THE ELECTIONS FIGHT.

Shannon News, 17 November 1922, Page 2

THE ELECTIONS FIGHT.

EXPONENTS OF REFORM IN LEVIN

MESSRS. LINKLATER AND FIELD ADDRESS THE ELECTORS.

The Century Hall was crowded last night when addresses were given by Mr J. Linklater, Reform candidate for Manawatu, and Mr W. H. Field, M.P. and candidate for Otaki. Mr T. Hobson occupied the chair, and briefly introduced the speakers, both of whom, were warmly received.

The candidates spoke for an hour each and were listened to with close attention. Full reports will appear in next issue.

on Mr Howell’s motion, seconded by Mr F. G. Roe, a hearty vote of thanks to and confidence in Messrs. Field and Linklater was carried, the chairman declared unanimously, though there were subsequently one or two dissentients.

Mr Linklater moved a. vote of thanks to the chairman, which was carried by acclamation.

THE PROHIBITION ISSUE.

MR LINKLATER’S POSITION,

Replying to written questions submitted by thie Rev. G. Frost, Mr Linklater said that in the event of Prohibition being carried, he would support by vote and influence the proper enforcement of the law; in the event of Prohibition not being carried, he would favour maintaining the right of the people to decide the matter by a simple majority at the triennial elections.

Mr W. Hannan asked later whether, if Prohibtion was carried, Mr Linklater favoured giving a poll in three years’ time to say whether licenses should he restored or not.

Mr Linklater: I think that when the issue is decided it should be decided once and for all.

Mr Hannan asked whether Mr Linklater thought, under the present conditions of the hotel trade, the race was deteriorating or not. Mr Linklater: Thai; is a harder question than the last. I cannot pose as an authority on that, point. I reserve my decision, he added amidst laughter.

Mr Hannan challenged any Prohibitionist present to say that “in the war any man brought dp tinder drink Was found wanting.” (Laughter.)

DEVIOUS DEVIATIONS.

A CANDIDATE’S VIEWS.

An elector at the back of, the Ceil* tury Hall last evening asked Mr Linklater whether he favoured the devian tion of the main line from. Levin to Mart on.

Mr linklater: Yes, I do favour it. A votce: Since when? (Laughter.)

Mr Linklater: I favour it now, ladies and gentlemen, and, if elected I certainly will do. my very best to see> that that line is carried through. \ (Applause.) PALMERSTON’S CHANCES.

Mr W. Kilsby asked whether the candidate was in favour of the expenditure of a. huge sum- of money on the Palmerston deviation. Mr I.inklater: I don't think for a moment that the deviation will be gone on with at the present time, not until the finances of the country are in a better condition.