“REFORM RALLY.”

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIV, Issue 16358, 30 September 1913, Page 8

“REFORM RALLY.”

MR MASSEY AT PALMERSTON NORTH. ■ [Pur Peess Association.]

PALMERSTON N., September 29. The Prime Minister and party, consisting of the Hon F. M. B. Fisher and sixteen members of Parliament, attended a Reform rally at Palmerston North to-night. The Opera" House was well tilled, and the Mayor occupied the chair. Each niembor made a brief speech, but no new ground wa« broken. The proceedings evoued a fair amount of enthusiasm.

The Hon F. M. 1). Fisher said they had come up to pay a mark of respect to Mr Buick and to show that they were all alive and kicking. He dealt with former prophecies when his party took office about soup kitchens, etc. The country was never more prosperous than at present. Military pensions had been extended by the hreserit Government. There were behind Mr Massey in the House some of the strongest and most determined Radicals in politics. The days of jobbery had now passed, and men could not be " sacked " in the Civil Service for their political convictions. He hoped when the session was over his party would enter on a vigorous platform campaign throughout New Zealand. If his party was to be defeated, it would not be because it ran away from its policy. The Prime Minister on rising was loudly cheered. He thanked them for his hearty reception. He was glad to be away from the Parliamentary atmosphere. They had! had a tremendous amount of delay, misrepresentation and obstruction, but it did not affect him one bit. (Applause.) All the delay and obstruction would not prevent him placing his proposed policies .on the Statute Book this session. No more loyal and solid party ever got within the four walls; it was as solid as a stone "wall. The obstruction this session had been the silliest of any session yet held. They were now going to sit down to four or five days of hard work for Government business. Important measures would be the Land Bill and Loan Bill. The Land Bill had been approved from one end of New Zealand to the other.' It was one of the most liberal and would tend to provide security and land for the landless. It would promote land settlement and increase the number of producers. He. contended that the country was never more prosperous than at the present time. The position was much better than it was twelve months ago. Every pledge his party had made would he given effect to. They were having trouble with the reform'of the Legislative Council. The Bill which had been put aside had been introduced again this session, and thev could see how It was going. If the Council did not pass that Bill into law he would take good care the next set would. (Applause.) He wanted to make it clear in regard to the Public Service Bill that the public would never Allow any Government to go back to the state of things prior to his party coming into power; (Applause.) Land defence matters were in a satisfactory position and working well. He would be able to speak within a month or two on naval defence. He hoped if the Australian fleet came to Now .Zealand to extend the right hand of fellowship. (Applause.) The Arbitration Bill was a good measure, and an attempt was being made to promote, industrial peace. It included the secret ballot. The exports last year exceeded those of the previous year by three millinns, and this year he hoped to see another increase of three millions. Tt bad been said they did not assist the poor, but last year he helped settlers who were burnt out.

Other speakers also addressed the meetimr. and afterwards a "social" was held.