GENERAL ELECTION

Hokitika Guardian, 23 October 1928, Page 5

GENERAL ELECTION

LABOR CANDIDATES. (By Telegraph—Press Association). GISBORNE, Oct. 23. A. F. Moncur (Labour candidate for Bay of Plenty) for which there has been no contest for many years, addressed the electors at Matawhero, speaking strongly in favour of a State Bank. He dealt with reduction and the Labour land policy. D. W. Coleman (Labour candidate for Gisborne) also spoke, claiming Labour was essentially constitutional. Their land policy they believed, would .benefit the farmer and combat land aggregation. He spoke warmly regarding housing, and said conditions in the country were largely due to the inflow of immigrants brought in by the Government.

HON. K. S. WILLIAMS.

GISBORNE, October 23

Addressing his constituents for the first time since he was elected to Parliament eight years ago, the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. K. S. Williams opened his election campaign at Tokomaru Bay last evening. He defended the Government and contended that people would be unwise to change to a party whose policy was for experimental legislation, which proved disastrous elsewhere. The Minister opposed a State bank, and said the satisfactory conditions in the Dominion’s finances was evidenced by the sticcess of the last loan, while borrowing in the Public Works Department was essential for some years to come.

The aim of the Government was to reduce dead-weight debt, thereby making possible a reduction in taxation. The Reform Party, he said, had done as much as any Government could do to liberalise pensions, and State advances. While opposing a general increase, the pensions policy was further to remove restrictions encouraging thrift and enterprise. State advances, he said, would be restricted more to the needy classes of workers, and the small farmer, while the returned soldiers, who were only, now feeling the effects of their war services must receive first consideration. ;J> .

The Minister referred to unemployment on similar lines and eulogised the work of the Highways Board, in providing access to back blocks settlers.

A vote of thanks and confidence was passed at the termination of the meeting. .

CANDIDATE RETIRES

DUNEDIN, October 23

John Loudon, United candidate for Chalmers, announces his retirement from the contest as he is. unable to subscribe to Sir J. G. Ward’s loan policy.

A NOMINATION. PAHIATUA, October 23. Nomination has been received by the Registrar of Electors, of Joseph Whittle, Kaiwhata, Labour candidate for Pahiatua seat.