POLITICAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1079, 7 December 1911, Page 3

POLITICAL.

There was an attendance of between 300 and 400 at the Coronation Hall on Tuesdav night, when Mr W. FI. Field, Liberal candidate, addressed the electors. Hi- Worship the Mayor (Mr G. H. Stiles) presided. After brie! references to his opponents, xMr Field went on to deal with the policy o! the Government. It was claimed by the Opposition that the Liberal Party were asking to be returned on their past work and had no policy for the future. He read a list of measures that the Liberal Party proposed bringing forward in the future, and asked, in the face of that, how it could be said that they had no policy. Mr Field repeated his previously - reported statements with reference to the national debt. The only increase of the non-interest beariug portion of the debt during the past 2t years was about five and a-half millions. The people who said so much about the increased public exnoniiture did not mention the increased revenue, which, he claimed, more than compensated for the increased expenditure. Dealing with the laud question, the speaker said that as far as large holdings were concerned the Otaki electorate had less than in a number of other districts. It was quite untrue, as stated by the Opposition, that large holdings were increasing—the very opposite was the true state of affairs. Mr Field also dealt with a number of other questions, and claimed credit for the Government lor reducing tire insurance premiums, price of coal, etc. The speaker briefly touched on the question of the Foxton Harbour Board and the Levin-Greatford railway, and said if elected he would do his utmost to further both these projects. In conclusion, Mr Field said he had represented the district lor twelve years in Pat Lament, and he thought he bail done so faithfully. Fie was anxious to continue the work he had com menced, and il elected promised to do his very best. Mr F'ieki, who received a "atieut hearing throughout, was frequently applauded. UUESTIONS.

In reply to questions, the candidate said he favoured a three-fifths majority ou the licensing question. He did not think if the I.i.p. leaseholders were to acquire the freehold of their sections the Government could expect to get much more than the original value. He favoured compulsory military training, but thought it would only be a reasonable thing to repeal that section of the Defence Act that provided that the military could be called out to fire ou strikers. Was in favour of the Arbitration Act, but thought the President should be a business man instead of a Judge. Had voted against certain amendments to the Mining Act, but could not remember at the moment on what grounds he had opposed same, but would look into the matter and advise his questioner later. Admitted having voted against the Government on a no-confidence motion, hut had done so on account oi a pledge given at the previous election to support the freehold. A number of other questions were also answered.

A motion was proposed by Mr G. VVhibley that the candidate be accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his address.

Mr J. Hannah moved an amendment to the effect that Mr F'ield be accorded a hearty vote 01 thanks for his address, but that this meetiug has no confidence iu the present Government. On being put the amendment was lost.

Mr E. Whibley then moved as a uuther amendment that the candidate be accorded a very hearty vole of thanks for his interesting address, and that this meeting is ot opinion that the time n is arrived when this electorate should be represented in Parliament by a Labour member. This amendment was also lost. Mr T. Bowe then moved a further amendmeut to the effect that the caudidale be accorded a vote of thanks and confidence, aud this was accorded. Mr P. Henuessy, chairman of the Foxton Harbour Board theu addressed the meeting. He said he wished the audience to under stand that the Government was not antagonistic to the Harbour Board, but was really prepared to assist them.

Mr Gardener, Mayor of Levin, also spoke. He referred fo the necessity of having the finances of the Harbour Board put ou a satisfactory looting, as it was iu the interests ol the whole of the district that the F'oxton harbour should be improved. lie paid a tribute to the good woik of Mr Newman, member lor Manawatu, iu connection with lire Harbour Board, and also on account of the proposed Levin Gteatfoid railway. He urged the resuscitation ol the Foxton Chamber of Commerce, stating that bodies of this kind could, aud had done, a great deal to further the interests of the district. Fie concluded by hoping that which ever candidate was relumed as the member for Otaki at the forthcoming election he would keep hammering away ou these two important questions.

The meeting concluded with a hearty vote of thanks to the chair, proposed by Mr Field, aud carried by acclamation.