POLITICAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3869, 10 November 1928, Page 2

POLITICAL.

* mr. McManaway at foxton. Mr. McManaway, the Independent candidate, addressed about 120 electors, including several Bulls supporters, in the Royal Theatre on Thursday night and received a very patient hearing. The Mayor (Mr. Perreau) presided and in introducing the candidate referred to Mr. McManaway’s connection with local body affairs in the northern part of the district. His friends Avould wish him success in the wider sphere of public service. Mr. McManaway in opening referred to his.services in connection with local body Avorik and the dairying interests. In June last he had been asked to contest the seat and had decided to do so as AN INDEPENDENT but Avould support the Reform Party on a no-confidence motion. There was too much party, ties and pledges which interfered with individual freedom. As an Independent he stood in good company. When he announced his candidature as an Independent he Avas sent for by the heads of the Government. Travelling about the electorate he had been convinced that a change Avas wanted in the man to represent them. He had been prepared to submit his candidature to a tribunal, Avitli the setting up of Avhich he would have nothing to do. If it was then shown that he Avas not wanted he Avould retire. It Avas Avrong to alloAv an elected member to retain a strangle-hold of the electorate as a candidate was only elected for three years. He then referred to the Prime Minister’s eulogistic references to himself, so that there Avas nothing in the cry of vote splitting. They should vote for the man best fitted to represent them. Improvements and requirements had been wanted in the electorate and just before the election these had been promised. Are you going to put up with that political bunk? he said. This was Avhat they Avere up against and the reason for the S.O.S. sent out to the Prime Minister Avhen he (the speaker) took the platform. AGAINST LABOUR POLICY. Mr. McManaway then adversely criticised the Labour Party’s policy Avhich stood for Mie- socialisation of the means of production, distribution and exchange, which Avould never be acceptable. UNITED PARTY’S BAIT. The United Party’s £70,000,000 loan proposal AA'as a bait and Avould only harden up land values Avhich Avould result in a boom and slump. He preferred to rely upon the safe methods of finance as propounded by the Minister of Finance. The candidate spoke in support of the Government. Mr. Coates Avas a capable leader but his cabinet required reconstruction. He touched on the public debt and dealt with the land question at some length and approved the group system of purchase. Provision should be made for settling farmers sons on the land instead of allowing them to drift to the toAAms. He touched on the advances to settlers and quoted figures re land holdings. He defended the raihvays policy and approved the appointment of Mr. Sterling and said the salary paid taking into consideration the capital involved, Avas justified, stating that they had to pay for brains. FLAX INDUSTRY. Dealing with the flax industry, he advocated a sliding scale both up and doAvn and if they could'not dgree upon that basis the parties should go back to the aAvard and stick to it (applause). DUTY ON FLOUR. He Avas opposed to the duty on Australian flour and A\ T heat. Noav Zealand could groAV more bushels of Avheat to the acre than Australia, and had a less handicap in marketing it locally. The duty should be reduced or taken off altogether, he said. (Applause). Education, Health, dental clinics, Government Loan Board Act, HighAvays Boards, hydro-electric scheme were all supported. He approved the Family AlloAvanies Act which, he said, should be administered in a sympathetic manner. QUESTIONS.

In reply to questions he said, he had supported and worked for the Levin-Greatford railway deviation; he was opposed to price-fixing in connection with daily control and supported the Prime Minister’s action; he had been approached to stand as a United Party candidate and had refused; had worked in a flaxmill about 40 years ago; favoured arbitration methods in fixing P. and T. department salaries; but was against a minimum wage; favoured choice of land tenure; was against further immigration until provision was made for absorption on the land. Mr. E. Martin moved a vote of thanks “but as an Independent member had no standing in the House this meeting cannot support an Independent candidate.” The seconder’s voice was not audible to the chairman and a vote of thanks was accorded Mr. McManaway on the motion of Messrs Hornblow and Walker and was carried by acclamation. Mr. McManaway in acknowledging the vote said he hoped an Independent candidate would be acceptable and if elected he would do more for the electorate than what had been done during the past six years. The usual vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the meeting.