MR McMANAWAY AT WERAROA

Shannon News, 12 November 1928, Page 2

MR McMANAWAY AT WERAROA

ACCORDED THANKS AND GOOD WISHES.

Wet weather continued on Friday but nevertheless a very satisfactory meeting was held in the Weraroa Hall, where fully sixty electors, including a number from the more central parts of Levin, gathered .to hear Mr H. J. MeManaway, Independent, Reform candidate for Manawatu. Ilis remarks covered a certain amount of matter dealt with in his previous speeches, to which were added various later developments, and he received a favourable hearing.

Mr W. Falloon presided and web corned Mr McManaway to Weraroa.. He mentioned that the Manawatu electorate had so far been a Reform constituency and judging by the indications would still be a Reform constituency after the 14th; but there were two Reform candidates to choose from. Mr McManaway referred to the visit. of the Prime Minister to the district on Wednesday in support of Mr Linklator’s candidature. “He made me pretty well known to the poople of Levin and the district round about here,” said Mr McManaway. “If I did not have a character before, I have one now. Air Coates spoke very* nicely about me and with great kindness at. Foxton, and I thank him for it. He played the game; lie came to support his candidate, but he did not forget the man who, if ejected, would be ou his side of the House, which was a very dine spirit, to display.” In criticising Labour proposals, the candidate asked what was going to pay for free hospitals, maternity homes and various other services. The ad- ■ ministration of the country had to be kept up; it had a load of debt now, and money had to be found for the prosecution of further works, and consequently there must be taxation. He hoped that people who did not think very much on economic linos would not be gulled by catch-cries. With regard to the Advances Department, the speaker said that the people were told that there were ample facilities for finance, but most people found that that was not so when they applied for loans. The office was. as much as two years behind in respect of some of the applications. A voice: I can give you one instance of three years. Mr McManaway: That must have been pigeon-holed. I do not think it represents the majority of cases. We must get a flow of money into thiß country for advances.” There was an Act for which the Government had taken great credit. That was the Rural Credits Act, enabling a farmer to borrow up to £5500, instead of £3500 as was the case with the Advances to Settlers. There would be delays ill the Rural Credits scheme also. No Government could sitlong on the Treasury benches unless something was done to bring more money into the country, for that spurpose—but not 70 millions, as proposed by the United Party. Air McManaway said that the Government deserved credit for the manner in which it had carried on the education system, and he quoted the following figures showing the extent of the system in 1926-27: —-Number of primary schools, 2601; children attending, 219,969; average attendance 89.9; no. of teachers, 6183. No. of secondary schools, 189; children attending, 27,100; . teachers, 717. The number of young people who were receiving free education at the universities was 1750. The total cost of education was just a little under four millions —a per capita charge of 55/1. Any country that went in for a system of education, such as they had in New Zealand must in the main be going on right lines. In regard to looking after the health of the children going to the schools, this Government had done more than any that had preceded it. In concluding, Mr MoManaway said, “.who are the judges as to who is to represent- you. I want you, if possible, to cut out of your minds anything you have been told regarding the splitting „of votes. If you vote for a candidate who you think will do his best for your electorate and for the masses - in this country, you will be doing your duty to your country and your consciences; and don’t be led away by cries 'of ‘isplit votes’ or ajny other votes.” (Applause).

After the candidate had answered a large number of questions, Mr Logan moved, “That this meeting thank Mr McManaway for his address and wish him success in his campaign. ”

The motion was seconded by Mr George Watson, who referred to his acquaintance with Mr McManaway dating from many years ago, when they worked together and were close friends although holding opposite viowis on politics. The speaker now expressed his pleasure in giving Mr McManaway his support. The motion was carried with hearty acclamation.

Mr McManaway extended his appreciation to the gathering for its thanks and confidence, and also thanked Mr Watson, whom he had not met for many years. He added that he was grateful to an old friend for putting in a good word'for him in this way, and to the people for rolling up so well, on a wet, night. The meeting then closed with a vote of thanks to the ehair.