POLITICAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 December 1922, Page 8

POLITICAL.

MR.. BELLRINGER’S CAMPAIGN. BIG MEETING AT CORONATION ' HALL. ISOME CHARGES DEALT WITH. Mr. C. E. Bellringer, Reform candidate for Taranaki, spake to a large audience at the Coronation Hall on Friday night. The Mayor (Mr. F. E. Wilson) was in Lie chair, and Mr. Bellringer had a cordial reception. He said that he did not agree with every plank of the Reform Party’s platform, or in every one of their acte, but he agreed in all the things which really counted. FINANCE.

Some people criticised Mr. Massey as a financier, but the reply lay in the fact that the financial status of New Zealand Was the highest in the Empire.

It had been urged against the Government that they had not taken advantage of the opportunities that had come to them in a number of matters, but he would urge them to always remember the difficulties that had had to be contended with. Expenditure as a result of the war had reached a very high figure, so much so that while interest payments used to amount to two and threequarter millions, today they had increased to something between eight and nine millions, an increase of over five millions. The Dominion’s war expenditure amounted to ninety millions, four and a-half millions was paid annually in additional salaries, and nearly two millions additional in pensions. They would realise, therefore, how heavy had been the strain, and how impossible it had been for any Government to launch out on fresh ventures. One of the tests that the Government’s finance had been on sound and right lines was that no country stood higher than the Dominion in the centre of the world’s finance. ; Contrast this with Queensland, where ‘ they had a Labor Government, and where they had to go to New York [ because they had lost the confidence of London, paying a higher rate of inI terest as well as suffering the loss of exchange. The Government had come through a period of crisis remarkably well; no country had come through better or as well as the Dominion. SALARY CUTS. Speaking on the salary “cuts,” he said tWit increases had been granted to the low’cr paid ranks of the civil servants to about £95 per man. and the total cost to the Dominion had been £4,500.000. The Government had since made reductions totalling about £l,125 JOO, leaving, an increase still in force of about £7O per employee. It had been urged that only salaries over £3OO should be touched, but that would have given a saving of only a little over £208.000, a saving that would have been of little use as far as taxation was concerned. The financial stringency and the increased working costs had not been confined to the (government service.

OBTAINING VALUE FOR MONEY

At one time the New Plymouth Harbor Board had had to seriously consider whether it would close down altogether, and it had been only because the shipping companies had urged them to keep on that they had done so. The companies had told them to keep on with the work so that they could keep faith with their London offices, and the board had decided to do so even though they were getting only 10s worth of labor, etc., for every £1 spent. The people, however, were now reaping the benefit by reason of the amount of direct shipping which was now coming to the port. THE POET. Referring to the development of the back country and the advantages that, would accrue to New Plymouth, Mr. Bellringer said he would stake his existence as a member of the Harbor Board that by the end of Juno, 19“24. they would have the port sufficiently developed to enable them to go to the shipping companies and call on them to fulfil their promise to inaugurate a fortnightly service to take the dairy produce of the province direct to the overseas markets. THE RAILWAYS. He was not at all satisfied with the way the railways were being run. Eleven years ago he had advocated the setting up of an advisory board of business men to see that the railways were run for the benefit of the people, and hp was still of the same opinion. The whole policy of the railways wanted liberalisation, and should be controlled by a strong business man' as Minister. At present the service was steeped too much in regulations, and he ventured to think that the coming Parliament would go into the matter thoroughly.

Dealing with Mr. Smith’s reported remarks in regard to housing, he said:— ‘•'Unless they had money to buy a section or pay a deposit they could not get a house to-day. Why shouldn’t the unfortunate man who had no money, but was nevertheless worthy, get a house as well as his more fortunate comrade? I am going to see that he gets a house,” said Mr. Smith.

That might sound all right to some people, said Mr. Bellringer, but personally he was not going to advocate a poiicy of building houses for men who could, not pay a deposit for a section. (Applause). There must be a little selfreliance and self-help; some little stake in the property by the man who wanted a house built for him. (Applause). The Government had acted wisely in proceeding cautiously. Had they built houses while materials were high and then it b.ad been found that the owners could not make headway. Mr. Smith and critics of his type would have gone around the country blaming the Government for being extravagant, and saying they should have waited until there was a drop in prices. (Applause). The Government had done well in this connection. and so far as be was concerned he supported housing schemes on businesslike lines. He wanted an assurance that the people were go*ing to make some effort to make their own way. (Applause '. Qdentt’bf.d LABOR. Referring to the question of Chinese indentured kbor in Samoa, and Mr. ■Smith s condemnatory remarks in this

connection, he was prepared to accept the statements of representatives of the London Missionary Society, men who had spent years of their lives in Samoa and who knew the position, and of Mr. L. Ts'itt, all of whom said that while they did not like indentured labor, to remove it at this juncture would mean ruin to the Samoan people themselves, and that any risk of immorality would i be reduced to a minimum if the system was rightly administered. THE MARRIAGE AMENDMENT BILL. [Regarding the Marriage Amendement Bill, he said he wanted to make hie position quite clear by stating that he entirely supported the action of the Government in that matter. He conceded freedom in religious matters to everyone, but he conceded to no one the right to interfere with his religion or that of anybody else. IMPROVEMENT OF DAIRY INDUSTRY. There was a consensus of opinion throughout the Dominion amongst the men engaged in the dairying ’industry that there was need for improvement in the conditions of the industry. He felt that a lot of the opposition which had been given to the proposed pool . had arisen through the way in which those who opposed it were not given a hearing at the Wellington conference, while he had reason to believe that a great many of the dairy farmers had not a great deal of confidence' in those at the head of the National Dairy Association. There were other grounds of opposition, but he was sure that the Government would eventually pass a Bill that would be satisfactory to all. QUESTIONS ANSWERED. Answering questions, Mr. Bellringer said he would not vote with the “Red Feds.” to put the Liberal Party out of power should they 'be returned to office. He disapproved of the action taken in 1911, when Reform supporters were advised by the party to vote for the “Red Fed.” candidates in the Otaki and Grey Lynn electorates, and said he would not do such a thing himself. “Are you in favor of the abolition of the totalisator ?” he was asked. “I am not, but I will support any legislation providing for a referendum on the question,” Mr. Bellringer replied. “Are you in favor of licensing bookmakers ?”—“No.”

Answering another question, Mr. Bellringer said he was not in favor of a general extension of totalisat-or permits, but would look with sympathy on any case where it was shown that the present distribution was unjust. He was not in favor of extending the time between licensing polls to six or nine years, while, if prohibition was carried, he would support legislation to give the people another vote on the question three years hence.

Mr. Bellringer was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence in him and the Reform Party, on the motion of Mr. L. A, Nolan, seconded by Mr. W. J. Honeyfield, cheers for the candidate closing the meeting. MEETING AT BELL BLOCK. (Contributed). Mr. Bellringer had a large, and enthusiastic meeting at Bell Block on Saturday night. Mr. Walter Hoakin presided over more than seventy electors. Mr. Bellringer referred to statements that were ‘being made about the increased charge made by the Department for official tests of pedigree cows, pointing out that the increase only affected cases where one animal was being tested, and also that the whole matter had been discussed by the breeders’ associations, who had accepted and were satisfied. Mr. F. S. Jones corroborated what Mr. Bellringer had stated, saying that as a member of the Jersey Association he -knew the facts. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote of thanks to Mr. Bellringer and confidence in the Government.

MR. S. G. SMITH’S CAMPAIGN. (Contributed). Despite the unfavorable weather prevailing on Thursday afternoon there was a large attendance of ladies at the Empire Theatre, when Mr. Smith gave a special address on matters pertaining to the welfare of women and children. The chair was occupied by the Mayoress (Mrs. F. E. Wilson). On the motion of Mrs. R. Jenkins, seconded by Mrs. E. Clarke, Mr. Smith was accorded unanimously a hearty vote of thanks and confidence.

At Okato on Thursday night Mr. Smith addressed a well attended meeting despite the heavy rain. Mr. R. F. Roebuck presided. The candidate’s address was well received and at the conclusion he was, on the motion of Airs. J. -S. Fox and Mrs. T. -C. Street, accorded a hearty vote of thanks and confidence.

On Friday at midday Mr. Smith gave an open-air address to farmers opposite the Haymarket. Some live -hundred were present. -Mr. Smith was well received.

At Puniho School on Friday night there was an attendance of 25 electors to meet Mr. 'Smith. Mr. Pearson presided. By hearty acclamation Mr. Smith was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for 'his able address. On Saturday at midday Mr. Smith addressed a large meeting of watersiders in the waiting shed at the wharf. Mr. F. Hill presided. Tn reply to questions he stood for the principle of arbitration and conciliation, 'but conceded that some improvements could be made to the present, constitution. If the watersiders felt they had a grievance against the last award issued by the Arbitration Court he was opposed to a protest being made by “downing tools.’’ Tie had already given a pledge to vot e against a no-confidence motion if moved by Mr. Holland and would stand by that. Mr. Smith was accorded, without dissent, a hearty vote of thanks and confidence. Despite the early hour about fifty electors were present at the Omata Hall on Saturday evening when Mr. Smith gave a second address. Mr. A. Kurth presided. Mr. Duxton pro-

posed and Air, Bnyly seconded a hearty vote of thanks. Mr. Hanover proposed and Mr. Seamark seconded: "That Mr Smith he accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his able address and renewed confidence in him as our representative,’' The amendment was put to tin meeting and- carried with two dissentients, and on being put. to the meetinf as the motion was carried without

opposition. Later on 'Mr. Smith addressed a largely attended meeting'at Franhley Rp«d. A hearty vote of thanks Was accorded ]sr. Smith ffii his able address,

THE WAITOMO SET. MR. ROLLESTON’S CAMPAIGN. (Contributed). ’ Mr. Rolleston had a great reception at Otorohanga on Friday night when, there was an attendance -of over four hundred, the hall being packed to the doors. The meeting was regarded as one of the biggest political gatherings hold at Otorohanga. The candidate had a splendid hearing and at the conclusion of the address a vote of thanks was moved by Mr. Oudaille and seconded by Mr. Harris and carried amidst prolonged applause. After the meeting the candidate was entertained at supper by a large number of friends and supporters, and a vote of confidence was carried in the Massey Government. Mr. T. Phillips (chairman of the Otorohanga Town Board) presided at the meeting.

Mr. Rolleston also had a splendid meeting in the Waitomo Valley on Saturday, where he gave an address.

THE STRATFORD SEAT. As a fitting climax to a strenuous day’s campaign, Mr. Masters’ meeting at Kohuratahi left nothing to be desired. The hall was crowded. Mr. D. Howard presided. Mr. Masters gave a stirring address on matters affecting the interests of those present, and his speech was punctuated with enthusiastic applause throughout. At the conclusion, Mr. Jennings moved and Mt. Ostler seconded a vote of thanks to Mr. Masters for hia interesting and instructive address, appreciation for the work done on behalf of the district and renewed confidence in him as the future member for the district. The resolution was carried unanimously amidst the greatest enthusiasm.

j Mr. Masters concluded his speaking i campaign of the baekblock portion of I his electorate al Tahora, when the hall | was crowded. The candidate dealt fully with the needs in regard to the development of tlie baekblock country and proved, if it was needed, that the dis- | trict had boon well provided for in the matter of grants for roads and bridges. At the conclusion, one Reform supporter opened up a matter, which proved to be a private grievance, and it was not necessary for Mr. Masters to deal with the matter, as his Reform friends rose and expressed resentment at the question and said they had come to discuss politics and not to have dirty linen washed, a statement which met with i the approval of the meeting. Mr. Harold Wilkinson, in moving a resolution of ' thanks and confidence in Mr. Masters, : stated as an old opponent of his he desired tcT express appreciation of the : good work done by that gentleman and also for the manner in which he at- ' tended to all matters, irrespective of friends or foes. Mr. Selby, in seconding the resolution, stated, while not in nccardanco on all matters political with ?Jr. Masters, ’..e realised from a settler’s point of view that Mr. Masters was the best possible representative for a district such as Tahora. The resolution I was carried amidst applause.—(Contrii buted).’

| REFORM RALLY AT EETHAM. | A meeting of Mr. Hawken’s combined commit tecs and supporters called for | the Eltham Town Hall side-room on jSaturday afternoon was so largely at- , tended as to necessitate an adjournj ment to the main hall. About 300 i were present, including many visitors j from various parts of the electorate, i There was a fleet of cars being parked j in front of the hall. • Favorable reports were received from various centres and the greatest enthnsiasm prevailed. In a shprt and happy speech, the candidate expressed appreciation of the , splendid work of the committees, and jspoke of the services of the Reform

Party and its distinguished leader (Mr. Massey) to the country.—’(Contrjbuted.)

the labob party.

By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The following cable was received today by the national office of the New Zealand Labor Party from the British Labor Party:—“The British Labor Party, now Mis Majesty’s Opposition in the Parliament at Westminster, sends fraternal greetings to the New Zealand ' Labor Party and cordial wishes for a i great triumph at the general elections pending. World peace, national freedom and economic justice are the corner stones of Labor’s policy in all parts of the British Commonwealth, and a powerful Labor Party in New Zealand will help to advance the cause of inter- , national peace, economy, reconstruction and social well-being.—On hehalf oi the executive of the British Labor Party: Sidney Webb, M.P., chairman; Arthur Henderson, secretary.” r ‘l say God help New Zealand if ever Labor get into power. They could pull down a mountain, but they couldn’t build a mouse-trap. The world is sick of extreme labor. Italy has turned them out; Australia has turned them out; and New Zealand will turn them out —because they cannot control. Where is their strength during the present strike? If they were strong they could stop the strike; but they have to admit that they have no power. They are in the hands of a section who can recall these men at any time.—Mr. Q. Witty at Riecarton.