POLITICAL ADDRESS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXI, Issue 8446, 14 August 1911, Page 3

POLITICAL ADDRESS.

MR MASSEY AT MASTERTON.

Per Press Association

MASTERTON:, August 13. Mr W F. Massey, Leader of the Or>position ' addressed a crowded meeting in the Town Hall last night, the Mayor presiding Mr Massey dealt at considerable length with the questions of land settlement and roads and bridges. He declared the Opposition party was favourable to loans for that purpose, but 'lie pointed out that moneys authorised ■for acquiring estates and expenditure on road® and bridges had not been spent during the last year. Dealing with the Mokau land case, Mr Massey said he was not satisfied with the tribunal appointed to enquire into the transaction, and stated he intended to press the subject further. He instanced Kawhia lands, which had. been withdrawn from optional selection by the Government because of their mineral deposits and contrasted their action in that case with that m respect to the Mokau estate. Mr Massey outlined the policy of the Opposition on the same lines- as in his Wellington speech, adding that he favoured allowing local bodies and settlers to avail themselves of the post office savings ■ bank - money with a view of increasing the interest to depositors. He also insisted that interest on savings) bank deposits should be made up- from day to dav. ,'■--■ At the conclusion of his address, which was punctuated with applause, Mr Massey answered, { a. number of questions. The following resolution was carried by acclamation, and without dissent:—"That this meeting heartily thanks the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Massey) for his able address and declaration of policy, and is of opinion that the time has arrived when a change of administration ■vyould, be in the best interests of the Dominion." . „ Three hearty - cheers were given tor Mr Massey.