STRATFORD BY-ELECTION.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 May 1920, Page 3

STRATFORD BY-ELECTION.

MR. HINE'S CAMPAIGN. The following has been supplied:— Mr. Hine spolco at Tuna on Wednesday evening, and was given a hearty reception by an audience of fifty. Mr. Hathaway presided. The candidate strongly advocated the internal development of the country, by the compl2tion of railways, roads, and hydro-electric power, rather than plunge the Dominion into a shipping gamble. He his audience that in the near future a considerable drop in oversea freights could be expected, and a State-owned fleet of Bhips might not prove the success that his opponent Would have them believe. A vote of thanks to Mr. Hine and confidence in him dnd the Massey Government, Was moved by Mr. R- Aylward, seconded by Mr. Kirkby and carried unanimously. Practically all the settlers of Denbigh Road rolled up to meet Mr. Hine on Wednesday evening. Mr. Ferguson was in the chair. Dealing with the position which has arisen in the Soldierß' Settlement Department, Mr. Hine drew the attention of his audience to the fact that the 'wclve atid .1 half millions voted ,a *" s<!s, iin was already expended in the toil ise n f soldiers' requirements. He Mr. Massey's announcement mnf n fn 'ther sum would be voted immediately Parliament meets, and that a continuous supply would be forthcoming until every soldier was provided for. He stated also .that the late leader of the Opposition advocated the expending of the 12A millions over a period of two years. Mr. Green moved that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded Mr. Hine for his abta address. This was seconded by Mr. Anthony, and carried unanimously. MR. MASTERS' CAMPAIGN. The following reports are supplied: — There was an attendance of f)0 electors at Bird road school on Thursday evening. Mr. Masters addressed the meeting on similar lines to those of other centre-. After the meeting, in which much enthusiasm was displayed, Mr. J. E. Bocock moved, and Mrs, O'Riley seconded, ''That this meeting accord* Mr. Masters a vote of thanks and further expresses confidence in his ability to represent this district in Parliament." The resolution was carried unanimously. Mr. Masters addressed the largest political meeting ever held at Cardiff on Thursday night. Mr. E. Hancock (county councillor) ■ occupied the chair, and, on introducing the speaker, stated it was time the electorate was represented by a man of the type of Mr. Masters, a man of vigor and ability, who would be instrumental in bringing the Stratford electorate into its own. Mr. Masters traversed some of the statements made by Mr. Hire on Tuesday evening at Cardiff, In reply to the statement of Mr. Hine Mr. Masters produced an invoice of Masters and Sons which the chairman read to the audience showing that the statement made by Mr. Masters was in full accordance with facts, and proved -.hat this was another ''Hine statement incorrect." The speaker made a fervent appeal for the support of the people of tin l more settled districts to help in securing better educational facilities for those less fav->-ably situated in the baebblocks. Mr. Morrisev (Waiongongorol moved and Mr. Sullivan (returned soldier, Cardiff) seconded, ''That this meeting representing [ the settlers of Waiongongoro and Cardiff districts express to Mr. Masters their sincere thanks for h's clear and ably ad■'ess affecting the social, economic and political questions of the people of New Zealand, and confidence in xiim as being the most suitable candidate to represent the views of the settlers of these districts." This was passed with cheers io.the speaker. Notwithstanding the curtailment jf railway facilities, the Town Hall, Stratford, was comfortably tilled on Thursday afternoon, over 700 supporters present. Delegates from all cornets »7f the electorate were present, and each in turn addressed the audience giving a survey of the position in his district. Without exception these reports expressed confidence in Mr. Masters' votes being upheld, and moreover improved in each district. On rising to address the meeting aft.Mthe business of the rally was concluded, Mr. Masters was received w'th cheers, the ■ ugc crowd rising to their feet in their enthusiasm. Mr. Masters spoke for half an hour, and Concluded with an appeal to hU supporters to carry tlu-ir policy >f fight clean and win clean" right to the end of the campaign. The Stratford Ladies' Committee supplied afternoon tea. Mr. J. McCluggaga occupied the chair.