PREMIER IN REPLY.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 826, 26 May 1910, Page 5

PREMIER IN REPLY.

« SPEECH AT HOKITIKA. COMMENTS ON OPPOSITION CRITICISM. (By Telesraoh-Press Association.) Hokitika, Hay 25. Sir Joseph Ward addressed a largo audience in Princess Theatre to-night. Jlr. Michel, Mayor of Hokitika, presided. The Prime Minister, who met with a cordial reception, dealt very fully with the progress of-the West Coast. He then referred to the Leader of tho Opposition's recent criticism of the Government. As regards Mr. Massey's criticism in connection with Government advertising, he quoted figures' to show that the advertisements had been distributed fairly and impartially. Ho gave the following figures for twenty-one months sinco the establishment of the. Department, though twelve months would, he said, be more favourable for comparison:—Auckland "Star" (G.), .£764; "Herald" (0.), Wellington 'Tost" (0.), .£IO7G; "Times" (G.), .£1034; Dominion (0.), ,£170; Christchurch "Press" (0.), .£838; "Lyttelton Times," .£880; "News," .£l6; "Star." £i&; . Dunedin "Times". (0.), .£932s "Star" (G.), .£855; "Auckland Weekly News" (0.), .£277; "Graphic" (G.), .ClliS; "Farmer" (G.), .£2O; "Canterbury Times" (G.), ;■ "Weekly Press" (0.), .£174; "Otago Witness" (0.), J2252. The total for Opposition dailies (a. fair criterion) was Government dailies, i£3584; difference' in favour of the Op{losition, .E204. The criticism was really evelled at the Government's action regarding The Dominion, but the policy of tho Government was. to give a fair distribution to Opposition and Government papers. During the recent depression ■ much capital was made out of the fact that people had left New Zealand. This could not be attributed to the Government, as it had been. During the five years from 1900 to 1905, New Zealand had gained in population by 28 per cent., whilst New South Wales had ontv increased 20 per cent. New Zealand had a satisfactory material increase. There was in any caso bound to be an'.cli'u and flow', fbut. as an average New Zealand was steadily gaining. Increased taxation- was "dealt with at length on tho lines of his WinUm speech, showing that remissions in Customs had totalled four millions in 13 years. The Opposition contended that the Government had increased taxation by «E1 7s. Id. per head of population. Sir Joseph Ward said the so-called increased taxation was due to the growing wealth of the people. It was not due to an increased rate, but to tho increased wealth of 41,000 people, which, of course, and rightly so, had to pay more in the aggregato than when their wealth was less. In regard to the origin of workers' homes, Mr. Massey claimed this to be his idea, but this was incorrect, as every member of Parliament knew, that he (Sir Joseph Ward) had brought down a-mea-sure which was not altered in any way, as only a Minister of the Crown could bring in amendments of a financial naHo rcfc-Tred. to tlio adjournment or Parliament ill terms of the Winton speech. As to the resignation of Mt. Beeves, financial adviser, he stated that the vote had been as for two years past, ami was really a contract which having been entered into had to be earned out. Parliament would havo this, and was aware that the Agemfs-General had had such an officer attached to their office since the earliest days. Such a man was required, in order to gain confidential information, etc., in regard to tho money market, and to advise on delicate finance operations. Mr. Uteres had adopted the right coursein resigning after such ,n proceeding in Parliament. The Opposition had opposed the old ago pension scheme, although Mr. Allen claimed credit over it. As a matter of fact, the Opposition blocked it with a proposal for a contributory scheme. Dealing with retrenchment, ho referred to Mr. Allen's statement, , which he described as extraordinary, that the fact of a reduction of Departments showed previous extravagance. As a matter of fact, tho retrenchment was caused by a fail-ing-oii in revenue .consequent upon the depression being experienced. At that period the Government were wise in meeting tho position. Now. that there was a renewal of prosperity there, was no need of further retrenchment. Still, the Opposition urged further retrenchment whon it was really unnecessary. The Government had accepted lord Kitchener's recommendation in' its entirety with the exception of the salary of higher officers which he considered too high for a young country. The Government had asked Lord Kitchener to recommend an officer of high standing and ability to tako charge of the Territorial Force, in New Zealand, and were expecting advice at nay time now. The quota system would also be adopted whereby 11,000 territorials between the ages of 19 and 25 would be trained. They should be ready for an emergency. Tho cost would he JBiOO.OOO. which would bo a teal good insurance policy, not only on account of their property which was at stake, but on account of their aims and aspirations as a part of the glorious Empire. The Opposition stated that tho Government had. increased rates in tho lending Departments, but this wns not so, as moneys were lent out at low rates of interest as formerly. Under tho new system of loans to local authorities .£IOO,OOO had been advanced, at .IJ per cent. Regarding the water power regulations, ho said some .£500,000 would be s]K>nt on development annually, and mining would get a fair share of tho expenditure. Legislation was promised next session, but the Government must go slowly nt first. He wanted to see the mining industry progress and prosper, and would do all possible to achieve that end. At the conclusion of the address, Mr, Murdoch (Mayor of Kumara) moved and Mr. Bruce (Mayor of Ross) seconded, "That this large and representative meeting of the electors of West land extends to the Bight Hon. the Prime Minister a hearty vote of thanks for his able, interesting, and instructive address, and expresses its cordial support of the Liberal policy he has enunciated, and confidence in" the Government, of which lie is the distinguished leader." Tho resolution was carried by acclamation, the audience giving throe- cheers for tho Prime Minister.