A REFORM RALLY

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 May 1913, Page 3

A REFORM RALLY

, SPEECH Bt THE MINISTER.

[ At Hokitika last evening the Minister for Railways and visiting M.P.'s, were entertained by the local branch of the Reform League. There was a very large attendance. The Horticultural and. Drill Halls were admirably decorated for the purpose. The first part of the programme consisted of vocal and instrumental items, followed by speeches and dancing. Mr, W. Jeffries, on behalf of the Reform League, extended a very cordial welcome to the Minister, and also to Messrs Scott and Anderson, M.P.'s. MR. HERRIES' ADDRESS.

In the course of a brief speech, the Minister stated that he was not present on a political campaign, but that would come before next election. Of course, he did not. wish to reflect on their member, as there was no man in Parliament he esteemed Aore than Mr. Seddon. He had also looked upon the late Mr. Seddon as one of the greatest statesmen in the Dominion —if not the Empire—and as a politician of some years standing he could say that anyone who took lessons from the late Mr. Seddon was on the way to success. He was visiting the district in the capacity of Minister of Railways; he was going round to look into complaints and hear suggestions and, if possible to remedy the complaints and adopt the suggestions. "When it was remembered that their railways represented £30,000,000 of invested moneys it would be seen that a good deal of responsibility rested with those responsible for the administration of so important a public service. He was continually being met with demands ; requirements were being asked for which, if he had £3,000,000 placed immediately at his disposal, he believed he would be unable to satisfy, so great were the requests for' new sheds, new stations, etc. As Minister of Native Affairs he had even a greater responsibility than any other Minister in that he had to look after the welfare of the Native race and hold the balance of power, as it were, between the Natives and Europeans, and also see that good laws were passed and the Maori not exterminated.

As the gathering was one under the auspices of the Reform League, he might say a few words as to the Reform Party. The Massey Government had taken oflice and had carried through the bulk of its commitments when the Reform Party's platform was before the electors. A few of those planks had not yet been carried out, but would be given the legislative imprint before next session. The Government was determined to do its best according to its lights—both in matters of law-making and administration.

It had been said, when the Reform Party took office, that wages would go down, etc. He could state, so far as the railway employees were concerned, that wages in the second division had increased £40,000, and further increases would be made to the first division next year.

Prices of commodities in the Dominion has gone up—so, also, had the rate of interest. Unfortunately all over the world money was dear and other Governments were exneriencing difficulties in the raising of loans for public works at a cheap rate. At the same time, while people were getting big prices for their produce they could pay a higher rate of interest than if prices were low and therefore the pinch was not so keenly felt. Mr. Herries concluded with a few words of advice to the supporters of the Reform League. If they desired the present Government to remain in office it would be necessary to attend to organisation work. Get the people nn the rolls and do the canvassing

after. Ho thanked them for the very kindlv welcome, stating that he always felt it a pleasure to visit Hokitika. The speaker resumed his seat amidst loud applause and the singing of "For He's a .Tollv Good Fallow." MR. ANDERSON.

Mr. Anderson (Member for Mataura), said he was pleased to be present to assist in the Reform rally that night. Tile party could not remain in office unless it was the will of the people and unless it justified its existence by the legislation enacted. He had entered the House as a strong Freeholder —in fact he believed if it were not for the freehold question he would never have sought a seat in Parliament. The land legislation of last session was on the freehold principle and the majority of the electors had indicated that this was in accordance with the wishes of the people. Mr. Anderson referred to the benefits derived from the appointment of the Civil Service Commission, which, he was pleased to say, had done away with political patronage. The speaker referred to other measures passed and cited several reforms he would like to see carried out. If the Government did not pass legislation of a democratic and progressive nature they would have to go out of office. MR, SCOTT. Mr. Scott, member for Otago Central, said he had heard of the West Coast these last 50 years; this was his first visit to these parts, and so far as he had seen, the potentialities of the district far exceeded anything he had anticipated. The speaker referred to matters of organisation and progress of the Reform League. Several new branches of the League had been formed in the North Island, and this was also the case in the South Isalnd although not in. such a marked degree. He paid a high compliment to the honesty and integrity of the members of the "Massey Government and in conclusion expressed best wishes for the local League, • Mr. B. Ward, President of the League, returned thanks to the Hon. Mr. Herries for his address, to Messrs Scott and Anderson for their visit, and to Sir Arthur Guinness, whom he was pleased to note was present that evening.

The remainder - of the evening was devoted to cards and dancing, and/a very successful and enthusiastic function was then brought to a close.