GENERAL ELECTIONS.

Otaki Mail, 6 December 1922, Page 3

GENERAL ELECTIONS.

MR FIELD AT OTAKI. Mr W. H. Field, M.P., addressed a good gathering of electors at Otaki last evening, when His Worship the Mayor..(Mr J. P. Brandon) presided. The latter said they had had the pleasure of hearing Mr Massey during the afternoon, and hoped his remarks would be weU weighed, especially the one relative to keeping the present Government in power which would enable the Colony's linances to be well looked after. (Applause). Mr Field, who was greeted with applause, said he was pleased to bo able to again address the electors of Otaki, ,

but, in a sense, was not sorry it was his last before the election, which had been a difficult, and at the same time, an unpleasant contest. He had done his best to keep from personalities, and he was pleased to say nothing serious had happened. All had been pleased to hear Mr Massey, who had given them homely material for consideration, and showed his earnest desire to do his best for the country. Mr Massey had-giveu his best, he was the only man able to lead the country, and the man who was wanted at the head of affairs. What was wanted, said Mr Field, was a good, sane, sound Government. They had this at the present time, and he said it would be a pity, at such a time,- to hand it over to inexperienced men. (Applause). The country wanted increased, production, and said Mr Field, all should encourage production. Taxation should be decreased, while what was also wanted was economy —public and private. They had been faced with financial difficulties and all must do their best to live within their means ' the Government included. What was wanted were more roads and bridges, especially in the back blocks, extension of hydro-electric power, railways to be completed, increased telephone conveniences, and the like. The Government wished to give eil'ect to these things but there was a big debt and they had a task in meeting theii obligations. However, bright lights were ahead, and it only needed careful administration for a year or two. He hoped reparations from the Germans — who should pay —would bo forthcoming. (Applause). He hoped there would be no more "cuts" in civil servants' salaries, and hoped the cost of livingwould .go down substantially. It has j come to his hearing that he had unduly favoured Levin in preference to Otalu, | but this he said was not so. lie con- ( sidered Otaki part -fif his own district. While he had been unable to accept many invitations to visit Otaki for | various functions he had by no means I overlooked it, and had always acted in its best interests. It had been said he had not done his duty by getting grants for roads and bridges, but he could assure all that his opponents' calculations, were wrong. One candidate had said he had only secured enough to pay for one road (£348) whereas he had secured grants totalling over iiJUOO. Councils had expressed satisfaction at what he had done —the only dissatisfaction came from his opponent. He had given various roads attention and in consequence they had developed, and had been the means of securing subsidies for bridge repairs. He had socured a deal of road work for the unemployed. Touching on his opponents Mr Field said one professed to bo a Koform man yet was splitting up the Reform vote. He also claimed to be a supporter of Mr Massey yet condemned the Government in all his speeches. Mr Harkness wanted to buy ships to carry all produce to and from the Old Country, which was a big order, and one that could not be carried out. The scheme was a hair-brained one. Mr Harkness was also anxious to extend education. This was all very well, but finance was the stumbling block. !No one could suggest the Education Board had been unfair. Mr McClure lie considered an honourable man, and one who had been fair, Jut still was a man who had made mistakes in land dealings, having bought at too high a price. This showed that electors could not rely too much on him as an authority on land values. The. administration of Kapiti was a scandal but for this he did not altogether blamo Mr McClure, although he was at the head of affairs. Matters, however, had now been adjusted—thui.k.3 to the Advisory Board. Mr McCluro, he pointed out, had no interest In this constituency, was a comparative stranger, while his (Mr Field's) interests were in the district. Further, Mr McClure was in receipt of ■a pension of about £SOO a year. Referring to a pireular issued by Mr Parkneas the speaker said there was nothing new in it. Reverting to the Massey Government Mr Field said if the present Government went out of power and the Wilford party got in they would have legislation which they would regret, and he regarded a change of Government in fear and trembling. Dealing with prohibition Mr Field said if the prohibition poll was carried to give it a fair chance, if not satisfactory to iutroquee' fresh legislation. A tot had b'eeii said on the' new train lie had secured to run' from Palmerston to Wellington, and it was referred to as a vote-catcher. As a matter of fact he had advocated for sujsh a- train for years p.ust, and tag reasqn it har} npw iiiime was because the Government had aet up a business board whieh had commenced to operate. It was better for the train to come now than not at all. He hoped it would be well patronised and thus become a permaaancy. It it proved uncayabla the. Government ■joutd not kje expected tt> keep, it. on. -Bo- had &Jse got thc> slow mixed train, leaving Otaki at 9-30 a.m. to be continued. Mr Field considered the GovSrnment was one for, the man, ind referred to the 'god(i"V9^k , dpae. -Jleusaid' he* had* been |i'old. that he was too old to act as the district's representative, and that he had passed lis asefulness. Electors, however, would Agree with him that-ho was 89 yotia£ >yr#&nta2ky and physically as his oppojj-

ents, and that he had not neglected his duties. The district had progressed, and ho claimed to have done his share towards it. Others had made empty

1 promises while he had been acting. Mr Field favored, afforestation and pointed out the work he had done in planting sand-hills and converting them into good land, thus securing hundreds of acres that were once useless. He had been the means of preserving bush on the Upper Hutt-Waikanae road, he had dealt fairly with the, unemployed, and while farmers and others were reducing hands he kept his going, he had saved hundreds of acres from river erosion,

and it would therefore bo seen lie had done his best privately and publicly. I He advised all to stick to the present Government, dismiss personal matters , and think of the Party. If electors , stuck to him—and he felt sure they ( would—he must win, otherwise Mr Mc- | . dure would win. Mr Field said attacks had been niadc on him relative to the Wellington City milk supply, but he could assure all that ho had done his best for the farmers and it could not bo said that he preferred one class to another. He understood that a meeting was held at Otaki when he was much discussed. As a result he had sent a telegram to a gentleman concerned asking him to make his accusations publicly. Mr Field said he had introduced the deputations, had had the matter discussed fairly and squarely, and he considered a better state of things would prevail in the future, also that the farmer would see he was their best friend. In conclusion Mr Field thanked all for the patient hearing accorded him and said he felt sure ho° would" be returned on Thursday. (Applause). In answer to a question by Mr J. Grant Mr Field said ho had never influenced the Government to buy lands that the. Crown Commissioner had turned down. Only on one occasion was a land purchase referred to him, and he then advised the Government not to buy. A lot of unfortunate purchases had been made.

At this stage Mr Ryder handed a telegram to the Chairman, stating he was the man Mr Field had referred to. Mr Ryder said he repescnted the dairy farmer and took exception to MiField's attitude relative to the Wellington milk supply, maintaining the evidence of some farmers had not been taken. Mr Field said it was untrue that farmers' evidence had been shut out, and stated all evidence, except some from medical men, had been taken. Mr Field then read telegrams from Mr Hamilton and Sir George Hunter, stating everything in connection with the farmers' wants had been done openly and fairly, and in a most impartial way. (Applause). Mr Ryder said he respected his directors who were truthful, and all were unanimous that farmers north of Packakiriki had not been heard. The Chairman pointed out that the telegrams read must be accepted. Mr Evelyn Maedonald went on to say he was an interested party, but further words were drowned by "Ask questions," "We came here to here Mr Field, not you." and others of a like nature. Mr Maedonald continued to speak and was ruled out of order by the Chairman.

Mr Maedonald: I will not accept The Chairman: I will .take questions, not speeches—l am in charge of the meeting. Mr Maedonald continued to speak but could not be heard. He then turned and addressed the audience at the rear of the hall, from where interjections came. ' The Chairman appealed again for Mr Maedonald to ask questions, but Mr Maedonald said he was not present to ask questions, he was there to defend his honour. To Mr Field: You said no farmer was shut out from being heard. It's untrue. Mr Field: I repeat what I said. How do.you dispose of the telegrams. Mr Maedonald: I hold in my hands si petition Mr Field: I'll be glad to see it! Mr Maedonald continued to speak, but the Chairman pointed out that the telegrams produced gave denial to statements made.

- Mr Maedonald: Isn't Mr Field game "to thresh the matter out? He's not game to face the music. The Chairman: Ask'questions like a man, and they will be answered. (Applause). Mr Maedonald. turning to those in the back of the hall, endeavoured to speak, but there were cries of 'order,' after which the Chairman advised Mr Maedonald to hire the hall and thresh the matter out at a later date. Mr Byder: Will Mr Field accept the invitation to be at Mr Harkness's meeting to-morrow and discuss the matter.

Mr Field said he had no reason to shirk the matter, but could not attend on 'account of an engagement elsewhere. He held he had h.is for the fanner and" that 'his attach was against the Oity Council,., he being anxious to get better prices for the farmers. Another question was, "Can you tell me why facial and, jaw cases were not treated'a's'they should have been?" The questioner went on to give partluulars of -his wound, how he had been, treated, etc Mr Field said the case was a very sad one, and one which he would h'lve locked into. He would be. pleased to have something done for , the unfortunate man. (Applause)-. Mr Field wal "asked if he ever tried to stop Natives from taking" pipis off the Waikanae beach? Mr Field answered in the negative, but said he may Ijaye asked, that they be not ploughed up- . " __ Mr XJGrant: Is it true that you offered, one of your many properties to the Government at £75 per acr^ Mr Field: There is no foundation in the ...report?-1 never 'thought of .selling tv% JandL

Asked if he was in favor of keeping workers' wages down Mr Field answered '' no, he desired to see workers get a fair wage." Mr Maedonald asked Mr Field to explain the Premier's statement in regard to the State Advances Office relative to money taken from the department because there was no demand for it. Mr Maedonald was proceeding further, but was stopped by the Chairman who said a speech was not desired. He asked that, questions only be put. Mr Maedonald said the Premier's remark was a serious one. He himself had applied for money and told none was available. Here followed interjections, but Mr Maedonald endeavored to proceed, while the Chairman again appealed for questions, adding those present desired to get home for breakfast. Mr Jensen then moved a very hearty vote of thanks and confidence to MiField, adding that he considered him a Jit and proper person to represent the electors. Mr Freeman seconded, and the motion was carried amidst applause. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the meeting.

The Prime Minister spoke at Levin last night to a large and enthusiastic audience. MAORI ELECTIONS. The Maori elections are taking place to-day and a deal of interest is being shown. Locally the Natives are exhibiting keen interest, and are busy working for their respective candidate. It is expected that Dr.-Pomarc will be the successful candidate for this electorate but, nevertheless, Toko Ratana is expected to put up a good tight. t T p to 2 o'clock to-day 130 Natives had voted at Otak'r.