MR R. MASTERS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 10 December 1925, Page 5

MR R. MASTERS.

ENTERTAINED BY ELECTORS

FUNCTION AT STRATFORD

(BY TELEGRAPH' —PRESS ASSOCIATION.) STRATFORD, Dec. 10.

A large and enthusiastic gathering of supporters and friends of Mr. Robert* Masters, late member for Stratford, was held last night. The attendance was representative of all parts of the electorate. The guest was presented by Mr. G. W. Forbes, leader of the Liberal Party, on behalf of the electors, with a handsome roll-top desk and a substantial cheque, while Mrs. Masters received a magnificent canteen of cutlery.

The speakers included Mr. W. A. Yeitch (Wanganui), Mr. S. Smith (exmember for Taranaki), Mr. Corrigan (ex-member for Patea), Mr. Lye (exmember for Waikato), Mr. Broadfoot (Te Kuiti), and local electors. Many warm tributes were paid to the work which Mr. Masters had done, and much regret was expressed at his defeat. All hoped he would again offer his services.

Mr. Masters, who received an ovation on rising to reply, returned thanks for the honour accorded to him. He hojjed the Government, with its huge majority, would act wisely and see that no sectional legislation was placed on the Statute Book. He was sorry the Opposition was not stronger, as, speaking now as a business man and not as a politician, he could say that the financial outlook called for the greatest consideration. It was impossible to increase the indebtedness of the country at the rate that it had been done for the last few years unless there was ’a corresponding increase in population, so that taxation could be spread more equitably. A country, like a business, had to be financed with a, view to a continuation of prosperity, and must look ahead, and in times of prosperity take cognisance of the lean years which always followed.