THE ELECTIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 December 1919, Page 5

THE ELECTIONS.

THE PRIME MINISTER. A LIVELY MEETING. Waimate, Last Night. Mr. Massey spoke here to-night to a crowded meeting. The hall was packed some time before the meeting was timed to commence. Mr. Massey spoke for over two hours, and was accorded an excellent hearing. The Prime Minister was greeted with applause on rising to speak. He said he was not going to deal with party the times were too critical to indulge in party wrangling. He referred to the work of the National Government and sketched its beginning. Ho went on to apeak of the necessity for increased industries. Greater road and , railway development was necessary. He ' touched on hydro-electricity, and said no country was so well favored as New Zealand for water power. The coal shortage and the "go-slow" policy made the necessity for hydro-electricity greater. (Hoots, cheers, and applause). The curtailment of ithe railway service became necessary owing to the large number of men who left on active service, and it was also due to the coal shortage. A voice: Yes, when the men came back they did not get their positions again. The speaker: Every man got h's job back with the exception of those who were unfit. How could we put a man with heart disease on the foot plaie of an engine? (Applause). As a result of repeated interjections the chairman asked for fair play to the speaker. (Applauße). No further interjections followed. Speaking of nationalisation, Mr. Massey said the Government was only interested in nationalising industries to break up monopolies and to assist public enterprise, but not to kill private enterprise. More wheat must be produced in New Zealand. The drought showed that it was inadvisable ito rely on Australia. Encouragement must be given to farmers to grow more. Regarding sugar, meat, and flour, he went on to say that last session the Government passed the most drastic Bill in the British Empire regarding I profiteering, wjiich provided either a heavy fine or gaol. Regarding repatriaI tion, tho Government made exery effort to place men. He was glad to s'av that 62 per cent, of the returned men did not desire assistance. Particular attention was being paid to place partially incapitated men. The agreement with the Imperial Government in regard to the meat output had been extended to the end of Juno next. The Imperial Government would decide between now and then whether the agreement would be renewed. He replied at length to criticism referring to indentured labor in Samoa and showed the necessity for it. There was no suggestion of slavery and there would not be under the British flag. Concluding the speaker referred to Narua. which was one of the most valuable islands in the British Empire, where it wag estimated there was sufficient phosphates to serve New Zealand and Australia for at least 200 years, and, if necessary, .the Government would supply ships to get the material into the country. Mr. Massey sat down amidst prolonged and enthusiastic applause. A hearty vote of thanks was passed by acclamation, cheers, and applause.

TARANAKI SEAT.

MR. S. G. SMITH AT TATARAIMAKA. Mr. S. G. Smith had a good meeting at Tataraimaka last night, Mr. J. H. Gatenby presiding over an attendance of 35. The candidate spoke for over an hour on the lines as already reported. Referring to the Opunake-Moturoa railway, Mr. Smith said he was prepared to have the question of who was responsible for the restoration of this line to the Authorisation Bill referred to a gentleman who knew something of the fight that had been put up, and if that gentleman's decision was against him, the school committee funds would benefit to the extent of a £l. Several questions were asked and answ.ered satisfactorily, and the candidate was accorded, on the motion of Mr. J. Bagley and Mr Morris, a unanimous vote of thanks and renewed confidence. EOMONT SEAT. MR. MASTERS' MEETINGS. There was a large crowd at the band rotunda in Inglewood on Saturday afternoon, when Mr. Masters addressed the electors. In opening, he stated the object of the meeting more particularly was to place his views before the ladies of the countrv districts who were unable to attend meetings in the evening. The candidate dealt with the shipping, education, defence and butter equalisation questions. Several questions were asked and answered to the satisfaction of the questioners. At the conclusion Mr. Masters was given hearty cheers for his address. The Hayor (Mr. J. Sutherland) occupied the chair. Political speeches at Pukeho are new to that district, and the settlers appreciated being given consideration by the Liberal candidate, as the whole district turned out to hear him on Saturday evening. Thft address was listened to with keen interest and at the conclusion Mr. Masters was entertained by the settlers in the schoolroom. Mr. Paynter occupied the chair. THE HON. J. B. HTNE AT NORFOLK ROAD. An enthusiastic audience of between 50 and 70 electors greeted Major Hine on Saturday evening at Norfolk Road. Mr. Alf. Marshall presided. The address was on the usual lines, the defence question being dealt with fully. At the conclusion of the address a vote of thanks to the speaker was moved by Mr. Brown, and also a motion of confidence in him as the representative of the district in Parliament. MR, ASTBURY'S MEETINGS. Mr. Astbury addressed the electors in the Oftonui hall on Friday evening, Mr. Young presiding. Tt was "one of the best attended political meetings that had been held there for a number of years past, and the chairman, in his opening remarks, spoke of Mr. Astbury's determination and sincerity in the cause he was advocating, and said it was hardly neeossnrv to ask for a fair hearing for him. Mr. Astbury's address lasted for

nearly two hours, and at tlio close, questions were naked and answered. The chairman moved a hearty vote of thanks to the candidate for his address and confidence in him as their representative. This was put to the meeting, and carried without a. disscnteut voice. TAEANAKI ELECTORATES. TO-DAY'S MEETINGS. Mr. S. G. Smith.—lnglewood Town Hall, at 8 p.m. Mr. G. Ji Buckeridge.—"Breakwater, 12.3(1 p.m.; Bell Block Hall, 8 p.m. Tho Hon. J. B. Hine.—Bird Road, at 8 p.m . Mr. E. Masters.—Pohukura, at 8 p.m. Mr. O. Hawkcn.—Kahui Road, at 8 p.m. Mi-. Astbnry.—Mata Hall. ~ • Mr. W. 1). Powdrel! —Nnailwtapouri.