THE STRATFORD SEAT.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 December 1919, Page VIII

THE STRATFORD SEAT.

HON. J. B. HINE AT STRATHMORE. 1 - A well-filled house greeted Major Hine at Strathmore on Friday evening, when the usual political questions were dealt with. Mr. Athol Meredith presided, and the audience listened attentively to the address. At the Conclusion a vote of confidence in Major Hine as the most suitable man to represent the district in Parliamentfwas moved by Mr. Jas. Rentoul and. carried. ■ * MR. MASTERS AT BIRD ROAD. § jjAbout # electors met Mr. Masters at %* Bird - Road School on Friday night, every available seat in the school being occupied. Mr. J. Pattinson was voted to the chair. At the beginning the speaker was subjected to a running fire of interjections by a contingent of Reformers from Ngaere, but he disposed of them, and. as the meeting proceeded, he was listened to with keen attention. The speech was on the lines of his Stratford address, except that he broke new ground in regard to the question of railway rates. Mr. Masters pointed out the, manner in which country residents were ' penalised on the railways by the excessive Tates on hardwood timbers, which were duty free. The town consumer at a port had a great advantage in this respect. The speaker enumerated a list of articles, such as tea, foodstuffs, patent foods, boots, drapery and benzine, and compared the Tailway freights charged with the much lower rates for which luxuries were carried. . A number of questions were answered to the satisfaction of the audience and questioners, and a splendid meeting concluded with a very hearty vote of thanks. The ladies of Bird Road entertained Mr. Masters and the electors at supper. The meeting finished up with three hearty cheers for the candidate.