POLITICAL

Evening Star, Issue 15479, 29 April 1914, Page 4

POLITICAL

PRIME MINISTER AT THAMES. The Hon. W. F. Massey delivered a political address at Thames last night in the theatre, which was packed to the doors. The audience were most enthusiastic. The Mayor, who presided, extended a hearty welcome to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister thanked the audience for the splendid welcome accorded him, and Congratulated the district on the substantial progress it had made. Ho referred to the locomotive work of Price’s foundry, and said that so long os such jjkst-class locomotives were turned out in New Zealand there would be no talk of importing railway engines. He referred at considerable length bo the settlement of the Hauraki pastoral lands, spoke in favor of the measure passed last session, and said the opposition raised to the measure was not justifiable. The measure, he contended, was in the joint interests of the pastoral and mining industries. He defended the position of the member for the Thames (Mr 1. W. Rhodes) in Connection with the passage of the Bill, and said that had it not been for the work of that gentleman the probabilities were that the Bill would not have reached the Statute Book. It had made a material alteration in the land laws of Now Zealand. So far as the Thames land was concerned, there had been legislation which would in the future induce settlement and do a great deal of good to the district. They could not deal similarly with other lands. He promised, so far as the West Coast of the South Island was concerned, that ho would introduce important legislation. The condition of affairs there, so fax a® land was concerned, was somewhat chaotic. He was prepared to improve this. Mr Massey referred to the Land Question on similar terms to those of his Auckland address, and said the legislation passed was entirely in the interests of the settlers and land settlement. The Government’s policy was to increase settlement under ihe best possible conditions, make roads and bridges, encourage industries, construct roads, and build railways where thev were never expected. He spoke optimistically of the future, which, he said,' was justified by the fact that the exports would reach a total of £26,000,000 per year. All the doleful predictions of the" Opposition had been falsified. The Government now had the people of New Zealand with them. Replying to an interjection—“ Why not bring in a system of Proportional Representation?”—Mr Massey said that if the Government did away with the Upper House the system might be adopted, but if it were applied to both Houses it would mean that one House would be a duplicate of the other. The Upper House would not be a revising Chamber at all. Another voter interjected that Mr Rhodes had gone back on his word. Mr Massey said that the member for Thames had stuck to his principles. Ho was a supporter of the freehold, and consequently could not do anything but uphold the freehold policy introduced by the speaker. Tire men who broke their pledges were Messrs Payne (Grey Lynne) and Robertson (Otaki). Referring to Native legislation, Mr Massey said that Mr Herriea had considerably improved the law, and had straightened many matters out- Their ultimate object was to induce the Natives to emulate the pakeha in their system of land cultivation, so that both could work side by side with similar objects and ideals. The Native Minister possessed the confidence of the people, and was doing all possible to encourage settlement. The Prime Minister spoke of the purchase of the Orakei block, near Auckland, which cost £IOO,OOO. Ho intended treating the Natives in such a manner as to encourage settlement, and secure further improvements from those who at present were improving their lands. Touching on the financial position, Mr Massey explained the shortage of funds when the Government took office. As soon as improved conditions arrived, they extended the grants to settlors and workers. In spite of a decreased revenue, due to smallpox and the strike, a surplus of £400,000 had been announced. The Government had increased wages and improved conditions in various public departments—the railway employees, school teachers, and the' poIL’O force. The Opposition criticised, but could not say what other solution there was. If they wanted good men they would have to pay for them. With reference to industrial disputes, he strongly justified the action of the Goverfnnent. both in connection with tire miners’ and waters idem’ troubles. In connection with the enrolment of specials, he said the Government would do the same thing again. The worst enemies of the working men were a set of men Jiving and loafing on the feeble workers. They were not desirable immigrants, and it would be a good thing for New Zealand if they were out of "it. These references elicited loud applause from the audience A vote of thanks and confidence was passed, with a few dissentients. ~W~ THE WAKATTPU SEAT. When asked at Wellington yesterday by a Dunedin ‘ Star ’ representative what foundation there was for the statement that he would not against be a candLate for Wakatipu at the coming election, the Hon. W. Fraser replied: “It is'.only another Opposition fairy tale. I intend to contest tire Wakatipu seat against all earners.” THE OPPOSITION LEADER.

Sir Joseph Ward will deliver two- addresses within the ensuing week—At Mosgiel he will speak at the Coronation Hall at 7.30 on Friday night, and at Christchurch on Monday evening.

IN THE ENEMY’S STRONGHOLDS. The Minister of Customs, the Hon. F. M. B. Fisher, will deliver a political ?d----dresa at «Winton (the centre of Sir Jfoseph Ward’s electorate) on Monday night, on Wednesday he will speak at Riverton, which has the largest number of voters in Mr J, C. Thomson’s electorate (Wallace).