REFORM LEAGUE

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 70, 24 March 1931, Page 15

REFORM LEAGUE

NEW BRANCH ESTABLISHED

'An enthusiastic gathering of Reform supporters met in Stokes Valley Hall on Saturday evening last, when Mr. A. B. Mander, Dominion ceneral secretary of the Eeform League, gave an address on "The Present Political and Economical Position of New Zealand." Mr. Mander emphasised the fact that, while the United Party could not be held responsible for causing the present economic position, yet its policy could justly be said to have aggravated it. The Government had completely reversed the Reform Party's policy of tapering off borrowing, until during their term of office the National Debt had increased by £2,325,000. Concentrating on balancing its own Budget, the Government had completely ignored the necessity for the balancing of farm budgets, business budgets, and household budgets. The national income had been reduced by £20,000,000, and until a few weeks ago the whole burden of this shortage had been borne by two sections of the community—the farmers and the unemployed. The Reform Party believed that this reduction should be spread over the whole community and that farmers should be assisted to stay on their lands and maintain production. Mr. Coates urged, last session, that the House should_ not rise until this problem had been satisfactorily dealt with. Questions on defence and general policy were asked by those present, and satisfactorily replied to by the speaker. It was unanimously decided to form a branch of the New Zealand Political Reform League in Stokes Valley and Haywards. Election of officers resulted in Mr. Gibson Young as chairman and Mr. Will Bishop, secretary. Apology for abr sence was received from Mr. W. H. Field, M.P. A hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Mander and the singing of the National Anthem brought the meeting to a close. "Plunkctte" Toilet Soap is highly recommended by nursos throughout New Zoaland. Obtainable from the D.I.C.— Advt.