WELLINGTON NORTH ELECTION

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 129, 18 February 1918, Page 6

WELLINGTON NORTH ELECTION

DR. THACKER'S MEETING. Dr. H. T. J'. Thacker. M.P., addressed a large audience in tins Orow'i Theatro last night in connection with the Wellington North by-election. Sir. A. H. Poison, tiio Independent Liberal candidate, took the chair, and made a briof introductory speech. Dr. Thacker made a vigorous attack upon tlie National Government. lie condemned its administration, its policy and its personnel, and asked tl'.o electors to vote emphatically against it. Referring to Defence matters, he said that the boys were still being brought down from the camps in cattle trucks, although there were plenty of carriages available. "Eight lnindred of the boys were- put aboard the To Anau, an old out-of-date ship, at Christmas time, when the Monowai was lying beside the wharf," said Dr. Thackcr. "If N any man had perpetuated cruelty of that sort to dumb animals ho would have been fined. I say, fine the National Government, especially the Minister of Defence." The Government ought to establish special sanatoria for consumptive soldiers. 'The reason why so many soldiers came back with damaged lungs was the laxity of the medical examination. Men were sent away who'Vere not lit to face the- rigours of the Euro.pean climate. The Government ought to bring expert officers back from tho front to manage affairs hero, and send to tho front officers who had not yet been there. It was shameful that Main Body men who had come to New Zealand on furlough should have their.pay docked while enjoying their well-earned holiday They ought rather to receivo double pay. Dr. Thacker proceeded to condemn tho .administration of patriotic funds. These funds, he said, provided salaries for officials, but the soldier's wife had to submit to investigation as to the value ol her furniture before she could got a grant. This system was on a par with the attitude of the Defence Department in refusing separation allowance to a soldier's widowed mother if she was receiving an old-age pension exceeding 10s. a week. At one slago of a lengthy speech Dr. Tbacker made a reference to the Independent Liberal candidate. "Mr. Polson is single, 29, and unattached," ho oaid. (Liuighter.) "He is an honourable, bright man. Hn has been secretary to 'several Ministers, and he helped mo over the last medical military inquiry, of which they are afraid to publish tho report. So I said to him, 'You have been servant and slave. You can become- master. Stand for Wellington North.' (Laughter.) I hone you are going to appreciate him at the value I put upon him. If he goes into Parliament I will invite him to sit on my bench with me, and we will be the two fiercest and keenest critics." (Prolonged laughter.) Dr. Thacker was accorded a vote- of thanks, there- being a few dissenters. MR. HOLLAND'S CAMPAIGN On Saturday night open-air meetings in support of Mr. H. E. Holland wero held at Boulcott Street and HawkeRtone Street. The speakers were Mr. Rod Ross (Palmerston North), Mr. J. O'Brien (West Coast), Mr. E. C. Conham, Mr. A. Hall, Mr. A. Agnew, Sir. J. Thorn, Mr. T Prindle, and Mr W. Maddisou. At Boulcott Street, according to a report supplied by the candidate's committee, a returned soldier, wearing the D.S.O. decoration, desired to address the meeting, and on consent brine; given, spoke strongly against conscription and militarism, emphasising the need for equality of sacrifice, and supported Labour generally.

To-day at norm in the Poet Offico Square the speakers in enpirart of Mr. Holland's candidature will lie, among others, Mr. P. G. Webb, M.P.. and Mr. J. Thorn. To-morrow, Mr. Holland will nddrosß an opp.n-air meeting in the Post. Office Sonar* at 1 p.m. Ho will sppnk on "Tlip Government and tho Pnlilir Servants." To-nmht Mr. Holland snoaks in the Molliodist iSi'hooiroom, Northland. Mr. J. P. Lnkß will spent at tlie Mi'tlin(lis|. School, Northland, to-mor-roiv pvpiiiiip;. A mp.pfinp nf Mr. Luke's poiumittpp will he held this evpninij at • lie hphpiml commitU'fi room?, Lambton ■Qitnv. • ' Mr. 'A. <\c P.. HrnmioM will spp..i.k tonintht. ni St. Phil's Schoolroom. TinnUri Imkkl. on iii.tcht at Aliisonip Hull. Nniili'olt. and on 'Phursiliiy nl Northland School.