POLITICAL REFORM LEAGUE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 256, 4 December 1909, Page 5

POLITICAL REFORM LEAGUE

TARANAKI BRANCH. The annual meeting of the Taranaki branch of the Political Reform League was held in St. Mary's Hall last night, Mr. R. C. Hughes presided, and tendered the apologies for the absence of Mesais «• Okej and J. B. Uine, M.lYs: The following report was presented by tue president of the executive ior the year ended 30th September last:—"Since ontost meeting, a general election has taken place. The result proved very satisfactory to your executive, so far as this electoral district was concerned, i t Wae oan «Jidate supported by the League. He polled 2826, Mr. Malone Io4S, and Mr. BSllriuger 841), swing a majority 1280 over Mr. Malon? and a majority of 431 over his two opponents combined. The most enthusiof Mr. Okey hardly Th rr pe for so handsome a result, f. ®. "fanaki provincial district also distinguished itself by returning four Opposition members, practically a block vote for the Opposition. The* result of the election throughout the Dominion added ten members to the Opposition, making their number now 20, thus prov-

ing that the views of the League we *c . a PP™ Ted *>y an increasing number. The result of the election in Tav.i----f naki is particularly gratifying when onp remembers how advantageous it is for t the province as a whole and for Now , Plymouth in particular, to be able to rely upon the harmonious and united aos tion of its lour members. It is also a compliment to the intelligence of tlio electors that the four members returned I represent chiefly the agricultural and r pastoral interests, seeing that practical- ! 'J ™ whole of the exports from Tar.v naki are exclusively from the land. Tlu League may lay claim to some share cf the for producing these satisfao* tory results. This fact is not referred to boastfully, but merely a 6 showing the benefit of organisation. The centre of the Taranaki branch is in New Plymouth. With ii are allied certain subbranches, having their centres at the various country polling places. The organisation of these sub-branches is not at all complete, and it is not always possible to maintain communication wif.h them owing to the failure of those to whom letters have been addressed to reply to communications from the Nsw Plymouth executive. While we recognise thankfully the excellent results achieved in the past at the country polling places -when the time for action arrived, we would" respectfully impress ui.on our country friends the importance of being thoroughly organised. "An American has said that 'eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.' We, too, must remember that only bv vigilance and energy can we expect to" retain the ground we have gained to make further advances. Neither the small contributions nor the small sacrifice of time which we ask from each member ought to be wantingjvhen it is seen how much good can be thereby accomplished. The importance of maintaining an organisation which aims at supporting, ir-

respective of party, whatever tends te sound administration and the equal pro tectum of the rights of every member of the community is borne in upon us when we consider the condition of things in Australia at the present moment, There a small section of the workers had deliberately ignored the award of the Arbitration Court, and, witliout notice, ni>d even without formulating their claims, have gone on strike, and regardless of cost have paralysed the trade of the whole Commonwealth, thereby throwing thousands of innocent workers out ol employment. We see the leader of this rebellion received respectfully in confe--ence by the State Premier and treated with the deference due to the representative of a foreign Power. In this country, while the Miners'- Union claim the right to assist the Australian strikers by money contributions, thev threaten that if the' mine-owners V3:iture to send nay coal to Newcastle, the New Zealand miners might go out on strike. In New Zealand, too, we find the workmen in the State mine have also gone'out on strike, demanding omcessions which the Premier says wou'd make it impossible to work the mines except at a serious loss—a loss to he borne by tSe rest of the community. It is to be hoped that the Government on this matter will receive the support nf both sides of the House, especially in the face of the Premier's statement that the miners already earn 14s a day. "During the year a pleasant function took place in Auckland, where a presentation was made to Mr. Maguey, the leader of the Opposition. It is gratifring to be able to say that this manifestation of appreciation came not only frn:n his political supporters, but also from many of the genera 1 public. This branih bad the privilege of joining in the testimonial.

"The treasurer's account shows a ba'ance in hand. The executive desires to express its hearty acknowledgement of the care and attention which have been given by the secretary, Mr. Buxton, to the discharge of his duties." The following telegram from Mr. J. B. Hine, M.P. for Stratford, was read - --

"Regret exceedingly duty here prevents my attendance tonight. Reform is your watchword. Please add 'Down with expediency and opportunism.' OWe meeting greetings from Leader, self and all members of party." After a short discussion the reports were adopted. Mr. R. R. Martin, New Zealand organiser for the nartv, delivered an address on the political situation. After paying a high tribute to Mr. Okev's 'n*cientioii" attention to his duties, he claimed that the Government had annexed the Opposition policy, and particularly with regard to defence. He opposed the second ballot, which, moreover, •was costly to the Government in ilie matter of seats. Regarding the railway rates, he quoted figures to show that railway travelling was cheaper in the Commonwealth than in New Zsa- ' «:li for long distances (up to 100 miles) and for suburban traffic. He proceeded to point to instances of extravagance on the part of the present Government, particularly with reference to the Civil Service, and the consequent necessity for retrenchment therein. Mr. Martin was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks for bis attendance. Officers were elected as follow:—President, Mr. R. C. Hughes (re-elected); vice-presidents, Messrs F. W, Brooking and S. W. Shaw: executive, Messrs O. W. Brown. .T. W. Roon, senr., H. C. Baker. S. D. Pope. A. W. Wood, I. Pittie and -las. Hine: secretary and treasurer, Mr. T. L. Buxton.