General Elections

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 140, 16 December 1911, Page 5

General Elections

THE PREMIER'S VIEWS. PLEASED WITH LABORS SUCCESS. ALLEGED UX.FAIR TACTICS. THE POWER OE THE MOTOR CAR. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The rremier, speaking after the elections, commented upon the singular fact that he was the only Prime Minister south of the line who had imposed a high graduated land tax upon the peo|)le who held large areas, and that throughout the country the people most active against the representatives of Labor and the Liberals were the large landed proprietors, who were able to push their 40 or 50 motor cars into an electorate in order, to crush the poor man out of political life. It was a question whether this should not be looked upon as being practically a system of bribery. He did not believe the people ought to be subjected to this sort of thing, which was going on in Wellington. Every man and woman should have the fullest opportunity of voting, and if it were deemed necessary to multiply polling places and bring them closer to the people, then he thought it would have to be done.

Labor representatives had fought honestly here as elsewhere to gain positions in the House, and yet one heard of a large landed proprietor bringing to Wellington eight motor cars on another man's account. This was not giving the Labor representative a fair chance. One Labor representative he knew of had over 1500 people to bring to the poll after 3.30 p.m., and he had been credibly informed that he could not get them to the poll, because he had not sufficient vehicles to compete with those running against him. He made the comment, because that sort of thing was becoming part and parcel of the system of our elections. In other countries care was taken that excessive wealth had no advantage. The poor man had an absolute right to take his seat in the councils of his country, and there should be no such thing here or in any other country as to make a poor man poorer when he was standing to-exercise one of the highest privileges it was his to possess. (Applause). He was exceedingly glad to see Labor succeed in such a practical way on this occasion. He had always been in favor of Labor! His public record showed he had been on the side of the workers and the farmers, and there had been deliberate misrepresentations in regard to himself on those points, and they were only a small part of the misrepresentations.

If the Government were in ti minority after a proper test had been made, they could take it from him he would be just as much a philosopher out of office as in power. (Applause). He wanted to see the country governed well and doing well. He desired to see the people doing well, and bis colleagues shared that desire. Fie could only express regret that a number of candidates, including one of his colleagues, had gone down in the battle, but many a good man had succumbed under similar circumstances. He was always ready to meet difficulties. ''Difficulties are made to be overcome. —(Applause)—l am not going to flinch from the situation that faces us, nor will my colleagues. (Cheers) —I want to thank our friends from end to end of New Zealand and the supporters of my Government, also all those who worked for us, and to say how much I regret some very line men have not been successful. However, if you are not successful, the right thing to do is to congratulate the winners. That is the feeling 1 have on this occasion.—(Cheers) — I am not going to say "die" yet, because the Government is not beaten.—(Loud cheers and the singing of 'He's a Jolly Good Fellow")—I want to thank you all again very much indeed." (Cheers were again given). There was an enthusiastic'scene for a few minutes and soon after Sir Joseph Ward left for home.

A WILD SCENE AT LAMBTON QUAY. Another account states that at twenty minutes past ten the Prima Minister appeared at the balcony of the New Zealand Times office, and a dense crowd at once began to hoot and cheer. Pandemonium reigned, and there was one continual roar of cheering and hooting. Never in the history of New Zealand undoubtedly had such a scene been witnessed. The crowd, after 20 minutes, becamei absolutely uncontrollable. Several fights occurred, and hats were trampled in the dust, while several people seemed to go down. It was positively dangerous. The Premier could not get a hearing, but he, together -with Lady Ward and Miss Ward, looked down smilingly and waved hats, and liond'kerchicfs at the turbulent crowd. After thirty minutes of continuous uproar, Sir Joseph Ward endeavored to speak through a megaphone, but the crowd would still not listen to him. It seems as if human throats could scarcely stand the strain, but they continued cheering and hooting while the hands of the clock went round. Then a number of tramcars were requisitioned, and pushed their way backwards and forwards through the densely packed street, to the imminent danger of life and limb. The crowd became incensed, clambered on to the cars, and pulled the trolley poles off the; wires. At the time of wiring (11 p.m.) the uproar, which had lasted for exactly 40 minutes without ceasing, still continued, and showed no signs of abating so long as the Prime Minister remained in sight. After 11 o'clock the crowd began to dwindle, and most of the women, fearing an accident, left for their homes. At midnight, Mr. Herries was addressing the crowd. He was received with cheers* Up to this time Sir Joseph Ward had not been able to obtain a hearing, but he may do so later. MR. ADDRESS. REFORMERS WILL GUARD PEOPLE'S INTERESTS. PROGRESSIVE AND SELF-RELIANT POLICY. Auckland, Last Night. The following letter to the electors has been handed to the Press Association by Mr. Massey:— "I desire to tender my most cordial thanks to the people of New Zealand for the splendid testimony they have accorded the Reform Party by giving it a majority at the elections. The electors have emphatically decided that there must be a, change in the administration, of the affairs of the Dominion, and they have expressed their confidence in the party that I have the honor to lead, and that has served their interests faithfully audi well for many years. The Reform Party has won its proud position in a fair and open fight, and against the whole of the Government, which, entrenched in office, had the command of resources and organisation denied to us. Much labor, effort and much paper and ink will 'no doubt be wasted in endeavoring to explain away the decisive defeat of the Government, and to belittle the victory of the Reform Party. But I ask the electors to esti-

mute such ofTmsinna at their true worth, and to rest assured that the Reform Party will do its duty unflinchingly; that it is solidly united in the interests of the people as a whole, and that it will act when the time comes for the people, and all thi: people can accept together with my'thanks my assurance that the Reform Party is guarding their best interests, awl that it will be found the true friend, not of one, but of all sections of the community. "The electors, by so substantial an endorsement of our policy, have indicated their desire to place the stewardship of the Dominion in the hands of the Reform Party, and this high trust will be accepted in full consciousness of its honor and its responsibility. The Reform Party is guided by high aims and high ideals for the advancement of the Dominion on true democratic lines, and it will, when the opportunity comes, prove itself a true Liberal on its .port. It is not concerned with vain boasts of foolish misrepresentation indulged in by its opponents. The answer will come by deeds, not words.

"There have been many rumors and suggestions made with reference to the Reform Party's Cabinet. I have not yet arrived at- the Cabinet-making stage. When I have I shall take care that all sections supporting the party are properly represented. No hasty or ill-consider-ed steps will be token by our men. The electors have entrusted us with the duty of reforming the administration of national affairs. The Reform Party trusted the people:, and the people my trust the Reform Party, who will not hesitate when the time comes to proceed with the policy outlined in our platform. It is a sound progressive and self-reliant policy. The electors may take the assurance of the party that it will be carried through. "It makes for economy of administration, a sound and sensible land settlement arid development programme, reduction of taxation in the fiscal system whenever possible in order to lessen the cost of living, a Legislative Council representative of the people proper, and the efficient control of the civil service; better local government and social and industrial legislation, with democratic principles, together with wider and higher opportunity for the people and the advancement of all forms of industrial activity. "Again, I thank the electors on behaM of my party, as well as on my own behalf, for the confidence reposed in us, and for the emphatic answer to the misrepresentation we had to fight against, The Reform Party will do its duty fearlessly, confident in the trust of the people.— W. F. MASSEY."

A SOUTHERN PROPHECY. MR. MILLAR THE COMING MAX. Gore, Last Night. In the course of a conversation with a <!ore Ensign reporter, a prominent Liberal attributed the Government set-back to Sir J. G. Ward's loss of prestige. The position was, he said, a difficult one. Only two courses were open to the Premier—to resign, or call Parliament together. The whole position turned on the Independent and Labor members, and he thought that some 'of these could never, after the statements they made, support a Government led by Sir Joseph Ward. The only way was for the Liberals to call on some other member, and Mr. Millar was clearly indicated as the man. THE NELSON SEAT. Nelson, Last Night. The final figures for Nelson give Atrnore X 615, and Moffatt 2131. MR. MILLAR'S VIEWS. Dunedin, December 15. Mr. Millar, interviewed this morning, said that as things appear at present there appeared to be little chance of any party having a decent working majority. It was, however, impossible to come to a definite conclusion on the figures at present. THE PREMIER'S VIEWS. AWAITING MAORI ELECTIONS. Wellington, Yesterday. Speaking to a 'Post representative today, Sir Joseph Ward said he would not come to a decision as> to his future course of action until after the complete returns were in and the Maori election on Tuesday next. MR. ALLEN'S ADVICE. Dunedin, Yesterday. Mr. James Allen says the clear duty of Sir Joseph Ward is to call Parliament together • immediately. In that case a no-confidence motion would be passed without doubt. Mr. Massey would be able to carry on, but if such was not the case another election was inevitable, and he did not think the country would stand that. Mr. G. M. Thompson agrees, adding that if the Ministry attempts to fill the High Commissionership or appoint Legislative Councillors, the Governor should assert his prerogative. WAIMARINO SEAT. Taihape, Yesterday. With two very small outstanding returns the Waimarino result is: Smith 4(157, Hockley 2o7(I. Absent voters will probably increase Smith's majority. WELLINGTON, EAST SEAT. A private wire was received in New 'Plymouth last evening that the absent voters' votes had placed McLaren (M.) at the head of the poll for the Wellington East seat. The Press Association lias not sent any confirmatory wire. THE POSITION OF PARTIES. (Assuming the report that Dr. Newman is displaced by Mr. McLaren is correct.)

OPPOSITION (35). MASSEY (Franklin) AV. ERASER (Wakatipn) YOUXfi (Waikato). IH'XTER (Waipawa) CUTHRIE (Orona) TIERDMAN (Wellington X.) OKEY (Taranaki) ANDERSON (Mataura) HINE (Stratford) BRADNEY (Auckland W.) PEARCE (Patea). ALLEN (Bruce) SCOTT (Otago Central) NEWMAN (Rangitikei) LEE (Oamaru) RUTCK (Palmerston North) H. BOLLARD (Eden,) BUCHANAN (Wairarapa) WANDER (Marsden) R. H. RHODES (Ellesmere) WILSON (Taumarunui) LANG (Manukau) MALCOLM (Clutha) BERRIES (Tauranga) STATHAM (Dunedin €.) R. F. BOLLARD (Raglan) HARRIS (Waitemata) CAMPBELL (Hawke's Bay) SYKES (Masberton) ESCOTT (Pahiatua) FISHER (Wellington C.) BELL (Wellington Suburbs)

XOSWORTHY (Ashburton) G. M. THOMSON' (Dunedin North) SMITH (Waitaki) MINISTERIAL (33) WARD (Awarua) CARROLL (r.isbornc) NGATA (Maori) MYERS (Auckland East) SIDEY (Dunedin South) J. C. THOMSON' (Wallace) BROWN (Napier) McLAREN (Wellington East) T. MACKENZIE .(Egmont) ELL (Christchurch South) GLOVER (Auckland Central) FORBES (Hurunui) REDDON (Westland) GUINNESS (Grey) WILFORD (Hutt) R. McKENZIE (Motueka) COLVIN (Buller) LAURENSON (Lyttelton) BUXTON (Temu'ka) MACDONALD (Bay of Plentv) REED (Bay of Islands) DICKIE (Sehvyn) POLAND (Ohinemuri) SMITH (Waimarino) McCALLUM (Wairnu) ISITT (Christchurch North) DAVEY (Christchurch East) RUSSELL (Avon) CRAIGIE (Timaru) WITTY (Riccarton) BUDDO (.Kaiapoi) MILLAR (Dunedin West) HANAN (Invercargill). INDEPENDENT (5). ' DTCKSON (Parnell) RHODES (Thames) ATMORE (Nelson) CLARK (Chalmers) COA'IES (Kaipara). , LABOR (4) PAYNE (Grey Lynn) YEITCH (Wanganui) HINDMARSH (Wellington South) ROBERTSON (Otaki)