POLITICAL

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 245, 3 October 1911, Page 3

POLITICAL

REFORM RALLY AT PALMERSTON NORTH.

MR. MASSEY AT THE OPERA HOUSE.

Palmerston N., Oct. 2. The Opera House was crowded this evening for tiie Political Reform Party’s celebration of the third anniversary of the local Reform League. Large numbers came from the townships throughout the districts as far as AVaiiganui, chiefly by motor. The Mayor, Mr. Nash, presided. The speakers included Mr. Massi v, M.P., Mr. Newman, M.P., Mr. Guthrie, M.P., Mr. Scott, M.P., Mr. Buick, M.P., and Mr. R. R. Martin, Opposition organiser, and Mr. Bennett. chairman of the local league. Mr. Massey said he did not propose making a political speech, as he was returning before the election to do that. At the instance of Mr. Newman he answered several questions regarding the Opposition’s intentions if returned to power, which Mr. Newman said were continually asked him by the electors. Mr. Massey said he was the first to propose advances to workers and advances to settlers. He had suggested over and over again lending the fourteen millions in the Post Office Savings Bank to settlers. He supported the first Old Age Pensions Bill but opposed the second because Mr. Seddon saiiPYie would have to curtail the road votes and reduce salaries. No one in his party ever objected to idiese measures. Referring to the land question, he said they all favoured a reasonable limitation of area. His party would reduce taxation and reduce the cost of living, but they would not reduce wages.

A series of short speeches from all the other members were, in the same tone. All eulogised Mr. Buick, who was characterised ns one of the ablest and best respected men in the House. Mr. Massey said that on his return io Palmerston North, he would deal with Mokau. Mr. Scott referred to three Southerners, Mr. McNab, Mr. Mackenzie, and Sir John Findlay, coming North, and hoped they would be sent back to the South, while he admitted that ihe first two were good men, but they were on the wrong side of the House. The meeting closed with cheers for Mr. Massey and Mr. Buick. There was an orchestra, and songs were also sung, mainly by ladies. The speeches exterfded from 7.30 to 9.30, when the party adjourned to the Municipal Hall, where dancing was kept up till a late hour.