STRATFORD BY-ELECTION.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 April 1920, Page 6

STRATFORD BY-ELECTION.

MR, MASTERS' CAMPAIGN. The following reports are supplied:— Considering the stormy nature of the evening there was quite a representative meeting at Kiore on Tuesday, The candidate dealt with the recent statement of the Hon. Mr. Guthrie (Minister of Lands) v that the Government have found it necessary to taper off the granting of further advances to assist soldiers in the purchase of farms and dwellings. The sum of £15.01,1,81)0 had been spent in connection with these grants, and this had only been made possible by the accumulated surplus of £13,000,000, left the Reform Party, by Sir Joseph Ward. Apart from this, the Reform Party had failed to look into the future, and to-day the soldier arriving back in New Zealand late, or who had been in the hospital, was to be penalised. "Parliament," said Mr. Masters, "should be called together at the earliest possible moment to secure for these soldiers the same right as given to their comrades." At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Martin moved, and Mrs. A. G. Stewart seconded-, a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Masters for his address and confidence in him as being a suitable man to represent the electorate in Parliament. This was carried unanimously. There was a largely attended meeting, of Mr. Masters' supporters at Mahoe on Tuesday evening. As indicated by one of the speakers present, enthusiasm has been fanned into a flame by the unfair methods adopted by a Ngaere-Stratford party of Reform [supporters in creating 1 a disturbance at Mr. Masters' address in the Mahoe school. The disturbance which prevailed during the major portion of Mr. Masters' address incensed the fair-minded people of the district, who, in common with other parts of the electorate, believe in the good old British adage—fair playA strong committee in Mr. Masters' favor has therefore sprung up in the Mahoe district. MR. HINE AT CARDIFF. There was a full house for Mr, Hine's meeting at Cardiff on Tuesday night. Mr. J. T. Belcher presided. At the conclusion cheers were given for Mr. and Mrs. Hine, and the following motion, proposed by Mr. A. J. Smith, and seconded by Mr. W. Belcher, was carried with only two dissentients: "That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded Mr- Hine for his able and instructive address, confidence in him as our representative, and confidence in the Massey Government. We believe by his wide experience in Parliament, and the fuller knowledge acquired while on active service abroad, the services of Mr. Hine would 'be of immense benefit to this country, and invaluable in the reconstruction of the economic, industrial, financial, and other great problems confronting this Dominion, and that he will be able to serve the interests of this district better than nny LiberalLabor representative could possibly hope to. And we pledge ourselves to do our utmost to secure his return."