STRATFORD BY-ELECTION.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 April 1920, Page 3

STRATFORD BY-ELECTION.

MR. MASTERS' CANDIDATURE. A correspondent writes: The mid-day meeting held by Mr. Masters at Tahora was well attended, there being about 40 present, including a number of ladiesReference was made to the fact that New Zealand, while she once led in humanitarian legislation, is hopelessly lagging behind the older countries. Speaking if the Workers' Compensation Act, the speaker contrasted the benefits given in various countries, proving that employees in this country were not so well remunerated in illness or for accident. In spite of this fact the New Zealand employer was paying 4'ls fid for every 20s paid out to the- employee, while the Queensland employer paid 23s Cd for every 20s so paid. He strongly advocated pay being made compulsory from date of illness, with free medical attention, the same as operates in o f !ier countries, and contended this could be done out of the premiums at present paid. The speaker received an attentive hearing, and the following resolution was carried: "That this meeting, having heard the views of Mr. Masters, especially in regard to humanitarian legislation, is fully convinced that he n the proper person to represent this electorate in Parliament." Mr. H. Dickson occupied the chair.

There v.as an attendance of about 80 persons (including about 14 ladies) present at tin- Kohuratahi Hall last night From "ih'j outset he was interrupted by a small and noisy portion or the audience (being settlers from the Tahora end), but he never failed to score heavily against these interrupters in a gi;odhumored way, so that the last half of v s address was listened to more at••ntively. He dealt with the salient features of the petition and touched upon the needs of the bacWilocks. He contrasted the slow progress of ttie railway works at the Tahora end. and ridiculed the slow rate of progress during the last years. He dna.lt with the shipping question, educational matters and other general questions r,f the day in his usual lucid and vigorous manner. Several questions were answered at the close of the meeting. The following resolution was moved by Mr. Ihinbv, and seconded by Mr. J. Slattery: "That this meeting of electors pass a vote of thanks and confidence in Mr. R. Masters as a lit and proper person to represent them in Parliament and that we usrf our best endeavors to secure his return," to which the following amendment was moved by Mr. Shri'wy and seconded by Mr. Bacon: ''That a vote of thanks only be passed to Mr. Masters." On t.hc chairman askjnsr for a show of hands on the amendment, only about a third of those ore-•-ent were raised, whilst fully two-thirds voted against the amendment. The chairman declared the resolution cfried amidst much applause and good-hearted banter against the- select few of inte?rupters. Mr. D. Howard presided over the meeting.

MA'TOR HINE AT TARIKL

The following report is supplied:— One of the largest audiences assembled in Tariki Hall was addressed by Major Hine On Thursday evening. The chair was occupied by Mr. Jfucker. The speaker delivered a splendid fighting speech. Major Hine repudiated Mr. Masters' interpretation of wbat the speaker had said at Stratford on the night of the previous poll, and hurled the lie back at a couple of interrupt or ■ who doubted the statements made by the speaker. The speaker attacked Mr. Masters' anti-mili-tary policy, given co the electors in the December campaign, and showed, now that Sir James Allen had retired from the Ministry, that Major Hine's summary of the Government's intentions were correct, and that the question of four months' training was all moonshine. Major Hine claimed justice for all aliens under the British flag. Major Hine referred to Mr. Masters' claims of service to Stratford in connection with matters that were actually fixed by Cabinet, and with the assistance of the speaker, long before .Mr. Masters had even reached the December polling day. The following motion was moved by Mr. Morrison and seconded by Mr. Lawrence, and deidared carried:—"That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to Major Hine, and renewed confidence at the coming poll."

MAJOR HINE AT WHAREHUIA. (Contributed.) A representative audience compr!;i;ig lIP electors including a good number of ladies assembled at Stanley Roi' ; schoolhou.se to listen to a vigorous fight ing speech delivered by Major Hine. The speaker was in splendid form throughout and the wear and tear of his military campaign in Palestine seems to have hardened him into solid material capable of standing many years of political work. Mr. George Sangster occupied the chair. The speaker emphasised the faet of the Massev Government being determined to give t ie Dominion many democratic measures for the good of all classes. Major Hine promised to help the soldiers to secure better facilities for the buying and selling of stock off their farms. He also dealt at length with matters of interest to the backblocks settlers —the new Mn-.sey Cabinet 1m ing impressed with the need for schools in all new settlements, also telephones and roading facilities. Major Hine claimed that the Massey Government has to clean up and remedy the bad legacies left over tiy the old Liberal Party now suffering from dry rot, a Party that cannot ever hope to return to power. The greater part of the remains of the Libera! Tarty must ultimately merge into the present. Government Party, and the balance will swing over to Labor. Major Hine eulogised Mr. Massev for his splendid services in securing New Zealand's share of the valuable Nauru Island phosphate deposits, which will prove of immense value to the farmers in the coming years. The speaker was accorded an attentive hearing by a critical audience and received rounds of applause at the close. A motion was carried without dissent, moved bv Mr. Moloney, and seconded by Mr. Reg Wellington: "That Major Hine be heartily thanked for his address, and that this meeting expresses confidence in him as their member at the coming poll." A pleasing coincidence in connection with the mover and seconder of the resolution lies in the fact that both gentlemen served as troopers under Major Hine In the war. The ladies supplied a bountiful repast at the close of the meeting, which waj heartily appreciated.

An enthusiastic meeting of Major Hine's supporters was held at Bird Road on Wednesday night. Strong committees of ladies and gentlemen were and «v«cr endeavor will b«

made in this district to ensure Mr. Hine's return. A large and enthusiastic gathering of Major Hine's supporters was held on the Pembroke Road on Wednesday night. Mr. Belcher was appointed chairman and strong committees were formed. The ladies are extra keen this time and every endeavor is going to be made to give a much better account of themselves than last time.