THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2305, 25 September 1908, Page 2

THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

FARMERS’ UNION MOVEMENT. THE HURUNUI SEAT. [Pitess Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, Sept 24. At yesterday’s meeting of tlio North Canterbury Provincial Executive Ci the New Zealand Farmers Union. Air. G. AV. Leadley proposed the following resolution, which was carried i “That in view of tho trend of present-el ay polities curtailing the liberties of the people and hampering private enterprise, this executive is of opinion that the time has arrived when, rising superior to all consideration of party and every other sectional issue, the producers of tlie Dominion should combine to support men who will make the interests' of the country a first consideration, and that therefore wo recommend our friends to support only such candidates as may subscribe to the Farmers’ Union platform, also that chairmen’ of branches be urged upon to represent to . their members the imperative necessity for rousing themselves to take an active interest in the forthcoming political contes.t” Mr. Geo. AV. Forbes, of Cheviot, who is contesting the Hurunui seat in tho Government interest at tlio next general election, addressed a meeting at Amberley. Ho gave a general support to the Government policy and legislation, and advocated increased activity in land settlement, with the view of getting the man with small capital on the land, and stemming the flow of population towards the cities. He favored amendment of the Arbitration Act, the retention of the three-fifths majority in licensing polls, liberal encouragement of volunteering, review of tho agreement between the State and the Bank of New .Zealand, and a trial of tlio principle of the second ballot. He was entirely opposed to the “gag” clauses in the Bill now before the House.. Air. Forbes got a favorable reception,' and a vote of thanks to him for iiis address was passed unanimously. THE WANGANUI SEAT. WANGANUI, Sept, 24. The “Chronicle” is authorised to state that‘Air. George Hutchison will be a candidate for the Wanganui seat in ojiposition to the Government. [Air. Hutchison is the barrister who so ably conducted the defence for the Gisborne Times Co., .Ltd., in tlie libel action just concluded. He represented AVaitotara in the House in 1887-93 and Patea in 1894-1900.]