On the Stump.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 82, 27 March 1914, Page 5

On the Stump.

THE LIBERAL CAMPAIGN.

MEETING AT DARCAVILLE.

[Per Press Association.] Dargaville, March 27

The Liberal campaign was opened here last night by Mr MacDonald, exMinister for Public Works and Mr Thompson, member for Wallace. Mr MacDonald spoke mainly on land settlement, comparing settlement under the Liberal regime with Mr Massey’s. With regard to the Premier’s statement that he had put 20,0015 settlers in the way of getting the freehold, it was not true. The Liberal Government in 11)07 had given these settlers Crown lands with an optional clause. It was well known that land outside endowment land was being held under the optional tenure. The fact was that the land which Mr Massey said was lit for settlement, was useless and no first-class land could now be had. There had been a big decrease in settlement since the Conservative Government took office. The big men were not providing revenue, but, the small men on third-class land were.

Mr Thompson, Mr,Coates (member for the district), and Mr Hoe (the selected Liberal candidate) also spoke. A vote of thanks to the Liberal members and of confidence, in the Liberal Party and Sir Joseph Ward as leader was carried by a large majority.