RAGLAN ELECTION

Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1927, Page 2

RAGLAN ELECTION

THE LABOUR CANDIDATE. PUKEKOIIE, Sept. 13. The suggestion that the Government in response to financial support at the last election, had favoured other interests against t.lie farmers,, was made by Air AY. Lee Alartin, tho official ;Lal>our .candidate for tJie R.aglan seat. Sn his opening address at Pukooware to-night. He charged the Government with betraying farmers by undermining dairy control and stifling the rural credits scheme. Mr Martin spoke much on the financial difficulties of the farmers. Last year was a most difficult time for most people, he said, hut the Bank of New Zealand paid a record dividend. The Government had betray - ed its election pledges by increasing taxation. He quoted figures to show that the number of people on the land was 9000 less than two years ago, but in spite of this and the reduction in the number of dairy cows, production had increased. This clearly showed that the farmers were maintaining the country, and not the lawyers, bankers, and other professional men, but vet farmers were recom : \ mended by the Prime Minister to work harder and by the Hon J. A. Young and others to give the keys of their cars to their bankers and to avoid buying wireless outfits. City folk could have all these advantages, wliic-h were begrudged to farmers. ATr Martin said that if a candidate such as himself,, a farmer, was returned, the Labour party would lie further helped toward its policy for making life on tho land more attractive and arresting the drift to the towns. The Labour party would legislate to compensate fanners for the hardship and toil of farm life. The candidate and Mr AY. J. Jordan, ALP.. stressed the fact that the result of the by-election could not alter the position of tho parties in tho House of Representatives, but said the issue at stake was whether tlio electors were satisfied with the Government.

In reply to a question. Air Alartin said he was not concerned with wliat land tenure obtained, provided the land was occupied and not held for sp cc ula ti ve p imposes. The meeting, which was poorly attended, carried a vote expressing thanks to the speakers and lack of confidence in the, Government. SUPPORTED BY AIINERS. HUNTLY. Sept. 13. Tho report that the miners’ unions in the Raglan electorate might withhold their support from tho official Labour leandidato is 'denicld tin a, statement made by Air AA r . Nash, secretary of the New Zealand Labour party. He says tlio secretary of the Glen Afton Miners’ Union has tele■gi'aphad to the national executive of the Labour Party, saving the Glen Afton miners’ executive, unanimously endorse the candidature of Air Leo Martin, and repudiate rinyj ijuggention of supporting any other candidate. Air Lee Martin’s candidature has been endorsed by executives of all miners’ unions in the Waikato.