POLITICAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 March 1920, Page 3

POLITICAL.

j THE STRATFORD BY-ELECTION. ! We have been supplied. with the folI towing reports by the respective committees:— The Stanley Road School on Wednesday evening was the stage of the ne.vt shot in Mr. Masters' campaign for the Stratford seat. Every available space, either standing or seating, was taxed to its utmost to held the enthusiastic electors of the district. The dealt with the petition and its obvious intention to, upset the election; Ijjie condemnation of such methods meeting with rounds of applause. Interesting subjects, such as public works, education, shipping, and proportional representation were dealt with, the latter subject clearly showing that the present Government was not representative of the people in the proportion a Government should be. At the conclusion of a most interesting and enthusiastic meeting, the folI lowing resolution was carried, "That this meeting renews its confidence In Mr. Masters as member for Stratford and will use every endeavour t6 secure his return at the forthcoming byelection." A meeting of Mr. J. B- Hine's supporters was held in the Parish Hall, Stratford, on Wednesday night. There was an attendance of 120, including representatives from outside districts. The proceedings were very enthusiastic. Reports indicated that Mr. Hine's old supporters are increasingly active, and that others have promised active support and co-operation. Speakers admitted the I necessity of strenuous organisation, bufc considered were exceedingly bright. Mr. Hine met with an enthusiastic reception at Whangamomona sale on Wednesday. Many staunch old friends cordially welcomed him, and expressed the enthusiastic belief that he would be successful at the forthcoming electionOthers, who admitted having voted against him last election, frankly indicated their intention of supporting him at this election. There was every Indication of a, reversal of political opinion, and Mr. Hine was invited by the settlers to visit various parts of the district. Mr. Hine accepted the invitation, and will address meetings at Whangamomona, Tahora, and Kohuratahi. ' Mr. J. P.. Hine will address t>he electors in the Coronation, Hall, Toko, tonioht (Saturday) at 8 p.m., and on Monday night in the Town Hall, Stratford, at. R p.m. Mr. Robert Masters will address the electors at the Douglas ITall to-night, f>nd at the'Norfolk'Road School on Monday night, both meetings commencing at S o'clock. , A meeting of Mr. Hine's supporters will be held in the Parish Hall, Stratford, thin afternoon at 2-30 o'clock. Ladies are specially invited to be present. "Elector'' writes from Stratford under yesterday's date: — ;Sir,— In your report of Mr. Masters' meeting at Stratford, you state that "the speaker ridiculed the idea of Mr. Hine being appointed Minister of Public Work:-." Mr. Mine's politicai opponents also ridiculed ihe idea that he would be elevated to Cabinet rank when this suggestion was first mooted. Yet Mr. Hine did attain to Cabinet rank, and discharged his Ministerial.duties satisfactorily and well, notably in handling the proposal to impose a wheel (ax in Taranalci County, and in the establishment of Hie Inglewood County. Mr. Masters is also reported to have said: "1 challenge Mr. Massey to state if Mr. Hine will be appointed Minister of Public Works before the election is held." Mr. Masters knows that such a challenge cannot be accepted, because it would involve an infringement of the conditions provided by law for election of members of Parliament. Tlie Reform Party strictly observes electoral law, and other safeguards of political purity, and is not likely to'be induced to flout them by what is really a bogus challenge.—f am, etc., ELECTOR.