THE STRATFORD BY-ELECTION

Taranaki Daily News, 9 April 1920, Page 7

THE STRATFORD BY-ELECTION

MAJOR HINE'S CAMPAIGN. The Stratford Ladies' Committee met at Stratford on Tuesday afternoon, over 100 lady workers being present. Satisfactory progress reports were handed in from various districts. Mr. J. B. Hine's Midhirst committee met on Tuesday evening, over 20 workers being present, includim* some returned soldiers. Those present reported increased activity in the district and good results. Major Hine will address the electors at Midhirst to-night, and at Durham Road to-morrow night, both meetings commencing at 8 o'clock. A seneral meeting of Major Hine's supporters will be held in the Town Hall, Stratford, to-morrow, at 2 p.m. MR. MASTERS' CAMPAIGN. In spite of the stormy weather that prevailed on Wednesday evening, the schoolroom at Pnkengahu was comfortably filled to hear Mr. Masters on "Petition and Politics." The speaker referred to his opponent's allegation that he (Mr. Masters), not even as chairman of the Taranaki Education Board, had anything to do with getting a grant for the Stratford Technical School. An elector desirous of securing the real truth of the position had communicated with the Hon. J. A. Hanan, the Minister an charge of the Education Department when the grant was made, and received the following reply: "In reply to your telegram, I must express my surprise at the absurd and untrue statement that had been made. I can only attribute it to a want of knowledge of the facts regarding the fine work done by Mr. Masters in pressing the claims of this institution, or to the party spirit being carried to such extremes that it refuses to give honor where honor is due. Not only did Mr. Masters join with others in making strong representations on tlio subject but he made fervent personal communication and requests. Undoubtedly Mr. Masters was mainly responsible for securing the grant." This reply, said Mr. Masters, could be. taken as a. complete answer not only to the school matter, but as an indication of what was being said generally on other matters. At the conclusion of the meeting the following resolution was carried unanimously, amidst applause: "That this meeting regrets that Mr. Masters was unseated on such a trivial point, and expresses its confidence in his integrity and ability, and pledges itself to help to the utmost to secure his return as'the member for Stratford." Mr. R. Harper was the mover, and Mr. J. Murphy the seconder. Mr. J. O'Neill, a member of the Stratford County Council, occupied the chair. Mr. Robert Masters will address the electors at the Waitui School to-night; Pohokura School on Saturday; Midhirst Hall on Monday; and Inglewood Hall, on Tuesday. All meetings commence at S p.m.