CAUSE OF CONGRATULATION.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVI, Issue 123, 23 November 1908, Page 8

CAUSE OF CONGRATULATION.

During the 'past , year other > countries throughout the world had experienced a tremendous set-back, and we in New Zealand ought to be thankful for the position we occupied to-day. 'Sir Joseph. Ward then alluded to the recent criticism based on one quarter's accounts, and pointed out how unfair that was. We wust take the whole year's revenue and ejqpenditure, and not a small period of the year. A WARNING. The Government had only increased taxation in one direction, namely, the graduated land tax. They could, however, obtain another £200,000 a year by putting on a graduated income tax on incomes over £2000 a yeay. THE GOVERNMENT'S POSITION AND INTENTIONS. The Government was in power, and they would be still more strengthened as the result of the voting next day. The Government had dealt with the Labour laws, the land question, with the tariff, teachers' salaries, and other questions. The Administration had conferred some lasting benefits on the people of the country — they had worked in the interests of and had done their best in the interests of the people as a whole. (Applause.) The Government had advanced Liberal legislation, and they intended still further to go on in that direction ; they intended to develop the interior of the country, and they wanted to see all branches of industry progress. They were anxious to do their best for the people as a whole. If was their intention to carry on the legislation and the administration of the country in the interests of all classes, and he felt sure that their opponents who traduced the financial position and interests of the country, would be long kept in the cold shades of Opposition. (Loud and prolonged applause.) On the motion of Mr- Pitcaithley, seconded by Mr. Turnbull, a vote of thanks and confidence in the Government was carried by acclamation. Three cheers were given for Sir Joseph Ward, and the meeting dispersed.