THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

Otaki Mail, Volume 27, 28 November 1919, Page 3

THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

NOTES. “Are you a bullslievik? ” was a question asked an Auckland Parliamentary candidate. “Now,” was the response, “nor a cowshevik, cither!” We are informed that the Independent Liberal-Labour candidate for Otaki (Mr E. Macdonald) is rapidly gaining support, and that the final struggle will be between this- candidate and Mr Eield, sitting M.P. The other candidates are Messrs Ishcrwood (Liberal) and McKonzie (Labour). Surely with such a splitting of v.otds Mr Field, as champion of the Reform Party, should have no difficulty in winning —unless he has fellen from grace! Foxton “Herald.” “We are told,” said Mr R. Semple, speaking at Upper Hutt, “that the j sovereign is now worth 12s Old. That calculation is made on the basis of the • four food groups, but a sovereign is j not worth more than 10s when clothing ii; to be bought. The other day I went to get a blue serge suit and was asked 35 guineas—l stopped running only a , little while ago. The Board of Trade j has taken action against one firm only over the sale of a yard of flannel, and | has missed the ’bus.. There is work for | it to do if it is genuine.” I A meeting of Wellington business | men asked Mr M. Carr, chairman of the j Chamber of Commerce, to contest the . Wellington Central seat as it was I thought Mr Pirani had not a good ■ enough chanco against Mr Fraser, the i Labour member. Mr Carr said he would accede to the request if Mr Pirani J would stand down. Mr Pirani stated j subsequently for publication that he , would not stand down for anybody. Mr Hillier, the Labour candidate for ' Manawatu, will give an address at Waikauae to-morrow night, when it is expected there will be a large attendance.

Mr Evelyn Macdonald advertises further meetings. He will speak at the Te Horo Hall on Tuesday next, at Ohau on December 3rd, Levin on 4th, Otaki on Friday, Dceembor sth, and at Riliiorangi on Saturday, December 6th. On Tuesday evening Mr Field -spoke at Pofirua, Mr Mungavin in tho chair, and had a good hearing. A large meeting was addressed by Mr Field at Tawa Flat on Wcdnesday night, Mr Fitzgerald presiding. A unanimous vote of thanks and confidence —the latter contrary to Mr Field’s expressed wish —was passed to tho candidate.

The “Evening Post,” commenting editorially on tho efforts to induce Mr Pirani to retire from the contest for Wellington Central in favour of Mr Carr, says:—lf tho test is election efficiency, the Labour machine functions far more effectively than does the organisation of its opponents . . .

Labour's superiority in organisation and campaigning technique is a fact to be reckoned with. Labour’s orderly battalions, though poor in personnel, arc strong in discipline; and the PiraniCarr “incident” shows that their strength has not been correctly appre-

dated. ? The rails close at G o'clock this evening. Claims not in the hand of the registrars by that time cannot be allowed.

Mr W. H. Field will address the elecat Pahautanui to-night. On Monday night he will speak at Plimmerton, Tuesday evening next at Paraparaumu, and Wednesday next at To Horo. The Prime Minister addressed a public meeting at Cromwell (Otago) last night, and touched on many matters dealt with during last session. Ho took opportunity of expressing the hope that the Whoatgrowors’ Conference, to be held after - the holidays, would result in arrangements being made with the growers to produce enough wheat for tho requirements of the Dominion. Good work was likely to be dono by the Empire organisation which is to be established to control shipping from the heart of the Empire to the outlying Dominions. Mr Massey was accorded a warm vote of thanks. He proceeds to Queenstown to-morrow. Mr W. H. Field addressed a meeting of electors at Levin last evening, and was accorded a splendid reception, while tho attendance was large. Mr D. W. Mathcson (Mayor) occupied the chair.