REFORM PARTY.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19940, 29 May 1930, Page 10

REFORM PARTY.

MEETING OF SUPPORTERS.

ADDRESS BY THE HON. DOWNIE STEWART. The general rally of supporters of the Reform Party, held last evening in the Canterbury Automobile Association's hall, was attended by over 200 people, and the conclusion of the main addreßs delivered by the Hon. W. Downie Stewart was followed by scenes of enthusiasm. Mr C. P. Agar, retiring chairman of tho Reorganisation Committee of tho Canterbury Division of the Reform Party, presided. Mr Downie Stewart, in an address extending over an hour and a quarter, dealt with many aspects of the presentday political situation in New Zealand. He devoted much time to a criticism of the Socialistic Labour movement, incidentally paying attention to a notice announcing an address in the City last evening by the Leader of the Labour Party,Mr H.E.Holland, who was described in the advertisement as "the man to do away with unemployment." Referring to the financial stringency in Australia, Mr Stewart said that his financial policy when a member of the Reform Government's Cabinet, had been designed to prevent such a state of affairs occurring in the Dominion. Asked, at the conclusion of his address, whether he thought an election probable this year, Mr Stewart said that it depended upon the action of the Labour Party, but it appeared that "so long as that Party had an orange to squeeze, it would squeeze it dry before bringing about another Genefal Election."

Mr A. E. Mander, Dominion general secretary of the Reform organisation, also addressed the meeting. Reference was made to the successful conclusion of the period of reorganisation of tho Reform Party in the nine electorates in the Canterbury Division. Mr Stewart was accorded a vote of thanks, which was carried enthusiastically, with cheers and the singing of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow."

Tho meeting, which was regarded as purely a Party gathering, was not open to the Press.