POLITICAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 115, 4 November 1911, Page 5

POLITICAL.

THE GENERAL ELECTIONS. TAKE PLACE ON DECEMBER 7. ' By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. It is understood that the general election will be held on December 7, SIR J. WARD'S MOVEMENTS. Wellington, Friday., Sir Joseph Ward will address his constituents at Winton next Tuesday, instead of to-night, as previously arranged. THE GOVERNMENT CRITICISED. Dunedin, Last Night. Mr. H. D. Bedford, candidate for Dunedin West, addressed a large meeting of electors at the Garrison Hall tonight. He referred to the enormous growth of the public debt under the Ward administration, and contended that extravagance was shown in many departments, mentioning the payments of £4OOO and £709 for the reception banquets to Hon. G. Fowlds. The money expended on Coronation memorial halls should have been availed of in some districts. He deplored the lack of consider- ' ation given to the Supplementary Estimates in connection with which many a little scandal slipped through, members not being ' prepared to scrutinise th» ...... items while the steamer was waiting at the wharf for them. He criticised members of the Cabinet, referring sto Sir James Carroll as the most expensive ' luxury this country has to maintain and ■*■ regretting the Minister's action in the Mokau property. Speaking of the OoloniaL Sugar Co, he said it was a gigantic trust, and added that a Bill was prepared last session by the Government to cut its talons, but for some reason was not proceeded with. The Government, he held, was stricken with infirmity. It had all the weaknesses of old age, and they must get rid of it. An almost unanimous vote of thanks and confidence was accorded the candidate. THE GISBORNE SEAT. Osborne, Last Night. At a special meeting of the local branch of the New Zealand Labor Party this evening, Mr. A. H. Anderson sought permission from the party to withdraw from the coming election. After a lengthy discussion it was decided to allow him to withdraw. His reasons for withdrawal were of a private nature. THE TAiRIANAKI SEAT. A meeting of Liberal supporters was held at Inglewood last evening, Mr. J. McCluggage and Mr. Bellringer being both in attendance. A large joint committee was set up to work in the interests of both candidates. Mr. C. E. Bellringer, the Government candidate, announces meetings at the Theatre Royal, New Plymouth, Kent road, Upper Mangorei and Kaimiro during next week. The ladies of New Plymouth and Fitzroy will be interested in the announce- f, ment that Mr. Bellringer will deliver a ~ special address on "Woman's Privilege and Power in Politics," at the Good Temptax Hall on Tuesday and at the Fitzroy Hall on Thursday, both meetings at 3 p.m. Mr. Okey opens his campaign at ' Oakura on Monday. His otheir meetings advertised are: Tuesday, Bell Block; ' Wednesday,- Upper Mangorei; Thursday, Garrington Road; Friday, Ornate; Saturday, Koru; Monday, New Plymouth. Mr. Forbes speaks at Inglewood on Monday, Egmont Village on Tuesday, Bell Block on Wednesday, Lepperton on, Thursday, and New Plymouth on Friday^ THE STRATFORD SEAT. Mr. J. McCluggage addressed the electors at the Durham road school on Thursday night. A large audience had gathered to hear him and voted Mr. J. B. Simpson to the chair. Mr. Simpson introduced the candidate, who spoke on current political questions, and endorsed the Acts passed by the present Administration for the benefit of the man on the land, the worker, and the aged' and needy. Mr. McCluggage received a most encouraging reception, and at the end of his address Mr. Hodges moved and Mr. Rickard seconded, "that a vote of thanks and confidence .be accorded the candidate, and a vote of confidence in the Government." An amendment, 'that a vote of thanks only be accorded," was lost by a .big majority, and the original motion was carried. A vote of thanks to the chair brought to nn end a most successful meeting. MR. NINE'S OPENING SHOTS. The Stratford Town Hall was crowded last night when Mr. Hine, M.P., the Opposition candidate for Stratford, gave his first address in the present campaign. Mr. J. Masters (Mayor) presided, and congratulated Air. Hine on the recovery of Ms health. Mr. nine's appearance was greeted with some minutes' cheering He spoke for a little over an hour, giving a brief review of some of the work of the session and condemned the action of the Government. At the conclusion of a very interesting address, which was punctuated with applause, a resolution was carried that this meeting accords its hearty thanks to Mr. Hine for his able and interesting address and, in the opinion of this meeting the time has arrived when this Dominion should have a change of Government. The resolution was moved by Mr George Sangster and carried with cheers, iflere was a scene of great enthusiasm at the close of a. most successful meeting. THE PATEA SEAT. Mr. O'Dea had a splendid meeting at Ivapanm on Thursday night, Mr F Kurth presiding. The candidate received a very hearty vote of thanks on the motion of Mr. Hodges, seconded by Mr Bason. In moving the vote, Mr. Hodges' said; that although l a , ] lad that ( f nominated Mr. O'Dea for the p llt , a seat he considered confidence should be left or the ballot box. The meeting was enthusiastic throughout, «.nd m ai u i v u , th(l at ast election n . Conservative stronghold, will this time give « uig Liberal majority. A very large committee was Mr. fabbard secretary.-, Corresponded.