POLITICAL MATTERS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 25 August 1925, Page 4

POLITICAL MATTERS.

MR MeLEOD AT PAIIIATUA. (BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.) PAHIATUA, Aug. 25, The Hon. A. D. McLeod paid his first official visit, to this town yesterday, when lie met several deputations and addressed a big meeting in the evening. The Mayor, Mr Crewe, pre : sided. The Minister received a very enthusiastic reception. Mr McNieo’l, the Government candidate, also addressed the meeting. The Minister expressed his regret and sympathy with Mr Wilford’s- iIL ness and dealt at length with fusion negotiations. Replying to Mr R. Masters’ recent statement, Mr McLeod sought" to show that the Liberals’ bargaining for portfolios had been a part of the negotiations. He asked if Mr Masters told them lie expected to get one. of the portfolios.' The Minister vigorously defended the Government against the charges of its opponents, and quoted figures supporting the achievements of the Government in many ways, notably land settlement, ‘housing, soldiers’ repatriation, roading, immigration and several other matters. The Minister 'also announced that he ivas negotiating for the acquirement of 'the. estate of the late Sir W. Buchanan. The Minister was frequently applauded. ' To a question Mr McLeod said that, fusion or no fusion, the Government 'was not in the habit, of deserting its 'friends. He was accorded a hearty 'vote of thanks, and a vote of confidence in the Government was carried unanimously amid great enthusiasm. The Minister expressed the opinion that Mr McNicol would regain the Pahiatua seat this election. The Minister w r as afterwards entertained at a smoke concert.