THE RAGLAN ELECTION

Hokitika Guardian, 26 September 1927, Page 2

THE RAGLAN ELECTION

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association. HAMILTON, Sept. 25. That the people of the Dominion retain warmth for the late Liberal leader was demonstrated by the enthusiastic welcome, which was given to Sir Joseph Ward on bis arrival at Ngaruav.ahia en Saturday, where lie adttrosed about 700 electors in support of Mr T. Piker, the Liberal candidate for Raglan seat.

As Sir Joseph Ward entered, the crowd rose and applauded him, renewing their outburst when he began speaking. Sir Joseph Ward trenchantly criticised the. land policy of the present Government, and he dealt at length with the financial position, which, he said, was rapidly getting from bad to worse. The national debt, he pointed out, now stood at £283,000,000. it having been increased during the past two years by £18,000,C00. The interest on the latter figure had increased by £900.000. Tho whole position called for a close review.

In addition, there had been a shrinkage of £9,000,000 in the value of the Dominion’s exports, while the revenue had decreased and the taxation had increased, it now being greater per capita than for the whole of the Australian States. Sir Joseph Ward said that he was prepared to support the present Government in any measure likely to give the settler tho benefit of cheaper money or of better land tenure. ' HAMILTON. Sept. 25. Speikin" at Raglan. Air W. Lee Martin, the Labour candidate in thcelection. continued to criticise the Reform policy, and lie lias addressed representative gatherings.