POLITICAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 October 1925, Page 1

POLITICAL.

AIR SEDDON AT KUMARA

-Mr T. E. V. Seddon continuing his election campaign spoke at the Alemorial Hall, Kumara, on Saturday evening. There were upwards of one hundred present, the Mayor (Afr A. B. Spiers) occupying the chair. Air Seddon, who received an attentive hearing spoke for about an hour and a half. He outlined the platform of the National Party at length, and urged, the necessity of closely watching the public works expenditure, especially that on new railways. .Matters dealing with the timber industry were referred to and considerable attention and criticism, was given to the Labour Party’s policy. When question time came the candidate was bombarded with questions by Messrs Hart and Biddingtoii. The former enquired as to tho reason why the AVest la lid Hospital Board had declined to join with other AVest Coast Hospital Boards in the erection of a laboratory on the West Coast. To this Mr Seddon replied that lie did not know the reasons to cause the Board to make the decision they had. but presumed as they were capable men that they had fit and proper reasons for

their action. In reply to a query why AL - O’Brien did not .got credit for what lie had done in regard to a vote of 11000 for the Grey Old Peoples' Home, Air Seddon outlined the whole course of the proceedings from the time when Mr Guinness had gol the

title to the Old Peoples’ reserve changed, following the application by himself (Mr Seddon) when member, to Air Xoswortliv which had resulted, following a .letter written by the Chairman of the Grey Hospital Hoard (Air J. Hannan) in a vote of £IOOO, and in which the only action taken was the presentation of the latter by AJr O’Brien. That in regard to the Zinovieff letter at the time of the general election in England which Air Hart declared was a myth, he (Mr Seddon) stated that Air Austen Chamberlain had publicly stated, and it had not been contradicted, that lie had ample proof of the authenticity of the letter and lie (Afr Seddon) was quite satisfied to accept Mr Chamberlain’s statement against Air Hart’s. In reply to Mr Biddingtoii, Mr Seddon said lie repeated his protest against the teachings of some of the “ Sunbeams” articles in the “Argus” and read the one he had referred to in a previous speech. Other questions were dealt with. Thou Air Beiiyon moved a vote of tliutiks and confidence in Air Seddon, praising his past services to the district. ..Mr John Murdoch seconded and Air Walter Hvcnden who rose at the same time to second the motion, expressed his pleasure at endorsing the terms of the resolution. Mr Hart moved an amendment that this meeting heartily thanks Air Seddon for bis address but expresses its j confidence in Air O’Brien as the member for Westland. Seconded by .Mi l Hunt. The amendment: was put and lost, I | there being a number of ayes at the I back of the ball, which were well i swamped bv the lines. The- motion was M then nut and carried without a dissen- I tient voice, amidst applause. |j Air Seddon in returning thanks said there had been a series of questioning I ( at bis recent meetings that was tin-1 | douhtedly part of an organised plan to endeavor to upset bis meetings, I which he regretted and deplored, as it 1 could only cause unnecessary feeling L and would lead to retaliation if it j

were continued. He moved a vote n thanks to the Mayor for presiding which was carried by acclamation. nv TKr.Kon.trn—eßKsa assn., coi'ybtoiit. ASHBURTON. Oct. 17. Mr J. W. Harle has decided to reenter the contest for Ashburton, at the request of a meeting of the Labour representation committee, at which Christchurch delegates attend