SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16568, 4 June 1914, Page 8

SIR JOSEPH WARD.

SPEECH AT DEVONFORT. A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE. [Pkr Press Association.] AUCKLAND, June 3. The leader of the Opposition (Sir Joseph Ward) delivered a political address in the Parish Hall, Devonpoit, this evening. All the seating accommodation of the hall was occupied and many had to be content with standing room.- Mr W. J. Napier presided. Among those seated on the platform were Messrs A. M, Myers, M.P. : , and A. E. Glover, M.P. Tho speaker was accorded art excellent hearing, and was subjected to very fow interruption's. Sir Joseph at tho outset of his remarks said it had been stated that the farmers were against tho Liberal Party, but ho claimed that only some of the farmers wore against the party, for farmers and business men, especially retailers, had not forgotten that the system of taxation had been changed by the Liberals in 1892, when tho land tax and graduated iund tax were introduced, which relieved thousands cf people from undue taxation and placed the burdens upon landowners. Those big landowners \voro the people i that were now trving to keep the Liberal Party out of office, "for," said the speaker, "they do not like the system of taxation we brought into operation." The speaker detailed what the liiberal Administration had done in taking over big estates. The Liberal Government had been called " The seven devils of Socialism " because it had tried to place people on the land and make thousands of people independent and happy.., A total of £7,000,000 sterling had been spent by the Liberal Government on the acquisition of estates. When he beard people asking what the Liberal Party had done lie reminded them of that fact, and he told thorn that tho partv was responsible for placine 130,000 people on the land. In any country that would have been looked upon as a great performance, because powerful interests had to be opposed. The Advances to Settlers Act. which the Liberal Party had introduced, had been bitterly opposed by those who were now controlling the country's affairs and disaster was predicted. Thev all knew how tho predictions resulted. Profits to the amount of £548,000 had been made from tho Act, a reserve fund of £50,000 had been provided and a sum of £15,500.000 had been lent under it to settlers. Referring to Reform criticisms of the Liberal regime when he Avent out of office Sir Joseph said that the financial position of the dominion at that time was sounder than that of each of the States of tho Australian Commonwealth. At the present moment he was being subjected to all kinds of unfair criticism which was not justified by facts. There were authorities left by him sufficient to nrovide for all the commitments of his'Administration. His answer to his critics, who talked about his financial position, was let them equal it. Continuing, Sir Joseph said that he had been charged wth over-borrow-ing and that he was making the condition of the country . unsatisfactory, yet the figures showed that during the time the Liberal Government, was in power New Zealand had made phenomenal progress, both in point of population and exports. The Government had increased tho borrowing of the country enormously and it bad enormously increased tho country'** expenditure. The sneaker referred to the' question .of the reduction of the cost of living.■/•.'The,'' Liberal party had reduced the duties on tho necessaries of life and tho people benefited to the extent of £6,500,000. What had the present Government done? It had in one vear increased tho Customs duties by per cent. In connection with the reform of the Legislative Council the Government had proposed to make the Council elective. In the meantime it was stuffing the Chamber with nominees. "When is the election going to take place?" he asked. " We will be in office after December next." (Laughter and applause.) Prrfceedine tho speaker said that the Government had 'promised to bring in an insurance scheme to provide against unemployment. " The Government," ho said, "had not the slightest intention to bring about any such scheme." With refer?nce to defence Sir Joseph said that the Liberal party had not made this a party question. The responsibility for the cleavage of opinion on defence matters rested with the present Government, which had altered without mandate from the people the Act providing for the payment of £IOO,OOO a year to the British Admiralty. Tho settlers in the past had relied upon tho strong right arm of the Navy for their protection. Within the last few weeks the First Lord of the Admiralty had condemned the principle of a local navy. In regard to the Reform Government's naval proposals Sir Joseph Ward said it would be useless having a local navy to defend New Zealand, unless it was efficient. If it were not efficient then they must stand by tho great British Navy which undeniably was efficient. A vote of confidence in the speaker and tho Liberal party was carried almost., unanimously amidst great enthusiasm. AN ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING. THE HAMILTON SPEECH. [Per Press Association.] HAMILTON, June 3. A remarkable demonstration occurred at Hamilton last, night to' welcome Sir Joseph Ward, who delivered a political address. Over one thousand people fought for places long before the meeting started. The crowd filled the passages and flocked on to the stage. Tho address was on the lines of previous speeches. Sir Joseph said that his policy was on broad open lines for the good of the people and the progress of the country, and this he would make known to the people before the elections. He trusted the good judgment of the people. The audience was vory enthusiastic throughout, and after carrying a vote of confidence rose and wildly cheered Sir Joseph and Lady Ward. ' ■