THE OTAKI SEAT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1226, 28 March 1914, Page 3

THE OTAKI SEAT.

MR FIELD’S POSITION,

WILL STAND AS AN IN-

DEPENDENT,

To a question put to Mr W. H. Field by a representative of this paper as to whether he intended being a candidate for the Otaki seat next election he replied as follows ;

“Yes, most decidedly. That has been my fixed intention ever since the 1911 election, and with that view I have been keeping a close watch on political developments. When I entered Parliament, more than fouiteen years ago, I joined the Liberal Party, then led by the late Mr Seddon. At that time the Opposition was, to a very large extent, a conservative body, but as the years have gone by they have become substantially liberalised, until recently the difference between the two opposing sides has been largely one of leadership. How widely their respective policies may diverge in the future remains to be seen. The new Liberal policy is as yet undisclosed. The Ward Government went out in 1912, and was lollowed by the short-lived McKenzie Cabinet, whom the Massey Government succeeded some twenty months ago, Mr Massey holds broad and liberal views. He has adopted, and to some extent further developed, the liberal measures of previous Governments, and I trust that he will adhere to this course. I am, as a strong freeholder, particularly gratified at his granting the fee simple to crown tenants. It will be remembered, that when standing in 1911 I reserved to myself the utmost freedom of action. My present position is that of independence, and my political views have undergone no material change whatever.” Asked what in his opinion the principal needs oi the country at the present time are, Mr Field replied ; (a) A progressive policy on moderate liberal lines —evolution not revolution.

(b) Economy in public expenditure.

(c) Encouragement of population of the right kind. (d) Hand settlement, including the opening up of large landed holdings, whether crown, native or European. (e) The fullest measure of justice to workers, including State servants and the application of the Arbitration Act to industrial disputes.

(f) An abundance of cheap State money for Advances to Settlers, Workers and Focal Bodies, such moneys to be available to pay off existing mortgages at high rates of interest as well as for new loans.

(g) Effective measure to reduce the cost of living. (h) Suppression of trusts, combines and monopolies, (i) Opening up of new maikets both British and foreign for our produce. (j) A complete system of rural education. In addition there is still much crying out to be done for the improvement of the physical, mental and social well-being of the community. In our own district the chief requirements are a substantially improved railway service, a level and double line, and also a much improved, and where possible a level road from Wellington to Palmerston North ; the Levin - Foxton - Greatford railway and the control of the Foxtou wharf by the Foxton Harbour Board with the improvement and development of the port of Foxton as a natural consequence, I have been pressed more than once to stand for another constituency but have refused. lam Inlormed that a large majority of the people are satisfied that I represented the Otaki district faithfully, and it is my desire to represent it again l.e. if a majority of the people want me, as I am assured they do.