MR CARROLL AND THE OPPOSITION.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 152, 13 June 1911, Page 1

MR CARROLL AND THE OPPOSITION.

THEN AND NOW. [per press association.] Carterton, June 13. The Hon. J. Carroll, actingPremier, accompanied by the Hon. A. T. Ngata, were present at a Liberal social at Carterton last night, and received a hearty reception. The Hon. J. Carroll delivered a short address; principally dealing with Opposition criticism. He claimed that the Liberal policy had been consistent and progressive for the twenty years it had been in power. The Opposition had gone through many phases. First it was the great Conservative Party, then the National Association, then the Reform Party, and now it claimed to be the only true Liberal Party. The Opposition' had termed the Hon. John Ballance and his party the “ seven devils of Socialism,” and now they said Mr. Ballance was a noble, self-reliant man who did great good. The Opposition said Mr. Seddon was galloping to a deficit of revenue and ruining the country; now they said Mr* Seddon was a great, strong man, whose work had' benefitted New Zealand. The Opposition said the Ward Government was hypocritical and dishonest ; a future Opposition would probably refer to them as the noble men of 1911. The Opposition had opposed all Liberal measures, and now claimed the credit of initiating some and improving others, **nl would not repeal any. Mr. Massey had said the Native Minister was doing no good, and should be removed as an impediment to progress. He (the speaker) claimed to have consolidated Native Land Laws and introduced a board system which put Native lands on a footing with Crown lands, and scured a proper valuation. The Liberal Government had settled 1,700,000 acres of Native land in five or six years. They had settled last year 344,000 acres—l74,ooo by sale, 170,000 by lease—yet Mr. Massey said they were doing nothing. The speaker referred to Taumarunui and Te Kuiti on 'the Main JTrunk as once Native lands and now municipalities, and lately •the Pastoral Show held with hundreds present, where there were only ten persons three years ago. Was that not progress? Mr. Massey knew nothing about Native lands, but only indulged in vague generalities. He challenged Mr, Massey to say where the six million acres of waste Native lands were that he was so fond of talking about. The statement was absolutely untrue. The Government was not a one-class Government; it legislated for all—small farmers, workers, and the whole people. There was no need to pull down the Liberal banner now. All should strengthen it and do theii' share to help on the progress of the country they all loved so much.

The Hon. A. T. Nguta jjave a short address, and urged youn,\ electors to beware of “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” The Opposition were putting on Liberal clothes and begging to be put in power. They would not repeal any legislation. They only wanted to administer it. Liberals had not changed. The social was a great success, and a large number were present. (