THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

Otaki Mail, Volume 27, 7 November 1919, Page 3

THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

THE OTAKI SEAT. i • A meeting of Mr W. H. Field's supporters was held at the Druids' Hall, i Otaki, last night, when a goodly num- , bor assembled. Mr Field explained his political position with regard to the broad issues of the day, and took his supporters into his confidence with rei gard to his attitude. He also discussed details of campaign work. After a general discussion, those pre- ■ sent were constituted a. committee, with power to add to their number, to advance Mr Field's candidature. Mr W. Tompsitt was elected chairman, and Mr H. Froeman secretary. The committee ! will meet next Monday night, j Mr Field intends to isticet his sup- ! porters at" Levin on Monday night next, j and will probably commence his series of public addresses on Tuesday next, j starting at Levin. ; Owing to being unable to secure the i local hall sooner, Mr Field's Otaki adI dress will not be held before to-night 1 week, 14th inst. *

MR MA6DONALD AT KOPtJTABOA Afc Koputaroa last night Mr Evelyn Macdonald received a very encouraging reception. It being the occasion of a farewell social to Mr J. Perry, a very old resident, tho speech was curtailed. Eeferring to the priees being paid for good land, which was limited in New Zealand, tho speaker warned his hearers of tho dangers resulting from over-inflated land values, which, combined with social disturbances, and partly the cause of them, -might result in the far-seeing and the foolish falling in tho soup together. To avert this a really progressive policy, must bo given effect to. Every reasonable grievanco must have fair consideration and a remedy. The interests of the working farmer and other workers wore practically identical. The N.Z. Labour Party was foolish to have forced the pace and broken the combination of

< Liberal and Labour. A party, like an ' individual, although having wisdom, ' right and foresight on its side, could

i not expect to have its views wholly J adopted at once by the other side. Men I might assume principles, but character was important in those who adminis-

tered them. He stressed the need of a complete overhaul and reconstruction of the machinery of, government; claimed that the office of GovernorGeneral was more ornamental than useful; condemned the recent increases to high-salaried public officers, while making little improvement in the lower grades; urged a wide extension of maternity and nursing homes, and the establishment of children's temporary homes; claimed that with better .administration a great amount of practical good could be done without extravagant expenditure, and claimed that there was extravagance now.

Mr Macdonald spoko quickly and effectively for half an hour, and a very hearty vote of thanks was carried to the candidate.

Mr J. McKenzie, Labour candidate for Otaki, will commence his campaign addresses next week.

Mr J. J. McGrath, who was announced as a candidate for Wellington Central, has had to retire from the contest for health reasons. Mr Fred. Pirani, of : Feilding, is now definitely out for tho seat, as a Liberal. «^