THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2288, 23 October 1914, Page 6

THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN

MR. R. A. WRIGHT AT MAKARA. Mr. R. A. Wright addressed the electors at Makara last night. Mr. S. Bowler wis voted to the chair. The candidate referred to questions which aifected farmers, and urged that the present Government had not neglected tlio man on the land* Its policy had been to promote land settlement, and it had l>een successful. He warned the electors that a parly was gradually coming to the front in New Zealand called the- Social Democratic Party. Its policy was to pass legislation, if it became powerful enough, which would prove inimical to the farmers. It was a. party of syndicalists, who aimed at controlling the means of production and distribution. This meant practically confiscating the land. By every lawful means this doctrine should bo opposed, and. tils' l men advocating it should bo excluded from Parliament. This party had affiliated last year with its parent body, whose headquarters were in Germany. .Every candidate should bo closely questioned about this party, and how far he was receiving its • support.. A vote of thanks and confidence, proposed by Mr. P. Healy, and seconded by Mr. C. J. frost, was carried on a show of hands, with one dissentient. Mr. Wright will address a meeting at the Methodist Church, Ngaio, this evening. THAMES CAMPAIGN OPENS. (By Telesrapli.—Press Association.) Thames October 22. The election campaign has commenced. Mr. Lowe, Mayor of Thames, who was announced to stand in the Liberal interest, has withdrawn fronvtho contest to allow of a straight-out contest between Mr. Rhodes, the sitting member (Government) and Mr. Taylor (Opposition). The latter, in his speeches has characterised the present Government as one of the most reactionary and retrogressive' that ever occupied the Treasury benches. He detailed the pledges given to the people before the last election, which he claimed the Massey Government had failed to keep, and ho described the present holders *of portfolios as a party of broken promises'. LABOUR REPRESENTATION 'COMMITTEE. • At a meeting of the Labour Representation Committee, held in the Trades Hall on Tuesday last, it-was decided to circularise all unions, asking for nominations for the Wellington Suburbs, Wellington South, and Wellington East seats. Candidates may be nominated by six unionists, or ,by a union. Nominations close at the Trades Hall, Cuba Street, on Monday next, at 7 p.m. Official nomination forms may be obtained on application to the secretary of the committee at the Trades Hall. It has been decided that a ballot of all unionists shall be taken inthe event of two or more candidates being nominated for any seat. The ballot will close at the Trades Hall oh Tuesday, November 3, at.6 p.m. sharp, and the result will immediately be announced. Mr. P. J. O'Regarf'has been appointed Returning Officer/to conduct the ballot. . • A well-attended meeting of the committee of the Pahiatua Branch of the Reform League was held in Pahiatua this week (states our Pahiatua correspondent). It was decided to take immediate steps to raise a fighting fund in connection with the approaching elections. A good sum' -was subscribed in the room. Committeemen were appointed to canvass.the various districts for contributions.