STRATFORD BY-ELECTION.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 April 1920, Page 6

STRATFORD BY-ELECTION.

MR. MASTERS' CAMPAIGN. Fully 200 electors assembled at Kaimata on Wednesday night to hear Mr Masters fire his final shot in the campaign, so far as Kaimata is concerned. The candidate was right at the top of his form, and his address met with hearty applause throughout. Dealing with the railway strike, Mr. Masters stated it f.'as to be regretted that, at a time when a Royal visitor was iii our midst, the railway service should be so disorganised, and he trusted wise councils would prevail in the direction which would enable the tour to be undertaken in its entirety. The Government had shown apathy in meeting the railwaymen to effect an "amicable settlement, and to that attitude was largely due the present position, as the matter'has been before them for months. The public, he felt sure, were in sympathy with the railwaymen's demands for their wages to be increased in proportion to the depreciated purchasing power of the sovereign, so that the men might be placed in an equivalent position to that previous to the war, or, failing that, that the Government take steps to reduce the cost of living. The strike method was a method he had no sympathy with, and he still hoped that an amicable agreement would be arrived at. The speaker's remarks on this question met with the hearty approval of the audience. A motion of thanks to the candidate for his address when put to the meeting met with the support of one individual. An amendment was carried, amidst much enthusiasm, that the meeting thank Mr. Masters for his address, and expresses its confidence in him as their representative- Mr, L. Instone, a returned soldier, occupied the chair. The following has been supplied:—

Mr. Hooper presided over a crowded schoolroom at Ratapiko on Wednesday night, when Mr- Masters addressed the electors in that centre, and the enthusiasm of the audience can be taken as an indication of the strong support he is going to get there. At the conclusion of a Very instructive and interesting address, Mr. .1. Corbett moved, and Mr. J. Biesick seconded, the following resolution, which was carried unanimously: "That this meeting appreciates the outstanding ability Mr. Masters possesses as a public man and has every confidence in him as being the more suitable man to represent this district in Parliament" There was a muster of 37 returned soldiers, including a contingent from Stratford, at the Coronation Hall, Toko, on Wednesday evening. The meeting was called by Digger E. Smith to form a diggers' committee to further Mr. Masters' candidature. The proceedings were very enthusiastic, and the following resolution was carried unanimously: ''That this meeting of returned soldiers resents the attitude of a section of the Reform candidate's supporters in their attempt, to overdo the returned soldier stunt nn Mr. lline's behalf, and expresses their appreciation of> the Masters' boys in the part they took in the war. Digger T. Thonip on, who was voted to the chair, conducted the meeting in his usual able and humorous manner, and a pleasant evening was spent. MR. HINF/S CAMPAIGN. The following is supplied.—The whole of the settlers turned out to meet Mr. Hine on Wednesday evening, and the candidate received a very good hearing right through the meeting. The speaker outlined important. Government measures incidental to the interests of the farmers. Mr. Webb moved, and Mr. Watson seconded, 'That this meeting of Purangi settlers accords Mr. Hine and the Massey Government their fullest confidence." This motion was carried unanimously. Mr. Hine also addressed the Pukeho settlers on Wednesday night, forty electors being present. Mr. Lambert presided. At the close Mr. Hine received hearty cheers. Mr. .1. W. Simmons moved and Mr. Greeves seconded, "That a hearty vote of thanks and confidence be accorded to Mr. Hine, and also confidence in the Massesy Government" This was carried unanimously.