LIBERAL PARTY'S CLAIM

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 73, 26 March 1923, Page 8

LIBERAL PARTY'S CLAIM

SPEECH BY MH. VEITCH, M.P,

NEED FOR A STRONG MAN. (Itj Telegraph.--Speri.il to "Star.",! MORRINSVILLK, this day. That Mr. Massey's antagonistic attitude toward electors nt political addresses is losing his candidate a large number of votes was demonstrated at an address given by Mr. W. ._. Veitch, M.P., on Saturday evening. The Empire Theatre was packed, and it was the largest political gathering ever held here, except Mr. Massey's noisy meeting on Tuesday. j Mr. Veitch strongly supported the candidature of Sir Joseph Ward, who, he said, was required more than ever at this time, when the country's finances were in such a confused slate. Sir Joseph had fought the battle single handed so fur, and had done it well, but now that Ministers were coming into the electorate his friends had decided fo help. Mr. Veitch said a (general election was not nt all likely whether Sir Joseph Wan' was elected or not. There was sufficient common sense in Parliament to make another election avoidable. Mr. Massey hud claimed that hi< party only was capable' of giving v stable government. lie recalled Mr. Massey's assertion of 1 «>I I that it was nut good for New Zealand:

for a dm eminent to remain in power for more than a few years. .Mr. Massey had said be meant to fight Labour. Did that mean he intended to light the wi.rkiiifi men of New Zealand' There was one way to develop the industrial peace of this country, and that was to form a middle party Governmentone that would stand for justice and fair play, for all the people and not for a class. If the Liberals reached the Treasury benches they would stand by their own party, and would not be dominated by any other party in the House. If the Liberals reached the Treasury benches they could not be removed unless the Reformers voted with Mr. Holland. He (Mr. Veitch) said he bud frequently asked Mr. Massey to tell the people if. in the event of'the Liberal party reaching the Treasury benches and a no-confidence motion was moved, would lie vote with Mr. Holland-. Mr.' Massey bad never answered that question. TJie sooner Mr. Massey was out of power the better it would be for New Zealand. New Zealand's great need nt the present time was relief from her financial difficulties. Numbers of questions were asked and answered to the utmost satisfaction of the questioners two of whom paid Mr. Veitch the compliment of saving he had given better and more courteous answers than they had received a couple of iiMit.s previously.

Mr. W. Henry, moving a vote of thanks to Mr. ' Veitch tor bis able address and conlitlence in Sir Josepii Ward, said he was not a member of Sir Joseph Ward's committee. Mr. G. Dates seconded the motion. An amendment of a vote of thanks only wns moved and seconded by Messrs. E. McGregor and .1. B. Thomas was well supported, but a large section also strongly supported the motion of confidence in Sir Joseph Ward. Cheers for Mr. Veitch and Sir Joseph Ward, and cheers ami "boos- for Mr. Masscv concluded the meetinjf.

Mr. T. M. Wilford is to speak here to-morrow evening.