POLITICAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 66, 13 November 1914, Page 6

POLITICAL.

XFu Fbbm Amociation.] , Martou, November 13

Mr E. Newman, the sitting Government member for llangitikei, addresseu a crowded audience in the Marton Town Hall last night. He referred to the assistance New Zealand obtained from the Australian Navy, and expressed the opinion that while retaining their connection with the * British Navy, they must have local cruisers. He said every pledge by the Massey Government when taking office lad been fulfilled, with two exceptions: He dealt with the question of land aggregation, and detailed the provisions lire, present Government had made to prevent such; also the Legislative Council legislation, Public Service, and concessions to workers. The speaker received a hearty vote of thanks and' confidence in the Massey Government which was carried by acclamation and cheers.

,Mr W. H. Hawkins, Liberal candidate . for Stratford, addressed a large and enthusiastic meeting at Tuna Road last evening, forty settlers, including a number of ladies attending. The candidate delivered a vigorous address, speaking for nearly two hours, and dealing with a number of up-to-date political questions. Referring to the report now being industriously circulated by his opponents that be bad no stake in the country, but was merely a political adventurer, Mr Hawkins said he was like the majority of his audience, a dairy farmer, and had been one for nearly three years. As far as his farm wag concerned, ifc was a fairly good one too, and could keep him and his family without politics. He was in this political fight because lie loved the rough and tumble of political life. 'He would have been hundreds of pounds richer than lie was had he never touched politics, but bo enjoyed the contests. The man who sought a seat in the Parliament of the country with the idea of saving money made a great mistake. had been living in- Stratford for over twelve months, and believed he was better known now throughout the electorate and knew more of the interior of the district than the majority of the business men of Stratford, In any case, it would be the duty of the electors on polling day, after having heard both candidates and having studied the respective policy and records of the “Reform” and Liberal parties, to do their duty to themselves and the Dominion generally, and to vote for the candidate and the Party they considered bfist able to conduct the Dominion’s business. The usual/ votes were carried with applause, and concluded the meeting at 10.30.

Mr J. H. Escott, “Reform” member for Pahiatna, opened bis campaign last night, states the Press Association. There was a large attendance, and the candidate bad an excellent reception. He reviewed the work of the Government in comparison with the Ward Government. In reply to a question, Mr Escott said that personally he was not in favour of Bible-read tug in Schools, but lie was agreeable to a referendum, and he favored a trial of the Nelson scheme. Ho was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence. A general meeting of all Liberals, men and women, will be held in the Foresters’ Hall to-night, at 8 o’clock, when important business in connection with the election is to be considered.