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ELECTION CAMPAIGN.

MR JENNINGS AT TE KUITI.

GOVERNMENT DEFENDED

Mr W. T. Jennings, who opened his election campaign at Waitara on Monday, arrive i at Te Kuiti on Wednesday evening and addressed a crowded audience in the Town Hall. The Mayor (Mr J. Boddie), occupied the chair, and there were a number of Mr Jennings' supporters on the platform, including a fair sprinkling of outback settlers.

In opening his address Mr Jennings expressed his pleasure at meeting his Te Kuiti constituents, and touched on the rnarvelluus growth of the town since he first represented it in Parliament nine years ago. The progress evidenced in this district was without parallel in the history of the Dominion, and it was gratifying to see the residents rising to the occasion, and doing all in their power to keep in the van of progress. In giving a brief account of his stewardship for the past three years Mr Jennings dwelt upon the nature of the vast electorate which ho had represented, and pointed out, the enormous amount of work demnaded of a country member. Some idea could be obtained of the labour entailed when it was remembered that not a single road, not a school, not a telephone, nor any one of the other numerous public requirements throughout the vest electorate was obtained wi'-hout effort on the part of the member. This was as it should be, and he did not regret the work, and whatever came in the future he would have the proud consciousness of having been associated with the settlers in working out the destiny of a great and growing district, and of contributing to the happiness and welfare of its people.

With respect to the pre-election promises Mr Jennings said he had consistently, and often under triyng circumstances, faithfully carried out promises made to his constituents. He referred to the land tenure and said he had advocated the freehold tenure even against his party for the past 18 years. In this he placed principle before party and would ever do so. OPPOSITION TACTICS.

Mr Jennings then dealt with representations made by his opponent in the campaign. Personally he started this contest as he had done all his previous campaigns with the fixed intention of having nothing but clean straightforward hitting. Misrepresentation had no place in his campaign equipment, but he was sorry to hear that his opponent had not been so scrupulous in the matter. When his opponent, accompanied by two other gentlemen' journeyed to Wellington as a dpeutation on various local matters he introduced the deputation to the Minister, and obtained an interview, notwithstanding that the date was unsuitable, and not a usual day for receiving deputations. The Minister received the members of the deputation courteously, and the record of the meeting appeared in the Chronicle presumably supplied by one of the party. In the face of this his opponent when speaking at Waitan told an entirely different story, with the obvious intention of injuring both the Minister and himself (the speaker). This was unfair, and he would leave the electors to judge. A3 an instance of further misrepresentation Mr Jennings read a telegram he had jusb received from Matiere. which stated that his opponent denied having been connected with the deputation sent to Wellington with the object of getting the Stratford railway diverted from the Ongarue route. It was well known that Mr Wiison accompanied Messrs Elliott and Wall to Wellington, on the deputation, and the fact was recorded in the pres*. In dealing with the misrepresentation of the Opposition Party Mr Jennings referred to a pamphlet issued by the Reform Party in which it was stated that in 1906 none of the Government members supported Mr Massey in his Advances to Workers Bill. Mr Jennings quoted Hansard to show that no les3 than 10 members of the Government Party, including himself, had voted with Mr Massey on the principle. LIBERALISM AND DEMOCRACY. He was before them that night to defend the of the Liberal and Democratic Party in New Zealand. If he was going down he would go down under the flag of Liberalism and Democracy and he wished the audience to know exactly where he stood. The question was frequently asked: What had the Government done for the country, and complaints without end were continually levelled at the Government by their opponents. The Statute Book, however, could show a rceord of measures such as the Advances to Settlers and Workers Act, Bills to assist local bodies, and a host of other Democratic measures, bitterly opposed at the time by their opponents, but which the Opposition j members now stated would not be re- j pealed if they obtained offise. The Oppoistion Party would have no chance to repeal them. They were in the interests of the people, and had been endorsed by the progressive and educated political thought of the public. (Applause). FINANICAL ADMINISTRATION. With reference to the charge of running the country into debt, Mr Jennings quoted figures to show that since 1906 the public debt had increasedby about twenty millions. Of this almost the whole amount was directly interest bearing, a large portion being absorbed in the Advances to Settlers and Workers, Loans to Local Bodies, and reproductive public works. Notwithstanding the increase, which he contended was fully warranted, the amount per head of public indbetedneas vvich in 3006 was 28s per head of popua'tion was, in 1911, ISs per head, These figures spoke for themselves as to the manner in which the country's finances were being administered. As a matter of fact the Opposition were rapidly realising that a borrowing policy was neces-

asry and the leading members of that party had voted against a resolution moved by one of their own younger members with a view to reducing the borrowing proposals. Tne Opposition now took refuge in charges of extravagance, and declared the country would be taxed out of existence. Mr Jennings quoted figures to show that the increase of two millions in Government expenditure during the past iive years was more than compensated fur by the greatly increased revenue. The figures against the Government were always quoted but it would be noticed the figures on the right side of the ledger were not mentioned. The matter was purely one of business administration. As population increased, and the responsibilities of the State grew, increased expenditure was bound to ensue, and as long as the revenue increased in greater proportion it was sound and progressive business. This was the history of every successful private business and would be the history of the Government business as long as the Liberal Tarty had charge of it. The assets of the country were enormous, and were steadily increasing. Since 1902 the unimproved values had gone up from 95 millions to 175 millions, an increase of 83 per cent. Improvements had increased from 59 millions to 102 millions, a rise of 71 per cent. Trade had gone from 24 milliuns to 39 millions, and bank deposits from 15 millions in 1900 to 24 millions in 1911. These great increases gave an indication of the progress of the Dominion, and were a direct contradiction to the statements of their opponents.

A PROGRESSIVE GOVERNMENT

In dealing with the charge that the Government was inept and non-pro-gressive Mr Jennings referred to the setting aside of education endowments, reduced customs duties, the reduction of hours and increased wages of the railway staff, the superannuation scheme, increased death duties, the widening of the scope of the old age pension scheme to include widows left with young children, and various other progressive Government measures. CORRUPTION CHARGES. The speaker briefly referred to the charges of corruption with which members of the Opposition had endeavoured to associate the Government, and claimed that the public life of New Zealand had been singularly clean. He instanced the records of leaders of both shades of politics who had piloted the country at various times, and paid a high trbiute to them for their disinterested work. COST OF LIVING.

AM around was heard the cry as to the increased cost of living; and the truth of the statement was apparent to all. The experience, however, was not peculiar to New Zealand; it was world wide, and constituted rather too great an economic problem to deal with that night. However, it could be said the standard of living was higher all round and if that was the reason he had no fault to find. He hailed with gratification the uplifting of the people to a higher and healthier place. The higher the standard, the higher would' be the objective, and the nobler the guiding principles of the people. (Applause) The speaker quoted figures to show that in reorganising the tariff the Government had reduced the duties on necessaries by £765,000, and increased the duties on luxuries by £946,000 placing the burden of taxation on those best able to bear it. MILITARY TRAINING.

The speaker advocated the merits of compulsory military training, and held that it inculcated in youths the virtues of self-control and discipline. Wc had every right, moveover, to consider posterity and lay well the foundations of self defence which were bound to be urgently necessary in days to come. Only a thoroughly trained people cuuld hope to be able to protect their homes against any organised attack, and who could say that such an attack would not be made. In referring to the Dreadnought gift, Mr Jennings met with considerable interruption from the body of the hall, lie maintained that the expenditure was justifiable in every sense. It had also the support of the Oppoistion, who in their endeavours to find fault could not only cavil at the manner in which the gift was made. He held that the Prime Minister was justified in his_ action. Sir Jospeh Ward was a Privy Councillor, and as such was conversant with many confidential matters which could not be disclosed. The Prime Minister was directed in his action greatly by private information, and the influence of the action thoroughly justified it. We were part and parcel of a great Empire, and looked to the Home navy for protection. Great Britain contributed per head of population ISa lid to th- navy. New Zealand's contribution was 8s lid per head. The cost to the country of the Dreadnought in interest and sinking fund was Is lid per head and if he was asked to vote on the question to-mor-row he would support the gift. (Applause.) LAND SETTLEMENT.

In dealing with land settlement Mr Jennings said they were Jill acquainted with the conditions which had retarded the settlement of the North Island. However, settlement waa taking place very rapidly by a vigorous community, and before many years there would be little left to settle. In Taranaki the Crown held 241,000 acres 41,000 of which could he set aside owing to climatic and other disabilities. Of the remainder {15,000 acres were under survey, and 45,000 were thrown open. This indicated the rapidity with which the Government was dealing with the land. Maori lands in the same province comprised 025,000 acres of which 100,000 acres were disposed of under the act of 1004 and 70,000 acres were being surveyed for sale and lease. NATIVE LANDS. With respect to the rating of native lands Mr Jennings claimed that a great point had been gained by the placing of the Bill on the Statute

Book, and read an opinion from the Solicitor General to the effect that the Bill made full provision for placing the -liability for rates on Native land, and the Native Minister had no power

of veto in the matter. In Waitomo County this made a difference of over £•300,000 in valuation and an incease in rates of £9ll under present conditions. LOCAL REQUIREMENTS. In referring to local requirements the speaker said tnat progress had been so rapid that it was ditiicult for Departmental heads to grasp the urgency of many matters brought hefore them. He had done his very best for the district and congratulated Te Kuiti on the acquisition oi' at, least some of its urgent necessary services. The future of the place wa* undoubtedly bright and attention should bo paid by the citizens to the natural advantages of the place. The district was replete with-Tenic beauties which out-rivalled anything else- in the Hominion. Go where you would and Scenic wonders met the eye. Bush and hill, gorge and river, and the wonderful Wntiomo Caves were all assets of great value, and the knowledge of their beauties should be circulated widely.

Mr Jennings in referring to roads and bridge requirements and the way the matter was handled by the Government, said he felt certain that a mistake had been made in abolishing the Roads Department and incorporating it with the Pubilc Works. Intimate local knowledge on the part of engineers and overseers was necessary in order to reasonably meet the settlers' requirements, and the power to act promptly in an emergency was also necessary. However, the policy was to place the responsibility of getting the worK done on the Local Bodies and he trusted the people would loyally assist the local body in carrying out the work. As far as be »vas concerned personally he had done. his utmost in having money voted and placed on the Estimates. A voice: "Will it be spent?" Mr Jennings: "Your work is to see that it is."

Continuing, the speaker said where he had got money placed on the Estimates it was the duty of those interested to see that it was expended. The Member for such a large district could hardly be expected to be conversant with the manner in which all the votes were treated and he trusted to the people to acquaint him with their requirements. He advised them to keep in close touch with the County Council which was doing much of the work and would in the near future be controlling practically the whole of the expenditure. The policy of the people should be to assist the member in these matters; not to sit quiet and blame him afterwards. He claimed that whatever creed or colour a man might hold or be he was always ready and willing to extend a helping hand to assist him. That had been his steady policy as a member, and he would be a political cur if he acted otherwise. Mr Jennings then cited instances in which he had been instrumental in righting grievances of road workers who had performed vrork without authority and had no legal claim for payment. Though his representations sums had been placed on the Estimates to pay the men and like course had been followed in the case of a settler who hod sustained a heavy loss through the misappropriation of an advance from the Government by the settlers' solicitor. This showed clearly that the Government desired to protect the people and prevent hardship even when no legal responsibility existed. (Applause.) In conclusion Mr Jennings made a strong appeal to the audience to uphold the flag of Liberalism and Democracy. All he aksed was to be judged fairly and squarely and felt that the spirit of justice and fairness which animated the people would prevail. Hn confidently left the issue of the contest in their hands. (Applause). QUESTIONS.

At the conclusion of the speech the chairman called for questions and a number were submitted.

In reply to a query as to whether, seeing that the Auckland Drainage Board had agreed to abolish sub-con-tracts, would he bo in favour of abolishing co-operative work. Mr Jennings said he would not do so entirely. Such cases should be judged on thier merits. In bad times and in case? of industrial stress the co-operative system had been an immense benefit lo the people. However, where it was not necessary to serve such a purpose and work could be done better by contract he would advocate the contract. system. As to whether he would support a Bill to return railway iiwo* to the same level as existed before the recent increase. Mr Jennings said that generally speaking he was strongly in favour of giving the greatest and cheapest possible facilities both in fares and goods traffic to people in outlying centres. The railway business was large and the regulations rather intricate Cor anyene outside the department to dee.! with. Asked as to whether he was willing to support the giving of Tangitu settlers and others a speedy title to their lands in order to enable them to finance. Mr Jennings said he was pleased to state that the settlers could get their titles any time they applied for them, providing they had complied with conditions. The Commissioner for Crown Lands had informed him to this effect only a few days

ago. '"Mr Ilowarth. secretary of TeKuiti Racing Club, said he had been requested to ask the candidate if lie. would oppose any measure which tended to interfere with the spurts and pastimes of the people.--Mr •>ennings referred to his efforts in the House in the interest of country clubs, and said he hail consistently supported he a 11; h y and legit im a! o ,•- \< or t an d would continue to do so. Recent legislation sacrificed the country centres for tinsake of the cities.

In reply as to whether he would support a no-confidence motion against

any Ministry that. refused to grant !ne:il oution (o the Kohe Pofae mid

place il on an c<ji;:il fontine wit!) t.hi rest ul' the Dominie:). Mr .1 mm in;r.-

in the Licensine. I'' i! to that eh eel an i had received no so p. ■or!, from Mr Mss-ow and hi-= followers.

fjlleafioiii-d as ! o his view's oil hind tenure, the candidate sai 1 iiis advocacy of the fr. •. Isds was ino well known to r; noire :•. eapi to la I i..n. He

!bon;;!ii leasehold shmiU lie a := t " Ji)) i n |rstone to freehold on fair condil ions, lie had numb to say in favour o! the deferred payment system, and also (ho O.K.P. lie was pleased (.. say that, a Pill ;;i v ins; pnwi r for the compulsory ac i-iiisil ion of na! ive bmds in the same

mains, r as Kuropea:i had met with favour in (he il.nise. ile had aupnorled il and believed the principle to he right.

A number of other questions dealing with native land matters were a'so dealt with" hy Mr Jennings. A vote of thanks and confidence moved hy Mr Scholca (chairman of the Waitomo County Council), and secaneled hy Mr T. Williams, met willi no amendment, and was carried on the voicea.

A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting.

At Otorohanga on Thursday night Mr W. T. Jennings addressed a large audience, Mr C. J. Johnston presiding. The speech waa on the. same lines as that delivered at Te Kuiti the night befoie. On the /notion of Mr W. Vicary, seconded by Mr 11. Osmond, a vote of thanks and confidence was accorded Mr Jennings, after which he was enthusiastically cheered. Mr Jennings on Thursday «poke at Kawa and Puketarata, on Friday at Otewa and Waitomo, a large number of settlers attending, and in all instances a vote of thanks and renewed confidence was accorded the candidate.

This morning Mr Jennings was at Hangatiki. He returns by the 4 p.m. irain and will address tho lady electors shortly afterwards.

ELECTION DAY

[llY TKl,K<;ilAl*lT. —I'UKSS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, This Day. It is understood that the general election will be held on December 7 th. MR MOSS RETIRES PROM PARNELL. Auckland, This Day. Mr Moss has, owing to ill-health, retired from the Parnell contest, and the Opposition will support Mr Dickson, who is an Independent Liberal.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/KCC19111104.2.14

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 411, 4 November 1911, Page 5

Word count
Tapeke kupu
3,297

ELECTION CAMPAIGN. King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 411, 4 November 1911, Page 5

ELECTION CAMPAIGN. King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 411, 4 November 1911, Page 5

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