POLITICS BEFORE PARTY

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 494, 25 October 1928, Page 7

POLITICS BEFORE PARTY

MARSDEN INDEPENDENT MAN LIKES NONE, BUT WOULD VOTE WITH REFORM (From Our Oxen Correspondent) WHANGAREI, To-day. “I am for politics before party, for freedom to express my convictions, and io represent the electors without being tied, and therefore I stand as an independent candidate,” said Mr. Albert H. Curtis, addressing the Marsden flectors at the Whangarei Town Hall last evening. Ho said such candidates and such freedom was needed in the House if the country was to get sound and representative legislation. The present parties did not inspire anyone with a ’arge amount of confidence. Reform had outstandingly failed in its land Policy, butter control, unemployment, and Labour’s objectives, in spite of some good things in its platform, created a widespread feeling of risk ; >nd insecurity. Labour was better k®Pt in opposition till we knew them better. The United Party was a shake-up” of resurrected Liberals, disgruntled politicians and others, chiefly differing from Reform in their readiness to borrow a few more millions; otherwise a vote for one was hs good as * vo ‘ e for the other. The speaker set out his own policy of a vigorous opening up of lands, roadback areas, and practical assistance to enable settlement and development. He said the Prime Minister’s idea of cutting up blocks around the towns was too expensive to be practicable. it would only cause another boom, which would be no good to any°n« except land agents, and not much to them. Agricultural banks were h ter t * lan t* l ® rural credit system, and ttle farmers* needs could be met by suc h banks without undue delay. Under rural credits a farmer was bankrupt dead before he could cut his way through red tape. Taxation needed revision to relieve the unequal pressure ° n struggling men. Advances to settiers could be wisely extended to assist farmers handicapped by crippling mortgages. The proposal to spend *•1,000,000 to furnish electricity was not so good as if the same amount was used to make roads and to bring food and fertilisers to the struggling backblock farmer. The candidate dealt also with education, advocating free books, increased an< * t * ie continuation of junior nigh schools. He advocated State doctors and more nurses available in country districts. Defence should be j n the lines of air fleets. Cadet training was good, but after 21 years of military training should not be compulsory. Numerous questions were answered ” ft breezy style, and a vote of thanks nnd confidence was carried with acclamation. The Mayor. Mr. L. J. Brake presided. f Replying to a question as to how he ''ould vote on a no-confidence motion. Jne candidate said he would support *he present Government till there was a better one in sight. I