THE SINS OF THE GOVERNMENT.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13742, 25 May 1910, Page 7

THE SINS OF THE GOVERNMENT.

PROGRESSIVE POLICY WANTED

MR MASSEY'S CRITICISMS

("SPECIAL TO "THE I'KESS.")

THAMES, May 24

Mr W. F. Massey, M.P., Leader of the Opposition, delivered an address on political matters to a largely-attend-ed public mooting in the . Central Hall this evening. The Mayor of Thames (.Mr H. Low) presided, and in introducing Mr Massey rpoke of him as a politician who, by the energetic, able, and courteous way in which he had carried out tho duties of Leader of tha Opposition had earnod the respect, conPdence. and admiration of the entire Dominion. Mr Massey. who wrts received with loud applnusc. was accorded an attentive and appreciative hearing. After a brief reference to tho grout less just custained by the Empire in the death or the late King, lie ivenfc on to deal in the first, place with the recent speech of the Prime Minister at Winton. NO GOVERNMENT POLTCY.

Mr Massey said that although he had read Sir Joseph Ward's recent speech carefully, ho could find very little in it beyond the usual promises in regard to future legislation, and the customary one-sided statement respecting taxation and finances. Gene, rally, there was no policy, nor was there any'attempt to put forward a policy. The country was now again fairly prosperous, but it would be more prosperous if the Government would rise to their opportunities and encourage piivato enterprise at it ought to be encouraged. Ho believed there was plenty of money available for the development of our resources, and lie felf. certain that English capitalists would sooner invest their money in this country than in countries not under the British flaji if they were encouraged to do so, antl if we "had a Government in whom they had confidence, and who would place tho public good beforo party and private interests. (Applause.) When a Government placed a policy before.the country, they should stand or fall by it, but when the present Ministry did put forward anything i*i tho shape of a policy, it was in "a timid and hesitating way. Thc(y were quite ready to run from it. if it appeared that the majority of members, or people of the Opposition way ■ t thinking, were against it. What the country wanted vrus a progressive policy of Crown and native land settlement, and the cleansing of the Angeau stable of maladministration and <v>rruption that had been piling for the last twenty years. Otheir reforms were also necessary, but those that lie hud indicated were the most urgent, and the party that would give effoet to them -would deserve well of the country. (Applause.) Given these necessary reforms everything else that, was necessary to the welfare of the country would follow. (Hear, hear.)