POLITICAL PILOTS

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 22 May 1914, Page 3

POLITICAL PILOTS

The Next Session

On the near approach of next sitting of Parliament, politics are becoming absolutely flat, stale and unstable. During the recess the whole Dominion has been unduly treated to meetings of Pilots of all sorts of colours and, conditions, brought about through the tactics of the ~{ Opposition in assailing the Reform Government, and making many charges and unwholesome hits which had to be rebutted by the Reform Party, causing a . regular chase all over the various - by organised speakers who think they have gained much solid ground thereby. Both sides are- jubilent, at anyrate, of their efforts, and make * ■ no mean attempt of their achievements. Parliament meets next monjr for business, but ere that Sir JGoeph Ward and Hon Mr Massey, Premier, are expected to visit this end of the North. It will be a pleasure to listen to the two lions. * * * The Wanganui Seat At a largely-attended meeting of delegates of the New Zealand, Reform League one day last week Mr H. V. Speed, of Upokongaro, Wanganui, was selected as the Government candidate for the Waimarino seat at the forthcoming election. There were three aspirants for the honour, and the two not selected stated they would do all in their power to assist the selected candidate. Over £60 was subscribed in the room toward the expenses of Mr Speed's candidature. * * * Proposed Electoral Reform When asked at his meeting at the Thames why the Government did not introduce a Proportional Representation Bill in regard to the election of members of the House of Representatives, the Prime Minister said that the Government had already introduced a Bill providing for the election of the Legislative Council on this system. If they were going to retain the Upper House as a revisory Chamber they could not. elect two Houses by means of the same system. ■::- *- x Bay of Islands Waking-up The adherents of the Opposition in the Bay of Islands are displaying a considerable amount \ of activity at present, and are '•--■"■' making preparations for the trial of strength in December. Last, week a meeting of Kawakawa v Liberals was held, Mr Fred. ■**_. Goodhue presiding over a good .L attendance. After a lengthy ■' *^- discussion on the position and prospects of the party in the constituency, it was decided to form an organisation to be called the Kawakawa and Waipuna Progressive Liberal League, and * 24 members were enrolled. Mr Fred Goodhue was elected president, Mr .Jas. McKeown vicepresident, and Mr W. Smith secretary, "and a strong working committee was appointed. It was resolved to hold a meeting at Waipuna to organise the Waipuna branch, and also to undertake a vigorous canvass for members. As it is understood Sir Joseph Ward will pay a visit to the North in a few weeks' time, a warm invitation was extended to him to visit the Bay of Islands, and arrangements were made for welcoming him and for his nddressing the electors. Mr Denehy, the Liberal organiser, visit the district shortly, and will aid in the organising work. — " Luminary."