STRATFORD BY-ELECTION.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 April 1920, Page 6

STRATFORD BY-ELECTION.

]\lß. MASTERS' CAMPAIGX. Tile following report is contributed: Mr. Masters addressed the electors at Waitui on Friday evening, when the accommodation was taxed to its utmost. The candidate, dealt fully with the question of the development of the induntyes of the Dominion. He pointed out that New Zealand was rich in assets awaiting development, and strongly advocated the hydro-electric power being brought into full profit at the earliest possible moment. At the conclusion, Mr. J. Mackio moved, and Mr. A. Dodunski (a returned eoldier) seconded, the following resolution: "That Mr. Masters be accorded a vote of thanks for his address and expresses confidence in liim as their representative-"

An amendment was moved by Mr. Batewell, seconded by Mr. J. Hunter: "that this meeting thanks Mr. Masters for his able address but prefers to place confidence in Mr. Iline." On the motion being put to the meeting it was carried by an overwhelming majority. After the meeting a/strong committee of 27 members was formed, which is a greater number than the votes polled for the Liberal candidate in December. Mr. Sissley was elected chairman, and Mr. Lumsden secretary, both gentlemen being returned soldiers. A splendid meeting of Mr. Masters' Tariki Committee was held oft Fridav evening. Two members of the Stratford executive were present, and addressed the committee on organisation. Much useful work was accomplished, and everything points to a vast improvement in this district over last election's figures. ' A ladies' committee was formed and the Tariki ladies are now busily engaged in the coming contest.

MR. MASTERS AT NGAERE. .(By Arrangement.) Stratford, April 9. Ngaere, for many years* past, lias been one of the Reform Party's strongholds in the Stratford electorate, and Liheral candidates have usually received a fairly bad reception when addressing meetings in the township. On Thurs" day, however, when Mr. Masters addressed a crowd of over one hundred electors in the Ngacre Hall, he received an excellent reception and with the exception of three or four persistent, goodhumored interjections, there were no vis"ible signs of hostility. Mr. J. Hickey occupied the chair. The candidate dealt fully with a number of matters connected "with the petition and strongly refuted many statements made by Major Hine at his Stratford meeting. Mr. Masters expressed the opinion that the petition would not have been lodged if the petitioners had thought that lie would be allowed to contest the peat again, their object being to gain the seat' for Major Hinc without another election. Referring to the challenge to a debate on the petition, which had been issued by Mr. W. 11. H. Young, Mr. Masters said he had accepted the challenge and had suggested reasonable conditions, but Mr. young was now not likely to go on with the debate. The Reform Party were afraid to come out on the public platform with him and discuss the petition because they knew they had not a leg to stand upon. The candidate made a strong plea in favor of national shipping, suggesting that the farming community should combine with the Government, and probably the importers, for the purpose of gaining control of the rhinping, instead of "being entirely at (he mercy of the big shipping monopolies as at present. The shipping question was not a political but a national question with him, because he believed something would have to be done very noon. * i

in conclusion, Mr. Masters said that the election was not a local matter, lint the eyes of the whole of Xcw Zealand were upon it and all the forces of the Reform Party were against him. He had challenged Major Hine to fight the election on his own, hut. Major Iline had, not accepted the challenge and he (Mr. Masters) had, heard that an invitation had been issued to Mr. Massey to r.poak at Inglewood. Mr. Masters expressed liis intention of fighting the election cleanly and honorably as he did before, and with the fullest confidence that he was going to win. At question time a lady handed in a question asking if Mr. Masters was in favor of giving all returned soldiers and officers hack the occupations held by them before going away to the war, if the men were able to again fill the positions? Mr. Masters: Certainly. A voice: Then you ought to give Major Hine back his billet- (Laughter). Air. Masters (to the interject'or): 1 will answer that question if you will answer one for me. Is Major Hine a professional politician! (Laughter and applause). In response to a question asking him what was his attitude towards extreme Labor of the Semple typo. Mr. Masters said he had no sympathy with extreme Labor, his sympathies being with sane Labor. If anyone wanted to get his position in regard to Labor they could couple him with Mr. Veitch, and Mr. ■Smith, of New Plymouth. A vote of thanks to Mr. Masters for his able address and confidence in him as member for the district, moved by Mr. A. 0. P.rown (Xgaere) and seconded bv Mr. J. Wilson (Ngaere), was carried with only one dissentient, voice. At_ the conclusion of the meeting a meeting of the Ngaere Committee was held, and supper was served by lady supporters of Mr. Masters' candidature. Mr. Robert Masters will address the electors in the Midhirst Hall to-night and at the Inglewood Hall to-morrow night, both meetings commencing at S p.m. °

MR. HINE AT MIDHIRST. Mr. .T. B. Hine addressed a crowded mcetimr of electors at the Midhirst Hall on Friday evening. Mr. G. Saiv'ster presiding The candidate was'""frequently heckled during his meet inn by a STC . tion of the audience at (lie back of the hajl, but lie was able to proceed with his speech and scored over ninnv of his interject n/s. At the conclusion of his address he answered a number of questions. Mr. W. Pollock moved, and Mr. (1. C. Tiitin seconded, a vote of thanks to Major Hinc for his able address and confidence in him as their representative in Parliament. An amendment, of no confidence was .moved by Mr. T!. C. Wevhnrne and seconded by Mr. A. Walker, but heinjr a direct negative was ruled out hy order of the chairman. The motion was declared carried amidst applause and dissent, cheerj beins xriv«n

Vfr. Ilinc and counter cheers for Mr. Masters. MR. I-lINE AT DURHAM ROAD. Mr. ,T. li. Iliiip addressed the electors at Durham Road on Saturday evening, Mr. Shicids presiding. There was a good attendance and the speaker secured an atter.iive heating. At the conclusion of the address the candidate was accorded a hearty vote of thanks and confidence. A meeting oF Mr. Hino'fl lady supporters was held in the Parish Hall, Ingle.wood, on Friday afternoon. Mrs. M. T. Phillips, lady organiser for Stratford, addressed the gathering and enthusiastic reports were received from various parts of the district. There were, 100 electors present at the rallv of Mr. nine's supporters at the Town Hall, Stratford,' on Saturday. Representatives of twenty country committees were present and submitted satisfactory reports. The dates of Mr. J. B. Hine'a forthcoming meetings are advertised.