Mr. W. H. Field Interviewed

Horowhenua Chronicle, 27 March 1914, Page 3

Mr. W. H. Field Interviewed

POLITICALLY' INDEPENDENT. To a question put to Mr W. 11. Jb'ield. by a representative of this paper as to whether ho intended being a candidate for the- Otaki seat next election, he replied as follows: — "Yes, most decidedly. That has been my iixed intention ever since the 1911 election, and with that view 1 have been keeping a close watch on political developments. "When 1 entered Parliament over fourteen years ago, I joined the Liberal party, then led by the late Mr Seddon. At that time the Opposition was ,to a vovy large extent, a Conservative body, but as the years have gone by their •policy has become substantially liberalised, until recently the difference between the two opposing sides has been largely on of leadership. How widely their respective- policies may diverge in the future remains to be seen. The new Liberal policy is as yet undisclosed.

"Tho Ward Government went out in 1912, and was followed by the short-lived McKenzie Cabinet, whom the Massey Government succeeded some twenty months ago. Mr Massey holds broad and liberal views. He has adopted, and to some extent developed, the liberal measures of previous Governments, and I trust that he will adhere to this course. I am, as a strong freeholder, particularly gratified at his granting the fee* simple to Crown tenants. "It will be remembered that when standing iu 1911 I reserved to myself the utmost freedom of action. My present position is that of independence, 'ind my political views have undergone no material change whatever"

Asked what in his opinion the principal needs of the country at the present time are, Mr Field replied :- <c (a) A progressive; policy on moderate liberal lines—evolution not revolution. "(b) Economy in public expenditure. "(c) Encouragement ol population of the right kind. r '(d) Land settlement, including the opening up of largo landed holding, whether Crown", native or European. "(o The fullest measure of justice to workers, including State servants, and the application of the Arbitration Act to industrial disputes. "(f) An abundance, of cheap State money for advances lo sliders, workers and local bodies, such moneys to be available to pay off existing mortgagees at high rales of interest, as well as for new loans. "(g) Effective measure to reduce the cost of living. "(h) Suppression of trusts, combines and monopolies. "(i) Opening up of new markets, both British and foreign, for our produce. "(j) A complete system of rural education. "In addition there its still much crying out to be done for the improvement of the physical,~ mental and social wellbcing of the community.

"In our own district the chief requirements are a substantially improved railway service, a level and double line of railway, ana also a much improved, and, where possible, a level road from Wollijigton to Palmerston North, the Levin-Greatford railway, and the control of the Foxtqn wharf by the Foxton Harbour Board, with the. improvement and development of the port of Foxton as a natural consequence. "I have been pressed more than once to stand for another constituency, but have refused. lam informed that a larp-e majority of the people are satisfied that T represented tho Otaki district faithfully, and it is my desire to represent it again, i.e. if a majority of tho people- wan! me, as I am assured thev d 0 .,.