PRE-SESSIONAL.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1786, 26 June 1913, Page 4

PRE-SESSIONAL.

MR. SYKES AT MASTERTON. (By Telegraph.—Special Correspondent.) Masterton, June 25.. • Mr. G.' E. Sykcs, M.l'., addressed a wcll-attcndeil meeting of electors in the Drill Hall io-nifijit, the Mayor Presiding. Mr. Sykcs, alter giving credit to tho Liberal Government for soino good and wise legislation, stated that 1 when tho Reform parly took office it found the finances of the country iu anything but u satisfactory condition. He reviewed the work of last session, and made special reference to the Public Service Act, Land Act. and other measures which, he claimed, were for' the good of the whole community. He urged the necessity for either, wiping the Arbitration Act off the Statute Book or substantially amendiug it. Ho advocated reform in the system of local; government, and a land Bill under which occupiers of bush land would be paid by the Government for bushfelling, feiicing, and grassing. He also dwelt upon' the subjects of afforestation, taxation, workers' homes, and tho needs of his district. He described, at some length, tho circumstances under which portion. of the Brancepeth Kstato had been acquired for closer settlement. At the cUiclusion of his address he was accorded a hearty vjtc of thank;?. MR. ESCOTT, M.P., AT WOODVILLE. (By Tolocrapli— Pres# Association.)' Woodvillc, June 2">. Mr. Escott, member for Pahiatua, addressed his constituents here last liijjhl, and had a good reception. Ho dwelt mainly: with the charges made against the Government, by' tho "New Zealand Times," pointing out that many of tlioni were complaints that the Government had not altered the regulations of the previous Government. He indicated Hie (.lovernnienl's legislative intentions, and had a round of applause when ho gave the I'rime Minister's , assurance that "thirds" would not be charged on the. Aliualuranga Block. A block of Native land near Woodvillo is to be open lor selection next month. Generally no predicted a period of great prosperity lor I lie .Dominion. The .speaker received a vote of thanks. M;EETI NCI ENDS ABRUPTLY. Christcluirch. Juno 2"). Mr T„ M. Tsilt, M.l'. for Ohristehiirch North, addressed his constituents to-night, confining his remark* entirely lo Ihe Defence • ("iiioslion, He said he wn« iu lavour of compulsory military training and a citizens' nrmv. but he opposed Ihe election of ollieors by the men. llis remarks met willi :i hostile demon*!rat ion part of Ihe auti-niililarisU and Socialists, and Mr. lsilt cut shnrl the i|iii-timis by moving a vote of thank* lo (lie chairman.