THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2329, 23 October 1908, Page 5

THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

THE GISBORNE SEAT.

THE OPPOSITION CANDIDATE

Mr. W. Lissant Cl ay tori, the Opposition candidate for the Gisborne seat, will address the electors in His Majesty’s Theatre this evening,' at 8 o’clock. The chair will be taken by Mr. W. Morgan.

[PitKss Association.]

BAY OF PLENTY SEAT.

AIR. GOW AT OPOTIKI

OPOTIKI, Oct. 22

Mr. J. 13. Gow, at Opotiki on Tuesday, addressed one of the largest audiences ever seen here. Mr. Forbes, chairman of the Town Board, presided. The audience was most enthusiastic, and the candidate’s speech was punctuated with applause and cheers. After paying a tribute to Mr. AY. Merries, Mr.- Gow dealt with the party question, claiming that the Opposition were true Liberals. He also dealt with the importance.of retaining-the heritage of liberty, Upper House reform, local government reform, and the public/works, showing how a million was authorised for the Otira Gorge tunnel while important railway, road, and bridge work in the North was neglected. On the labor question he claimed that the Opposition was the friend of the worker, and was responsible lor the solution of the problem of workers’ dwellings. The Second Ballot Hill was following the example. The gag clause ..had been removed from the press, but not from the candidate. He condemned the attack on 'the liberties of the people by the land laws. Most of the Government members were pledged to the freehold, and obeyed the direction of the Whip when the Ministry opposed the freehold. The Fair Bent Bill was a way of raising the rents of Crown leases. Mr. Gow quoted the uterance of Ministers as proof that leasehold should be used as a step-ping-stone to the freehold. The native lands, in their present condition, were a disgrace to the present party. They had had fifteen years to solve the problem, and nothing had been done but to cause the natives expense. The present Administration was incompetent to deal with it, merely playing with the question. The natives should have the same privileges and responsibilities as the white man. Referring to education, Mr. Gow said that more should he done in the matter of higher education for country children. He was in favor of nolicense- and the present licensing laws. On the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr. Carroll; a. vote of thanks was carried amid loud and prolonged cheering. A QUESTION TO CANDIDATES. CHRISTCHURCH, Oct. 22. The following is a question that is being put to candidates by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: ’‘Seeing that the prevention of cruelly to animals is much more effectively carried on by organisations specially devoted to the work, apart from the police, and that the whole of the fines .are retained by the Government, are you in favor of a subsidy being granted to the societies iorimsl for the purpose of protecting dumb animals?” In most cases, it is slated; the candidates have answered in the affirmative. THE TAPANUI CONTEST. DUNEDIN, Oct. 22. •Mr. Malcolm, who seeks re-election for Clutlia, speaking at Tapanui, complained that many votes for the increase, of salaries- of civil servants were introduced on the last day of the session. He advocated greater economy in administration, hut recognised that with the present House it was impossible to effect it. The Dominion, should have a thousand officers trained for . military service, and enrol ia 11 adults cajtabe of hearing arms. He did. not think the enormously rapid growing expenditure on the Agricultural Department was warranted by—results. The meeting carried a vote of confidence amid .a scene of enthusiasm. 7A STRATFORD CANDIDATE. STRATFORD, (Oct. 22, Mr "Walter Symes, Government candidate for the Stratford seat, addressed a big meeting here last night, defending the general policy of the present Government. THE TIAIARU ELECTORATE. 1 ' TIAIARU, -Oct. 22. Mr. AV. ID. Campbell, editor of the “Tiinaru Herald,” has, in response "to the request of many electors, decided to contest the Tirnaru seat at tlio general elections as an Opposition candidate. WESTLAND SEAT. HOKITIKA, Oct, 22. Mr. T. E. Y. Scddon, the present member for. Westland, opened ni> election campaign this evening, >vaeu. despite the boisterous weather, a very large assemblage attended at die theatre. Mr. Seddou reviewed tin work of the session at length, and strongly defended the present Gov eminent. Ho also refilled a number of statements made by the Opposition and answered a number of questions, to the evident approval of the audience. A motion of thanks 'and confidence was carried. The mover of tlio motion' read., telegrams from the Premier, who unreservedly accepted Mr. rieddon as the Government candidate for West'and. Tlio meeting was at times lively, hut good-natured. RKIM.V 10 THE PREMIER. ' STIRLING, Oct, 22, Speaking at Stirling to-night, Mr. Jos. Allen replied at_ considerable length to Sir Joseph A\ aid’s speech at Palmerston North, and at the close of his remarks was accorded a hearty vote of thanks and continued confidence. WANGANUI SEAT. WANGANUI, Oft. 22. The local election campaign was opened to-night, Air. George Hutchison, who is opposing the Government-, addressing a large meeting in the Opera House. He had hearing.

OTAGO CANDIDATES

DUNEDIN, Oct. 22.

-Strong pressure has boon brought to hear to induce Mr. J. Loudon to resume his campaign for Bruce. His -health lias improved considerably during the last few days, and ho leaves for Hanrncr to-moirowy He has not decided what action he will take. Mr. Win. Barr, Socialist candidate for .Chalmers, -addressed the electors at Anderson’s Bay to-night. He supported the freehold, but opposed any definite system of immigration. Ho was against no-license by Act of Parliament. The meeting accorded the candidate best wishes in the campaign- ho has undertaken. Air. E. G. Allen, candidate for Chalmers, addressed a meeting at Port Chalmers to-night. He said he would still support the Government. • He reviewed the legislation of the last session,' and contended that the financial position of the Dominion was . stronger than when the Liberal party c-ame into power. He strongly supported party Government. The candidate was accorded a vote of thanks and'continued confidence. '