POLITICAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 438, 29 September 1908, Page 3

POLITICAL.

A Question for Candidates.

Wellington, September 27

A largely-attended public meeting at Petone passed unanimously the following resolution: “That this meeting affirms that in the interests of good government and the moral welfare of the community it is desirable that the following question be put to every candidate at the general election, ‘ If elected, will you support legislation making it a criminal offence to influence the votes at any time prior to any local option poll by means of fraud, falsehood, misrepresentation, by any form of deception, printed or otherwise, either for or against any of the issues on the local option ballot paper ? ’ ”

The first meeting of Mr John Stevens’ Rongotea committee was held in the Coronation Hall on Saturday evening. There were about twenty present, also Mr Torn Nicholas, who gave an address. Mr H. Ehrhorn, last year’s chairman, was again elected chairman, and Mr R. Beattie secretary. A strong committee was formed, with power to add to their number. Mesdames Beattie and Holbrooke were elected to form a ladies’ committee. The committee decided to meet on Tuesday night of each week at 7 p.ra., at Kobersteiu’s commercial boarding-house.

The Wanganui Chronicle has authority for stating that Mr George Hutchison, ex-M.P. for Patea, will be a candidate for Wanganui at the general election, in opposition to the present Government. AN AMUSING SPEECH. Mr. J. E. Retter, the third Go; vernment candidate to come out for the Hurunui seat, promises to provide some of the fun that is sadly lacking from political compaigns nowadays. Speaking at Amberley on Friday, he said it was time something was done to help and encourage the men with the family of three or four. Men had told him that the wages they earned did not provide proper food for their families. If this was the case the population must go down. (A voice: “ Give them a bonus ! ”) Yes, that was what he proposed. He would give a bonus for every child after the first, (Loud applause and laughter.) It was every man’s duty to raise one child at his own expense. 'Renewed laughter.) He estimated that it cost £250 to rear a child to the age of fourteen. He proposed that the Government should give a yearly bonus of 503. for every child after the first. (A voice: “ Not enough to buy boots.”) In addition he would have a doctor provided free for interesting occasions. (Applause.) It would be better thus to encourage an increase of population than to bring in immigrants. He declared himself in favour of taxing both bachelors and spinsters, the former £1 and the latter 10s. each per annum. He would raise the salaries of members of Parliament, but would make them do more for their money. He thought they should act as inspectors to see that various Acts were properly carried out. At the close of the meeting, which lasted three hours, and was marked by much laughter aud many interruptions, the audience had a surprise sprung on them in the form of a collection to defray the candidate’s expenses. A hat passed round yielded 5s 9d in coppers and small coin, and a quantity of rubbish dredged from the pockets of the electors.

The Public Works Statement was discussed yesterday afternoon and last night, and the first item was agreed to. The House rose at 2.40 a.m.