POLITICAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 23, 12 September 1911, Page 5

POLITICAL.

MR McCLUGGAGE AT TOKO. (From Our Special Correspondent.) Mr Joseph McCluggago spoke at Toko in the Coronation Hall last night to a large audience. Mr Wore was elected chairman, and in introducing Mr McCluggago, said ho was well known to all the old settlors in the district and was, previously to tho railway running through, a constant visitor and well known ns a business man and as a politician in local politics, being a member of several local bodies. On Mr McCluggage rising to speak, he was warmly applauded, and said he thanked the'chairman for his kind introduction and the nice things said about himself. He wished to congratulate the Toko people, and especially tho Hall Committee, on the up-to-date hall. It was indeed a surprise to find such a hall in a country town. Mr McCluggage’s address was on similar linos to the one already reported in the “Post”, with the addition that he said he thought the Education leosees should come under the sahno condition as crown tenants. Now they are administrated by tho Land Boards. That means that these leeseos should get the 10 per cent, rebate on their rent. He also touched on our natural wealth and minerals, and said the oil was an established fact and the ironsand industry would soon he oj\ a good business footing. He was pleased to 'see that Sir Joseph had said in his Budget speech that private enterprise would not take up the iron business in the near future—the State would., Tills, he was quite in accord with. He mentioned the fact that we had one of the largest coal deposits in the North Island at our back door in Whangamomona, and he would advocate that this coalfield should be opened up at once, either by the State or private enterprise. When the present railway touches this coalfield, the coal could be mined and put on the trucks for 6s per ton. That meant that, first-class household and steam coal could he delivered in Stratford and district to householders for, at tho most, 15s per ton, and much cheaper to factories. That would mean a very large indirect saving to the farmers through having cheap fuel for their butter and cheese factories, and also a large saving to householders. They had in the New Plymouth harbour a lingo asset, and when the improvements were completed, and Homo steamers were calling, the farmers and consumers would save •an enormous amount of money. Mr McCluggage received a very patient and sympathetic hearing, and was loudly applauded when he concluded.

Mr Milne, sen., moved the following resolution:—“That this meeting thanks Mr McCluggage for his instructive address, and express confidence in. aim as a fit and proper person to represent us in Parliament j and that, this meeting has continued confidence in the present Ward Administration.” Mr Milne said he had been in the Dominion for over 40 years and could honestly say the present was the best Government that the country had ever had.

Mr New Kelleher seconded, and when put to the meeting the motion was carried unanimously. Mr McChiggage thanked the meeting sincerely for their vote of thanks and confidence, and proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Were for presiding, which was carried by acclimation.After the meeting the candidate was entertained at a tasty supper, provided by the Toko ladies, for which Mr John Leydon, in a suitable speech, returned thanks.

NOTES BY THE WAY. The announcement of Mr C. Hall’s intention not to attempt to retain the Waipawa scat at the coming election adds one more to the growing list of retiring members. Those' definitely announced arc Messrs C. Hall (Waipawa), L. R. Phillips (Waitemata) and Sir William Steward (Waitaki). Hie Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) informed a “New Zealand Times” representative that he had no announcement to make at present regarding the filling of the position formerly occupied by the Hon. George Fowlds. Though a good deal of rumour is current as to the probable appointment of one or even two Ministers, Sir Joseph Ward’s intentions are being kept a close secret. The only hint of his intentions which has a hotter foundation than the many statements in circulation was provided when the Educaiton Dcparment’s report was presented to Parliament on Friday afternoon, this formality being done in the name of the Hon. T. Mackenzie. It is the opinion of the Hon. O. Samuel that a great deal more care should bo exercised by the authorities in regard to the medical register. On Friday afternoon in the Legislative Council he pointed out that there were 1102 persons on the register, and said that in 243 cases the authorities were ignorant of what had become of them. In ninety-five cases the persons registered were out of New Zealand. Xo supervision appeared to be exercised and the names were retained on the register. In the meantime those men may have been struck off the register in other countries and yet they could come back here and start again under their old registration. He thought more care should he exercised and also that the matter of registration should l>e in the hands of the duet medical officer instead of the hands ox the Registrar-General.