THE POLITICAL CAMPAIGN

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10465, 1 November 1911, Page 4

THE POLITICAL CAMPAIGN

MR C. R. SYKES' CANDIDATURE

A well attended meeting held at Konini on Monday evening last,, Mr James Redman in the^chair. The Reform Party candidate was well received, and was warmly applauded. Mi' Sykea criticised thelavishi expenditure oiTEhe Ward Administration, and the attention- ■ of his. audience to the excessive cost, of railway construction. He instanoed the new Dunedin railway station.. Sir Joseph Ward stated in 1906. that the cost of same amounted to £40,000, whereas the actual cost was £120,000. Mr Sykes contended that if the railway service was properly managed under the manag&ment of competent men, freight and ,passenger fares could be- reduced.,. The amount voted last week for an increase in salary to the railway em—- , ployees would benefit the highly paid officials. The poorly paid men received nothing. He believedMn reasonable borrowing, but- not wastefulexpenditure. Referring to the land'policy of the* Reform Party, Mr Sykes .stated that he believed in the freehold with limitation of-area, and the opportunity should be given to all to acquire the freehold of; their land on the deferred payment system. He also believed in the leasehold, which would be a stepping stone in many instances, enabling the farmer to .secure and make the land his own by purchasing the fee simple of it. Mr Sykes also spoke on Mr Massey's Homestead Bill, and on the financial affairs of the Dominion. A vote of thanks was moved by tHe chairman (Mr <T. Redman) and" seconded by Miss Warren, aaid hearlilv carried.