THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2321, 14 October 1908, Page 2

THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

ISSUE OF THE WRITS

ABOUT AIIDDLE OF NOA r EMBER

[Special to “Times.”]

AVELLINGTON, Oct. 10. -larilament has been prorogued till nth November, but ii may lie dissolved before that date. The writs -or the general election must be issued within seven diys of the date if dissolution. Tlie Cabinet has not yet decided upon the date of the election, but it is generally expected to be about the middle of November. The Government have this session 4\ven the Opposition so much ammunition for the coming campaign that they will naturally be anxious to give them as little time in which to use it as possible. Moreover, there are ■he second ballots to be considered. Vdd Smfw hrd mfw bgkywhrdluwi THE BAY OF PLENTY SEAT. INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE’S ADDRESS. [Si’ECiAi. to “Times.”] ROTORUA, October 13.. Air. D. Lundon, the Independent candidate for the Bay of Plenty seat, addressed a large meeting list night. He explained that why he was an Independent was due t<> the change of Ministry. He condemned the Government's land policy and favored the freehold. He urged the necessity for immigration, ami severely criticised tin; -acl/ori of tin; Government in Native land matter?. He advocated tlie abolition of the Native Office, aml favored electric trams for AVhakarewareiva and tho thermal district. \n increased duty on Oregon pine was absolutely imperative, and he regretted that the Arbitration Act was not passed. He said law-makers were law-breakers, and ridiculed the Scaffolding Act. He favored the training of men to defend the country, and advocated a repeal of the Thermal Springs Act. He had a -plcndid hearing, and was accorded a vote of thanks anil confidence. AUCKLAND AVEST SEAT. [Press Association.] AUCKLAND, October 13. The Alayor (Mr. Alyers), replying . to a deputation, declined to' contest the City AYest electorate. THE GREY ELECTORATE. [Press Association.^ GREYAIOUTH, October 13. Air. .James Kerr, chairman of the Grey Education Board, has definitely decided to contest the Grey seat. A TIAIARU CANDIDATE. - • ./. _ [Press Association.] TIAIARU, October 13. The Tiniaru branch of the Political Labor League (now 120 strong) determined to run as a candidate for Timaru Air. Geo. Ivoller, a carpenter, an active member of the League. THE AVAKATIPU SEAT. [Press Association.] . ~ GORE. October 13. Air. A. Alartin, the Government]-? candidate for the AVakatipu scat, , opened big cimpaign at AYaikaia on:, Saturday. He supported the present policy, particularly the specialiSy land .settlement scheme,' 'He quoted the success of the cutting-up progfSgl ress, instancing Edendale as a bright •" example. He thought an honest at- - tempt- had been made t 0 place labor 5 legislation on a satisfactory basisifjfj He preferred an absolute majority to a second ballot. The education system had been -improved; but a fur- -.:' t-her advance was necessary. The financial policy of the Government was sound, especially while borrowed money was spent in reproductive ;?ij works. Cadets should be encouraged as they were our future citizens. /. Their training should be part of the]||! education syllabus. A vote of thanks and confidence was adopted. ‘ J CHRISTCHURCH SOUTH SEAT. I -—— [Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, Oct. 13. Air. J. Thorn, Socialist und Labor . candidate for Christchurch South,'?) addressed a meeting of electors tonight. He stated lie was opposed to-]> the present Government, hut would ? not support tlie Opposition. He would join a Labor party in the House. Ho spoke in favor of socialistic re- a forms, and was accorded u vote of-); thanks and confidence. THE SELAYYN CONSTITUENCY. .^

[Prfss Association.! ■. CHRISTCHURCH. Oct. 13. Mr. AV. .}. Dickie, tlie Government-:,' 1 , candidate for Selwyn, opened his . campaign on Monday night at Lynd-\ ! i •hurst, when lie addressed a wellAttended meeting. Mr. Dickie said lie was a warm supporter of the laud legislation of the' Liberal Government. It would be a mistake to grant tbe freehold to the Crown ten- : ants who had taken the lease-in-. 0 perpetuity, but in future all success- . ful applicants should have the option of tenures if the choice was made on - the day of the ballot. The back- h blocks settlers should certainly have V the option of acquiring the freehold, and he would be in favor of letting them have the first five years’ rent free. He was in favor of the present licensing law being continued, - yA with a three-fifths majority. He was i; a believer in the present education /.' system. The candidate was accorded ' a vote of thanks. [