District News.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 23 October 1912, Page 2

District News.

EVENTS IN SHANNON. (Chronicled by Our Resident Representative).

Mr G. Fowlds, on behalf of the United Labour party and by invitation addreesed ti meeting in the Druids' Hall on Monday night. The attendance was not so large as could have been expected.

Mr T. Lind, who occupied the chair, introduced the speaker and stated that after tho address questions could be asked relating tot-he I'niteu Labour platform. Mr Kowlds made what lie called an economic address rather than a political speech, his mission being of an educative nature. Education, land tenure and taxation, State banks and extended medical aid were the principal planks of the United platform. The speaker made an exhaustive explanation of the proposed land tenure and taxation proposals of the party. The enormous rise in land values, it had been cantended by tne Reform party and the President of the Farmers' Union, were due to inventions such as the freezer and separator, and one of the Reform leaders had gone further and stated that it was the buyers of our produce in England who made the rise in the value of the land. Mr. Fowld said he was glad these reformers or sham-reformers had admitted these things.§§He would now ask: Did the landowners invent or make the inventions and tinder what right could they claim all the extra values created by these V A similar question might be asked about the buyers of our produce in England. Jt was certain that the landowners did not .reate the enormous rise in land values themselves or by their own effort. The speaker quoted figures extensively to show how much the increase of values had risen and how the few participated in what had been created by many. At the conclusion Mr. Fowlds was warmly applauded. Several questions were asked and satisfactorily answered. A resolution of thanks to Mr Eowlds for his speed), and confidence in the United Labour platform was carried unanimously.

invited till those who wished to join a branch of the United Labour Party to remain A good number remained and a branch of the party was formed.

-A. 11 is well on the Potomac! The workers of the outlying mills have gone for a holiday of " protest," but Miramui and Weka mills are puffing away as usual. The most particular part of the business is that the majority of the men who are taking the day off vehemently state that it is an idiotic proceeding, and when questioned why tliey are taking part in the idiotic proceeding simply say '"Oh, well, you see there are the other fellows who wanted it and we must go with them." Save a few of the Tokomaru men there is no enthusiasm in the "day off" for rest. Miranui is firm, and before many more days are over Whitanui will be equally as firm. The formation of a new Union, to include Miranui, Whitanui and Weka mills is on the cards, the proposed new Union to be entirely free from the Federation of Labour.

The Girls' Sunshine Guild Sale of Work, realised over £20 nett. This is a nice little sum, but the great benefit is the instruction given to the girls in the making of garments and the use of the needle generally. We want more ladies like Mrs Carter, the president and instructress of the Guild. More doers and less vapour.