BUOYANT TONE

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 32, 9 February 1929, Page 10

BUOYANT TONE

THE NEW GOVERNMENT

FEELING OF OPTIMISM

(By Telegraph.)

(Special to "The Evening Post.")

AUCKLAND, This Day.

A note of optimism was sounded at a reception given by the United Party organisation in Auckland to the Hon. J. B. Donald, Postmaster-General, and the Hon. A. J. Stallworthy, Minister of Health. There was a large attendance of party supporters, Mr. J. Trevithick presiding.

Late in the proceedings the Hon. H. Atmore, Minister of Education, arrived, and wasi given an enthusiastic reception. Mr. Trevithick said that both Mr. Donald and Mr. Stallworthy had brought honour to Auckland. A man's true worth was not measured by gold, but by the service he gave to the community. Sir Joseph Ward had recognised this, quality in tho two men 1 and had raised them to the rank of Ministers of the Crown. (Applause.) The speaker congratulated them on their achievement, and said that the party had every- confidence in their ability to control the departments, under their administration.

Mr. Donald, in reply, said that he received his Liberal education under the banner of Kiehard John Seddon. His experience in Parliament to dato had convinced him that the work of a Cabinet Minister was no easy task, and members of Parliament and Ministers would have more sympathy frdm him in future. "I can put up with all the hard knocks that come my way," added Mr. Donald. "Mr. Stallworthy, I feel sure, and I -will do our best to represent Auckland in a fitting manner.".

Mr. Stallworthy said that from the North Cape to Bluff there was a feeling of renewed optimism, new hope, and new spirit. The people had a Government with a very sincere purpose and a Government that would consolidate the feeling of optimism. While the members of Cabinet were not super-men, they were imbued with industry, earnestness of purpose, and sincerity.

Bef erring to Sir Joseph Ward, Mr. Stallworthy said that it had been reported that ho was out of Wellington for two weeks during the holiday period. He happened to know that Sir Joseph Ward worked right through the holidays, putting in from 12 to 18 houra a day. They would be pleased to know that his physical vigour was returning. (Applause.) His mental vigour had never been undor a cloud. He felt that as a result of Sir Joseph Ward's leadership better times were coming to the Dominion. . ;

Mr. Atmore said that \£ii' Joseph Ward and his Cabinet would, he believed, accomplish great things for. New Zealand. Sir Joseph Ward was the outstanding statesman in Australia or New Zealand, and was an outstanding figure in the Empire. In returning him to power the people of the country had made the most successful move they had ever made in their own interests.