THE REFORM LEAGUE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 137, 16 July 1914, Page 10

THE REFORM LEAGUE.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. . V Press Association. WELLINGTON, July 16. The annual, conference of the New Zealand Political Reform League was crpened to-day. • The Dominion Executive, in presenting the annual report, congratulated the members, and more particularly the leader, the Eight Hon. W. F. Massey and his colleagues, upon the improved outlook and the prospects of the party generally. The executive felt that this was largely due to the very able administration of the country 's affairs by the Ministers during the past two years, and to the fact that, throughout the country, there is a widespread that the Reform Party can be trusted to do its duty faithfully, to administer the law impartially and fearlessly, and to legislate on lines that Would ensure the just recognition of ?.jhe right's of any citizen. The-executive" also- gained immensely by change of Government., It intended to circulate throughout the constituencies a - special ■ number of the Reform Leaguers ' 1 Light and liberty,'' which covers the work, of .the .Reform Government during its tenure of office. Congratulatory reference was made to the honour recently conferred on.Mr Massey by the King. Regret was. expressed at the deaths of Sir Wm» Russell and Col. "Bloomfieldj and the retirement from the executive of Mr E. C. Huie (Christchurch), and Mr E. H. Williams (Napier).; The executive strongly impresses upon delegates and supporters of the party generally that there is a stiff fight in front. A movement has evidently been begun and apparently consummated to bring about a working agreement, and practically an alliance between the Liberals and the Red Feds. The Opposition Party in Parliament is apparently prepared to proceed to. any extreme in the attempt to oust the Reform Government. The arrangement between the Liberr als and the Red Feds is a distinct menace te goad Government, and can only end in disaster to the country. The country has to choose between a strong Government under Mr Massey, which was not afraid to speak its mind, and preserve order in times of national peril, and an Administration that would be dominated by political extremists, who desire to destroy the existing Constitution in order that they may inaugurate the Socialistic state.