MR ARCHER’S POSITION

Hokitika Guardian, 5 December 1925, Page 2

MR ARCHER’S POSITION

CHRISTCHURCH. Dec. 3. Hard things about Reform were said at last night’s Labour rally in Linwood, during tlie speeches at the social evening given by Mr D. (1. Sullivan, memlier for Avon, to his selection committee and friends. Mr J. K. Archer, the Mayor, opened bis remarks by congratulating Mr Sullivan on bis win in Avon. The Reform propaganda at the election was the most disgraceful ill the history of New Zealand. Personally, the speaker would mlbor see the Labour Party defeated than have it sloop to such tactics.

“My wife and I.” said Mr Archer in roiiciiisimi . *‘nre glad to represent the f.al.our Party as .Mayor and Mayoress, and I am a Labour supporter first and Mayor second, fl f had to choose between Labour and the Mayoralty, [ should not hesitate.” Following the Mayor. Mr E. .1. Howard. member for Christchurch South, held that there was nothing for the Labour Party to worry about. Looking at the whole of New Zealand, it was evident that Labour, though defeated, had improved its position, fit Christchurch alone the party had secured an increase of 2200 votes, and in the whole country had improved its position by between 30.000 and 40.000 votes. "You can’t bluff the people for many years.” he said. “The price of this election must be paid by those in power, and I am glad in this sense that Mr Coates has been returned. It i> the first time in the history of New Zealand that a Government has been returned consisting of one man. The Reform advertisements showed that a vote for any Reform candidate, was a vote for Coates. Mr Coales is the Government pure and simple—more simple !” .(La tighter). Continuing. .Mr Howard asserted that he was glad Mr Coates had gone hack with such a large majority, because the “.Man Who Gets Things Done” would have no excuse now tor net getting them done. He would have to pay the price. The test would he so severe, in the speaker's judgment, that the Government would not survive another election. “The Government is so powerful now." he went on. “they have all the power in their hands, and will have nn excuse for not doing things. .Just before polling day they brought down the motherhood endowment >< heme, and now the farmers and the licensed victuallers want the promises made to them fulfilled; the Government is in for a hot time. The Government has got to deliver the goods for those advertisements.”