ELECTION STRATEGY.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 233, 2 October 1928, Page 9

ELECTION STRATEGY.

PUBLIC WORKS FINANCE.

TWENTY MILLIONS "RAIT." "DON'T BELIEVE IT," SAYS SIR JOSEPH. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Monday. "There has never been anything more staggering than the pages of this year's Public Works Statement," declared Sir Joseph Ward in the House. He regarded it as absolutely alarming. The Public, Works resources were put down at 20 millions and that was intended as a bait to people that money was to be thrown about to the extent of millions, which everybody knew was impossible. "Yet there are members who will place their hands on their chest and say, 'See how much money we have for our electorate.' If I was talking in my electorate I would tell people not to believe a word of it."

Hon. A. D. McLeod (Minister of Lands): I suppose you will be speaking there ? Sir Joseph Ward: I will probably do so, and I hear you are trying your best to put a man up against me; but we can put up four against the Government. We are in a position to make them lose elections in some parts by not running one ourselves. The people of Invercargill would deeply regret if I did not speak there, and they would appreciate the Minister of Lands speaking there, though they might not believe half of what he says. (Laughter.) I shall tell people not to believe half of it, bccause it is absolutely impossible for the Government to give effect to what they are leading people.,to believe."