council for its decision.