POLITICAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 276, 19 November 1914, Page 7

POLITICAL.

THE PREMIER AT DUNEDIN. Per Press Association. Dunodin, November 18. Mr Massoy gave a brief address at a mooting o 1 .Mr T. Dalton, Itefornt candidate tor Dunedin South. Ho dealt in strong terms with the suggestion that the Government was responsible for the Huntly disaster. The mine had not been regarded as dangerous. The statement was made that il the Act introduced in 1912 had been passed the calamity would have been averted. The statement was wrong. A Commission, acknowledged to be. a good one, had investigated the matter, and had exonerated the Government and Department from blame, and anyone who suggested that the Government was to blame was not fit to associate with decent men.

THE OPPOSITION LEADER.

luvercargill, November 18. Over GOO electors, many of them ladies, braved the elements to-night and attended the Waikiwi Hall, two and a half miles out of luvercargill, and in the Awarua electorate, to hear a political address by Sir Joseph Ward. Che hall was crowded, and many persons stood throughout. 'lt was probably one of the roughest nights ever experienced in Southland. A howling gale was blowing, rain was falling heavily, and it was bitterly' cold, and a number of the ladies brought rugs to keep them warm. Sir Joseph had a groat battle with the elements, so to <peak. So heavy were the intermittent rain and hail showers that, at times. his voice could not be heard above the din of the storm outside, and he had co wait until there was a lull in the .leather. Mr W. Morris occupied the •hair, and in introducing Sir Joseph he said he had stood against him at 'he last election, but was a hearty supporter on this occasion. (Applause). iiv Joseph, who was accorded a most enthusiastic reception, spoke for two hours. At the conclusion of his adhess a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence was carried, the mover congratulating Sir Joseph on tho fine spirit he had shown in dropping party in Parliament in the time of the risis, and expressing the hope and belief that he would as the result of the general elections once more occupy the position of Prime Minister.

HON. F. M. B. FISHER'S CAMPAIGN. Wellintgon, November 18. The Hon. F. M. B. Fisher (Wellington), Minister for Customs and Marine, addressed a crowded meeting in the Town Hall this evening. There was from time to time a considerable amount of interjection, but on the whole the meeting was of a successful character from the point of view of the Minister, who met his interjectors with a'vigorous candour. When a vote of confidence in the Government was proposed there was considerable uproar, and Mr Fisher merely thanked the meeting for its courteous hearing.

THE DUNEDIN SEATS.

Dunedin, November 18

, Ah- T. Dalton, -Reform candidate for Dunedin South, addressed a very largo audience this evening, a large number of people being unable to gain admittance. The speaker made a strong vindication of the policy of the Massey Government, and devoted a considerable amout of time to criticisim of Sir .Joseph Ward's policy. The candidate was subjected to a considerable amount of interruption, but on the whole reivived a good hearing. A vote of thanks and confidence was defeated. Mb \Y. Downie Stewart, candidate for Dunedin West, addressed a large gathering of electors this evening, and was accorded an excellent hearing. He dealt with the naval policy, and stated that though the war had not, so far, adversely affected Xew Zealand, the time of financial stringency was likely to arise. The alliance of the Liberal and Labour parties was condemned by the speaker as not being at all in the interests of the latter, the old Labour party having found it necessary to withdraw from Liberalism, and the new alliance would serve labour no better.

THE CHRISTCHURCH SEATS.

Christchurch, November 18. Mr J. McCombs, Labour candidate for Lyttelton, addressed a meeting of electors at Opawa to-night. He dealt with the business of the last Parliament, and condemned tbe Government re the Huntly disaster. He was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence. Mr T. H. Davey, Independent candidate for Christchurch East, gave his first address at Sydenham to-night. He explained that he was opposed to the Mackenzie Ministry and became an Independent, and intended to remain so. He would pledge himself to neither party on a no-confidence motion. At the close of the mooting a motion was passed, thanking Mi- Davey for his address, and rogetting that, after hearing his explanation of his position, the meeting could not see its way to support him at the coming election.

Mr C. A. Wilkinson, member for Egmont, addressed a meeting in the Kitham Town Hall last night. jThe Press Association agent states [that the attendance was not large, but was very friendly. Mr Wilkinson defended the actions of the Mnssey Government, and made a strong defence of the local navy proposals. He is an advocnte of tariff reform, the raising of license fees for hotels, and an increased beer tax. He ask-

eel for a free hand on the Legislative Council reforms, as he thought the present Bill was a mistake. A vote of thanks and confidence was passed unanimously.

Xbtwithstanding the cold and boisterous weather, Mr W. H. Hawkins'.-, meeting in the Mahoe Hall last night was well attended, and did not conclude until 10.30. Judging by their interest taken in the candidate's address, Liberal shares will rise in lite in the Mahoe locality. The , usual complimentary votes pas.;cd liter a number of question were wavered concluded proceedings.