REFORM SHOWS REVIVAL

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIX, Issue 300, 4 December 1929, Page 8

REFORM SHOWS REVIVAL

ADDRESSES TO PARTY SUPPORTERS. MR COATES’S OPTIMISM. “A growing revival of public opinion favouring the return to power of the Reform Party exists throughout the country,” declared Mr A. Harns, M.P. for Waitemata, speaking at the New Zealand Political Reform League garden party on Saturday afternoon. Speakers at the entertainment, which was held at the residence of Mr and Mrs A. M. Ferguson, Remuera, expressed their optimism at th ft. position of the party and their confidence in its personnel and its policy. The guests were welcomed by the president of the women's committee of the League, Dr. Hilda Nortlicrott, and those present included the Rt. Hon. J. G- Coates, Leader of the Opposition; Mrs Coates, Sir Edwin Mitchelson, M.L.C.; the Hon. F. Mander, M.L.C,; Mr Harris, Mr G. H. Wilson, president of the league; Mr B. G. Edwards, organiser; and Mr Francis Hull and Mr Robert Farrell, two of the three remaining members of the National Association, from which the party originated. Addressing the guests. Mr Harris contended that the present Government was a party of broken pledges and there was a feeling growing in New Zealand for a return of the support for the Reform Party, which had done much for New Zealand in 16 years of office. Every citizen should see that a tried and tested party should have the opportunity of continuing its work, Mr Harris maintained. GOVERNMENT CRITICISED. Mr Harris went on to criticise the “Ward Millions,” the loan embargo charge, increased taxation, stoppage and construction under the railways, and provision for grants in estimates before passing the authorisation Bills. Mr Harris predicted that unemployment which had not been Solved, would he as serious as ever after summer. The Government’s “spoils to the victor” policy was criticised, and Mr Harris said the late Mr W. F. Massey had even been accused of rewarding his enemies. “After many years, it is necessary to overhaul the Reform machine,” said Mt Coates. “The party’s great history will have to be made even greater. The banner of Reform represents the highest aspirations of all classes of the community and business men, agricultural producers and workers contribute to the progress of the party.” Mr Coates predicted the playing of a greater part in politics by women. New Zealand was probably the first country to give female franchise, bnt women in other countries were now accomplishing more. Although the measure was placed on the Statute Book in Mr Seddon's time, it had been proposed by Sir John Hall. “TWO PARTIES ONLY.” “There are only two parties worth counting—Reform and Labour,” declared Mr Coates. “The Government numbers only 28 members in a House of 80. Where possible, the Opposition is,giving the United Partv the opportunity of fulfilling its promises. Reform has always played the game, but the Government has been trying continually to discredit if bv stopping or delaying the Tauno railwav the deviations at Morningside and Palmerston North, and road-works, and by spreading rumours concerning Arnpnni and other electricity schemes.” Mr Edwards explained the aim« and the activities of the league, and. on the motion of Dr. Bucklv Tarkington, a resolution was passed considering the Reform policy to be in the best interests of nil sections of the community. The return of the party to power was pledged.