MR. BRANDON'S ADDRESS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 130, 19 February 1918, Page 6

MR. BRANDON'S ADDRESS

THE PRIME MINISTER ATTACKED. About 150 persons attended a meeting called by Mr. Brandon in St. Paul's Schoolroom, Tinakori Road, last' night. 'Mr. A. E. Whyte was in the chf'r. The chairman said 'that under the National Government agreement the right lo nominate a candidate to stand in place of the late member had rested with Mr. Massey. But Mr. Massey's choice, had not been well considered. Mr. Hcrdman had been returned in IJI4 by 4600 votes, 1000 more than the votes cast for his two opponents. Ho had been a strong supporter of political reform, a moderate man, and a believer in freedom and tolerance. The people who had given him his great majority had believed in the platform he preached, and Mr. Massey, in selecting a candidate, should have considered that fact. Mr. Herdman had not been a prohibitionist; Mr. Luke was a prohibitionist. Mr. Herdman had always supported compulsory military training; Mr. Luke had not. Mr. Herdman had always showu a spirit of tolerance; Mr. Luke had shown his lack of tolerance on many occasions, as when he had objected to boxing in the Town Hall and to Sunday tennis. The Reformers of the electorate did not know how Mr. Luko had managed to, secure the Government nomination. The fact had been announced as far back as November, long before the seat was vacant. Mr. Luke had not always been a supporter of Reform, and it was not easy to say wiiat cause he would support the day afi&r to-morrow. Mr. Whyte went on to say that throe deputations of Reform electors had asked for tho reconsideration of Mr. Massey's choice, and tho L'rimc Minister had gone so far as to ask for the name of a candidate who would be approved by tho party. The deputation had replied by submitting the name of Mr. Skerrett, who

could have won the seat. Now Mr. Masdoy was accusing the Reformers opposed Lo Jlr. Luke of being unpatriotic- The fact was that Jlr. Massey had failed miserably to put public interest bcf«re party. Mr. Skerrett had declined to stand against tho Government nominee. He was willing to support the National Government for the- war period, but he was not prepared to pledge himself unconditumall.y. Many Reformers felt now that they were not.'getting a square deal, and they had induced Mr. Brandon to conic out in support of a principle.

Mr. Brandon said he had come forward at the request of certain electors who felt it necessary to secure a candidate who was a consistent Reformer, who belonged to the district, and who held moderate opinions. The first plank of bis platform was that the war must be won, and the second wa; ■ that the continuance of the National Government was necessary during the war period. There must bo no raising of contentious issues such as Prohibition. Tbe National Government must confine itself to matters essential to the winning of the war. Reference had been made to free places. That was ancient history. He said now that the present education system must stand for the war period, but there must be no proposals for increased expenditure. The existing provision would carry the education of the children to a reasonable point. He objected to machine politics run by political bosses. He protested against an attempt by any political leader to arrogate to himself "all tbe autocracy which is exhibited by the Kaiser himself." Mr. Brandon "proceeded io say that he was convinced be could defeat, in a straightoirt contest, any one of the three candidates ranged against him. "I would like you to consider," he said, "whether you will give your vote simply in support of party or of party principles. I stand for principles, and Mr. M'assey will bave no stronger supportei than myself if he maintains the priii; ciples of the Reform League. Some of you may fear that a vote given to me will be a vote lost. Let me assure you that is not the'case. I require votes in order to get in. Any vote taken from me will be wasted. 1 do not mean they will be wasted by my getting in. They may be wasted by a third party getting in. It is a, triangular battle, •two against one, and of the two against the one' I think I bave the better chance. I want you to think for yourselves and return the candidate whom you believe will be best suited to represent you in Parliament." Mr.' Brandon came under a fire ,of questions from the Labour section of his audienco relating to war profits, conscription, and other, matters. He stated that he did not wish a voto of anv kind. ,