LIBERAL PARTY.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 208, 3 September 1927, Page 12

LIBERAL PARTY.

MR. VEITCH IN AUCKLAND.

GOVERNMENT CRITICISED. VITAL PROBLEMS UNSOLVED. "Our prospects are good—very good," said Mr. W. A. Veitch, leader of the Liberal party, who arrived in Auckland this morning. Mr. Veitch said that no selection had been made of a' Liberal candidate for the Raglan by-election. Several desirable candidates were offering, and a selection would be made consistent with fairness to all the aspirants. "They have discussed the things that matter, and done the things that don't matter," said Mr. Veitch, in referring to the work of the present Parliamentary session. "The Government Beems to have feared the responsibility of dealing with the urgent problems of the day," he added. "The question of excess of Expenditure must be faced, for New Zealand cannot find money to continue expenditure at the present rate. Conditions in the Railway Department are still unsatisfactory, inasmuch as there have been enormous increases in the railway charges, and it is preventing the Department from successfully competing with the opposition of the motor. "The all-important problem of farmers' finance is still unsolved, although it is capable of solution if a proper and courageous course is taken. An agricultural bank would be a solution of the problem, but apparently there are influences controlling the Government from outside, and so the farmer of New Zealand will continue to be committed to heavy, loaded usury until a Liberal Government is returned to power at the next election."

Mr. Veitch said that the administration of Samoa had come as a shock to the people of New Zealand, who had a profound respect for native people. Anyone with a knowledge of the Polynesian mind knew that with a little common sense and forbearance peace and confidence could be restored ia Samoa, said Mr. Veitch.

"Collapse of Policy." "Perhaps the, most spectacular feature of the Reform policy has been the collapse of their agrarian policy," said Mr. Veitch. "One can recall the fine speeches by Reform supporters when they started out with their land settlement schemes. We were told that an independent yeomanry would be firmly established on the land and that the day of the big rancher had gone. To-day we find land aggregation everywhere, bankruptcies among farmers that would soften the heart of a sphinx, and a complete collapse of the economic situation as far as the farmers are concerned." "Coates and Confidence." "What part are you taking in connection with the New Zealand United Political Party?" Mr. Veitch was asked. "I know nothing of it," replied the liberal leader. "I have no communication from, the organisation, and I am not aware of its existence, except that statements of its principles were published.

"The time lias come for all Liberal forces to unite," said Mr. Veitch in conclusion. 'The last election was fought on 'Coates and Confidence. 5 Confidence has zone, and Coates will follow very soon. 7 '