WELLINGTON CENTRAL

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 6, 2 October 1918, Page 6

WELLINGTON CENTRAL

PLEA FOR UNITY

APPEAL BY SIR JAMES ALLEN The following statement has been issued by the Acting-Prime Minister regarding tho election for Wellington Central to-morrow:— "Tho polling for the Wellington Central election takes place on Thursday next. It will be remembered that a compact was made between the parties who camo together to form the National Government. Under that'compact Mr. Hildvcth is the National Govermnent'candidate. 1 ask all electors in Wellington Central who have been supporters or the Reform section of the National Government to go to the polling booth on Thursday without fail and to record their votes in favour of Mr. Kiklroth. "Without a combination of tlio two parties which were in existence when the war broke out, it is to mo inconceivable that New Zealand could havo dono its duty to the Empire in this time of trial. Tho great news received this morning brings a silver lining to the dark clouds, and encourages tho belief that we now see the beginning of tho end. The return of the supporter of the National Government will indicate tho loyalty of Wellington Central, and the determination of its electors to do all they can to assist in bringing about a satisfactory conclusion of the war. "(Sgd.) J. ALLEN."Mil MACK AT St COOK SCHOOL Mr. M. J. Mack addressed a meeting, the last public meeting at his campaign, in a room in the Mount Cook School last night. It was only a small room, and it was overcrowded almost to danger point, for not only wore the people packed in a solid mass within the room, but scores of them stood round tho single entrance to it. Mr. J. R, Burloy presided. A considerable, number of the supporters of Mr. Fraser were present, and thev began by so disturbing the proceedings that the. chairman had to appeal to the police present to do their dutv. Thero were five officers of the law'present, and they distributed themselves in tho places where most of the noiso was coming from. One or.two men were invited to leave after causing trouble, and,tho result of this firm action was that Mr. Mack, while he did not get a quite peaceful hearing, was at leas? allowed to make his speech. He covered much the samo ground in his address as ho had covered in previous speeches, and when the question time came he had to stand tho usual bombardment. Again the greatest number of the questions, and those asked with the greatest heat, wore those'in which tho allegation was made that Mr. Mack was tho P.P.A. candidate. To all of those questions ho made the same reply as ho had previously given—that lie was not a member of the P.P.A., that ho was not approached by the P.P.A. until be bad decided to 'come out as a candidate, Fnat ho had paid his own nomination fee and his own printing expenses, and that lie took no responsibility for any literature respecting his candidature which had been circulated by the P.P.A.. To other questions he declared that ho was not in favour df State aid for any denominational schools, whethor Protestant or Catholic, ' and that he was not in favour of th> Bible ill schools. ' He also repeated his declaration that he was out to sweep tho liquor traffic out of existence, and that on every opportunity that offered le would give his vote for the abolition of the traffic. It appeared that the questions would have continued until morning unless tho meeting had been closed, and after Mr. Robert Semple had harangued the assemblage on pretence otf asking questions, the chairman declared the meetinir closed, and left the chair. No resolution was submitted. MB. FRASJJiTcAMPAIGN The Labour candidate, Mr. P. Fraser, addressed a well-attended meeting at the Mission Hall, Aro Street, last evening, Mr. A. Parlane .presiding. Mr. I<'ra6er devoted his speech to elaborating tho aims and objects of the Labour Party's platform, and dealt with tho questions of State banks, land taxation, education, and tho questions affecting public servants as enunciated iu the "Public Service Journal." A vote, of thanks and confidence was carried unanimously.

Owing to the stirring nowa that had como about the war the crowds which have usually assembled to hrai tho speeches of candidates in the Post Office Square wcro yesterday not there, or, at any rate, were not in such largo numbers. ' The people had thoughts ■for things more important than the election of a member of t,ha Legislature. . Mr. Atmoro delivered an address "oil the topics on which he had announced that he would speak. Speeches wero delivered on behalf of tho Labour candidate by Messrs. T. Drindlo and H. Holland, M.P., and the candidate, Mr. P. leaser,.also spoko. Mr. H. Atmoro will deliver his last address of tho campaign in tho Willis Street Public Schoolroom at 8 o'clock to-night. * Mr. M. J. Maek will meet his supporters in St. John's. Presbyterian Hall at 8 o'clock this evening. .. The last three meetings in'support of Mr. Peter Fraseifs candidature will be held simultaneously at '8 o'clock tonight as ifollows:—St. Peter's Schoolroom, Alexander Hall, and the Tory .Street Mission Hall. Mr. Fraser will address eacli meeting, and will bo assisted by a number of other speakers.