REFORM PARTY.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19310, 15 May 1928, Page 11

REFORM PARTY.

CONFIDENCE IN MR COATES GOVERNMENT'S PROGRESSIVE POLICY. [THE P&EB3 Special Serrice.] AUCKLAND, May 14. Appreciation of the statesmanlike qualities of the Prime Minister (Mr Coates) and continued confidence in bim and his colleagues were expressed 'at a meeting of supporters of the Reform Party. Mr J. Robertson, chairman of the Auckland executive of the New Zealand Political Reform League, presided. The Prime Minister addressed the meeting on some of the outstanding political questions of the moment. The responsibility and attitude of the Government in connexion with the Samoan trouble was the first subject dealt with, and after fully explaining the position, Mr Coates expressed his conviction that the measures taken by the Government would lead to a satisfactory settlement of the present difficulties. The Government policy in connexion with naval defence, leading to the provision of two cruisers in New Zealand waters and a substantial contribution to the construction of the Singapore Base, was explained. Dealing with finance, the Prime Minister expressed gratification at the highly successful flotation of the recent loan of £5,000,000 on the London market. This was a notable achievement and conclusively proved the high-water mark at which the Dominion's credit and status were re-' garded in Great Britain. He thought credit could be. claimed fairly by the Government for its capable administration of the country's finances throughout a difficult pericd of depression, enabling such happy results to be attained.

Referring to tho platform placed before the country in 1925, he claimed that the Government had given effect to the leading planks during the two years it had been in offioe. In connexion with unemployment, Mr Cdates stated that the Government yielded to none in its desire to find a solution of this difficult problem, and outlined his' ideas for the proper classification of those finding difficulty in obtaining work with a view to placing them in employment suitable to their capabilities. Legislation dealing with rural credits had been placed on the Statute Book. This would prove of great benefit to the farming community. _ It was the Government's intention to continue its vigorous policy in connexion with the development of essential public works, such as roading, and the completion of railway works now in course of construction as well as various hydro-electric schemes. | Referring to the improved position in regard to the national trad© bali ance, Mr Coates stated that as .compared with affairs twelve months ago the trading position of the Dominion had improved by £13,000,000. The banking figures for the year ended March 31st .last also showed a very great improvement, and these facts' gave substantial ground for looking forward to a return to normal prosperity. Mr Coates.made humorous reference to the diverse character of the elements comprising certain Parties opposed to the Government. He felt sure that wheii the Government faced the electors at the end of the year the Reform Party would be found as solidly united as ever/ and that the Government would be returned with _ a stable majority which was so essential to the administration of the country's affairs. '

The meeting closed with a unanimous resolution of thanks to Mr Qoates anil confidence in the Party ho leads, and the meeting pledged itself to further -support of the Government at the forthcoming General Election.