POLITICAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 280, 24 November 1914, Page 8

POLITICAL.

THE PREMIER OFFERS TO SUBSIDiSE THE BLUFF. Per Press 'Association. Invercargill, November 23. Rt. Hon. W. F. .Massoy addressed a meeting at the Bluff at noon to-day, about 250 being present. The meeting was most good-humored, and the interjections made were all in the form of questions. The Premier answered these at length to the satisfaction of the questioners. Answering a question re the port of Bluff and the Union Compapy, the Premier said that if the company could show him that there was not sufficient business to make their Bluff coastal business pay, and that a subsidy was necessary, he would see to it that the Government made the necessary arrangements. (Loud Applause).

A vote of thanks to the Premier for his interesting address was carried unanimously, with applause. The Premier was afterwards entertained at luncheon.

THE PREMIER AT WINTON.

Winton, November 23

.Mr .Ma ssey had an audience to-night nearly, as large as that attending Sir Joseph Ward’s meeting here last week, and .on rising was cheered to the echo. The meeting closed with a vote ol thanks and confidence, coupled with appreciation of the Government’s action in connection with the recent strike, the audience cheering continuously.

CHRISTCHURCH EAST CAMPAIGN

Christchurch, November 23

.Mr G. I). McFarlane, Reform candidate for Christchurch East, gave Ids first to-night, He explained that ho had been a business man all his life, but had come forward to contest the seat as nobody better was offering. It ftvds a great pity that so many men of ability and experience would not come forward as candidates. The Government, when returned, had promised good legislation, and that promise had been kept. The candidate then referred to the legislation of the past three years, claiming that a great deal of good had been done to the country generally, and to workers in particular. He favored a referendum on the Bible-in-schooTs question, also a 55 per cent, majority on the licensing question on both sisues. He was accorded a vote of thanks.

MR H. C. ELL AT CHRISTCHURCH

Christchurch, November 23

Mr H. ,G. Ell opened his campaign in Christchurch South this evening, addressing a good audience. He outlined in exhaustive detail the work of the Liberal party, and his own connection with and advocacy of progressive measures. He specially advocated for the future progressive land tax, increment tax, and adjusted stamp duty upon land and house .transfers, and reform of Customs duties to admit all common necessities free. The aim of the speaker was, lie said, to show that the Liberal party had in the past done a great deal of good', and was still capable of doing good. It was a thousand pities that they had been turned out. The candidate’s speech did not touch upon direct and current political questions, but was rather a review of the last 21 years, to the credit of the Liberal party. A vote of thanks and confidence was accorded the candidate.

THE TIMAKU ELECTORATE.

Timaru, November 23

About a hundred Labor and Liberal supporters of the Ward Party met tonight to consider the situation ot the limaru electorate. A deputation oi lour was appointed to wait on Mr J. Jraigie to ascertain definitely his position, and failing a satisfactory reply, to draw up a list of men who might bo asked to stand, and to submit these to a future meeting. The name or oir John. Findlay was mentioned. The roll closed with 9,015 names, or 54 more than at last election.

THE CHALMERS .SEAT.

Dunedin, November ,23

~'Mr W. I), Mason, Liberal candidate for Chalmers, addressed a largely attended meeting at Mosgicl this evening. He charged the Government with having failed to fulfil its promises, .and spoke at length in support of the policy put forward by the Opposition. At the conclusion of the address, Mr Mason received a vote of thanks and confidence, which was declared carried on the voices, though there was considerable dissent. THE WAIPAWA SEAT. Dannevirke, November 121. *' Mr G. Hunter, Government camliclate for Waipawa, addressed a crowded meeting in the Dannevirke town hall last night, and was given a splendid hearing. He detailed the Government’s record and said he favor,ed a referendum on the Bible in Schools, though be himself was not in favor of Bihle-reading in State Schools. He also Favored the referendum in matters affecting the general public on which they* desired a deciding voice, and a 55 per rent, majority on the licensing question. His defence of the Government’s action concerning the strike was approved. , He received a vote of thanks and renewed confidence in the Massey Government. IVHDHIRST. , (From a Correspondent). It is many years (if ever before) since Midhirst has seen so many electors packed into the local hall, and so many unable to find accommodation inside, as was experienced last night, when Mr W. H. Hawkins, Liberal

{candidate, delivered a political ad'dress. The candidate had every rea- / son to feel gratified. Mr Hawkins, ' though e\ idently handicapped with a ■ cold and “the tine,” delivered a rousj lug speech. tvhich was frequently in- | terrnpted with hearty applause. He I denounced in strong language persistI ent misrepresentation concerning public questions, both from the platform and in a section of the Press. In reply to a question at the close ol the address as to his attitude on the prohibition question, Mr Hawkins said he uas glad the question had been asked, because a report was being carefully ciiOUhited by his opponents (led by a chattering individual in Stratford with whom he would deal in Stratford) that be (the speaker) had gone back on his prohibition principles. Mr Hawkins said such a statement was a cold, cal-, dilating, contemptible untruth. He

stood then where he had stood for a quarter of a century, and where he would stand on the liquor question as long as he lived. In his present campaign lie was talking politics, ami when the opportunity arrived he would talk prohibition. Such tactics on the* part of I” 8 opponents were beneath contempt, but on polling day tilos’ would get the surprise of their lives. In accordance with Mr Hawkins’ request a vote of thanks only was carried amid loud and continued applause. Mr Harkness, who presided, was warmly thanked for Ids services.

DOUCLAS.

(From our own Correspondent.)

An address was given by Mr J. B. Hine on leading'political questions in the Douglas hall on Saturday evening to a large number of electors, who respectfully listened to the speaker with interest. The address was both clear and dignified in its statements of the work done by the present Administration, also in comparison to that done by the past Governments. A pleasing feature of the address was the absence of any spirit of enmity being raised against the opposing political party, which is so usual in political contests. The large audience showed their appreciation of the statements and the calm manner they'were made by frequent applause. This wag especially evident when explaining his own reasons, wherein he differed with the Reform Administration by voice and vote. At the conclusion of the address questions were asked and clearly answered with satisfaction. A hearty vote of thanks and confidence in Mr Hine as the most fit and proper person to represent us in Parliament, and also in the “Reform” Government, was carried with few dissentients. It is generally reported that Mr Hine will receive an increased vote in this district over the last general election.

Great satisfaction is felt at the election of Mr E. Walter as our representative in the recent County election.

WOT£B AND MESfiORAWCIA.

Tire Farmers’ Co-op. Organisation Society, Ltd., will sell at their Eltham yards on Wednesday, 25th, 30 store cows, heifers, store pigs, etc. For Chronic Chest Complaints Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure, Is fid. 2s fid.

Tenders are called for fencing on the Show ground. Fox Children’s Hacking Coughs at night, Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure, Is fid. 2s 6d. Kev lost.