THE ELECTIONS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 21, 27 October 1919, Page 6

THE ELECTIONS

HON. J. B. HINE OPENS HIS CAMPAIGN

REPLY TO CRITICS By Telegraph-Press Association. Stratford, October 25. The Hon.'-J. B. Hino, member for Stratford, and Minister of Internal Affairs, opened his political campaign last niKht with an address in which he supported tho policy of the present Government. He said lliat two months ago lie had hoped for a continuance of tho National Government to deal with postwar problems, but it was not to be. lie, etill thought the people- should combino to settle tho Government on a solid basis. Mr. Massey wanted common-sense and business nion returned to Parliament, anil did not demand that they should swear allegiance to himself. Sir Joseph Ward might hayo left tho National Government in order to precipitate a crisis, but the crisis did not arrive. Practically' tho ■ only difference- of opinion in the House had been as regnrds tho accumulated surplus. .Mr. iline went, to some, trouble to prove the falsity of the statement made that Mr. Massey was | resuonsible for the imposition of'tho but-ter-tax. When the tax was imposed Mr. Massey was in England. The tax was imposed by tho National Government ■ When Mr. Massey returned' he saw the unfairness of the tax, and removed it. If the Government of the (lav had paid tho difference in the price of butter out of tho Consolidated Fund, well and good, but the National Government took the course of inflicting a penalty on tho land worked by dairy farmprs. Tho National Government had four years in which to remedy the .matter, but had failed to do so. -Mr. Hine' defended the Government's policy of setting aside sums for four years for education, saving the Government having to raiso loans for the purpose. At the conclusion of tho address a motion of confidence in the Government was passed. THE WAITEMATA SEAT. Auckland, October 25. Mr. C. F. Bickford, in response to a deputation, has agreed to contest the Wiiitemnta seat as an Independent Lil>eral. with personal freedom as regards leadershio and measures. THE LIBERAL CANDIDATE ]?(T,V EGMONT. Eltham, October .15.. Mr. D. L. A. Afitbury has been selecton: as the Liberal candidate for Egmont. Mr. H. ,T. Hughes has withdrawn his candidature. MR, K. B. ROSS FOR PAHIATTJA. Woodville, October 25. At a meeting of delegates held here last night, Mr.. R. ]!. Ross was unanimously chosen as the Liberal candidate for the Pahiatua seat.