PRIME MINISTER AT AUCKLAND

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 114, 11 November 1919, Page 3

PRIME MINISTER AT AUCKLAND

AN ADDRESS TO HIS SURPORTERS

WHO IS TO GOVERN?

(BT TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

AUCKLAND, 10th Nov.

Addressing a meeting of his supporters this afternoon, the Prime Minister said : "We have solved the problems of war-, and if we deal with the problems of peace with the same determination, all will be well. We must not forget we have very heavy burdens of financial ;.responsibility to bear, and that the very best brains of the community are required to carry on the business. of the Dominion; but 'to my mind the most 'important issue is, wtio is going to govern the country for the next three years ? :;Is it to be the law-abiding, responsible, and patriotic elements of the community, or is it to be political extremists, a combination of BoishevUts, I.W.W '<>, Revolutionary Socialists, and others of the same category? It may be said the latter class cannot secure a majority. I agree, but they may hold the balance o£ .power—-thafc is the danger; the Govern.jnent of the day being at their meTcy, ■nnd having to do their bidding or resign office. Personally, such a state of affairs would not suit me. When I cannot retain my self-reepect I go out of office. I ask the people of New Zealand to see that a strong, honest, and patriotic. Government is placed in power with .1 sufficient working majority.

"The record of last session in progressive legislation shows where this party may be found. In saying this, I ask ■the people of the country to forget their ancient party differences and party shibboleths, and to stand together for tha best interests of the Dominion.

"The coming elections will probably be the most important New Zealand has ever seen, because on the men elected wili depend whether the work of reconstruction is to be carried on successfully and satisfactorily, or the reverse. Eighty years ago the pioneers of this country laid the foundation of the prosperity which we enjoy. During the long years of war the young manhood of the present generation of New Zealanders fought to protect our rights and freedom from a cruel and unscrupulous foe. It is for the electors to say whether the good, work is to bo' continued. I believe thts answer will be in the affirmative, and that they will give the men who carried through to a successful issue the work of last session that support of which they have proved themselves worthy."