MR MASSEY ENTERTAINED

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LIII, Issue 9295, 18 February 1907, Page 8

MR MASSEY ENTERTAINED

GIVES A POLITICAL ADDRESS

[PEESS ASSOCIATION.]

AUCKLAND, February 16. •A garden party was tendered to Mr Massey, Leader of the. Opposition, at Pukekohe on Saturday, by the Political Beform League. Despite the threatening wea&her, there w.as a large attendance, the number of people being close, upon 2500, including large contingents from Aticfcland, Manukau, and Waifiato districts.

Mr Massey, iia .the course of a speech, claimed that the Oppoeartacai had exerted a beneficial .influence' last session, notably in regard to the Goviermment's Land Bill, which, he said, would have been forced nipon the country but for the determined stand made by fehe Opposition. He claimed' that such, a measure should not be passed TOttoufc the elsctoms being consulted. TEe Opposition party was now much stronger fcham at any <time during the last dozen years. Speaking of the recent Legislative appointments, he said that men had beem appointed who had not the slightest chance of being elected to the Lowei House, and who would not be of the slightest xuse to the oauntry. Such a system of appointments was a blot upor our democracy, ,and the appointananits o. some of the mem .included in, the last bate], was .a positive affront to the electors, an<" he hoped tne electors and tihe paiess would assist the Reform Party in bringing about a state of affairs more in keeping with democratic principles. Speeches- were also delivered by other Auckland members, and at the conclusion of the speeches a presentation of a handsome feather boa was made to Mrs Massey by members of the- ladies' committee, as a_mairk of esteem and appreciation of .her ihusband's services.