REFORM ORGANISATION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9589, 5 September 1913, Page 3

REFORM ORGANISATION.

ON THE WEST COAST.

BIG INCREASE IN FOLLOWERS.

"I shall always cherish pleasant memories of my visits to the coast, and I am delighted at having been associated with the biggest political revival that ha* taken place on the West Coast for the past twenty years," declared Mr David Jones, organiser for th« New Zealand Political Reform League, when asked to givo his impression of his recent visits to the Weal Coast.

THE GROWTH OF REFORM. Mr Jones said there were to-day over 6000 electors in tli« Grey and Westland electorates who were in favour of the Reform Government, sr opiiosed to the nocalled Liberal party. This was in addition to the 2000 odd adherents to the "Red Fed" movement, who lived in the Grey electorate. *lo was satisfied from what he had soon for himself in connection with his visit in organising in various parts of tho two electorates, that there was a giowng feeling in favour of the present Government. She meetings he had addressed were large and very representative, and in tho off-season of politics showed'that keen interest was being shown in the Reform Government. Quite a number of thoso who were opposed to the Reform Government at the last election were openly stating their intention to support tho party in the 'future. Tho organisation of Reform Leagues was now spreading from Rcefton in the north, to Okura. in tho couth. And this would gather round the Government candidates at the next election a representative body of intelligent, independent electors, who were prepared to give personal services, and make sacrifices if necessary, in the interests of clean and progressive administraton. Tho Michel presentation, Mr Jonee said, was the most remarkable guthernig ho hail attended during his visit. At the presentation gathering held in Greymouth. though over a month had elapsed since tho by-election, nearly 2000 people had met to do honour to the man who had fought such a valiant fight in the interests of the Reform Government, and who had been the means of demonstrating that Uie Reform Government lias the support and influence of the biggest, strongest, and most vigorous party of the Grey electorate. The meeting was most enthusiastic throughout, and provided a remarkable demonstration of the popularity of Mr Michel and of the Reform movement in the Grey electorate. R EFOR M A P POIXTM ENTS.

Mr Jones ..aid ho had noticed with amusement that the member for Westland had taken except on to the appointments made by tho Reform Government en the Westland Land Board. Both the appointees are well known, miccwdul, and capahld farmers. Mr Bernard Ward, who was mentioned by Mr Swldon, was put oil the Board in tho plan- of a land agent and auctioneer, and it was admitted by tho political opponents of the Government who have dealings with the Lund Board that there was no one more capable to deal with land settlement, and certainly Mr Ward was "a distinct acquisiton to the Board. Mr Ward was a successful farmer and chairman of directors of tho Arahura Dairy Company. The other appointee, Mr llouiiston was a .practical farmer, and his farming spoke volumes for his knowledge of the lat»*t and most up-to-date methods of farming. He replaced a member who was very old, and who had lonji ago retired from active participation in agricultural pursuits. The work of pubic bodies shcitld lw> judged by results, said Mr Jorvs and the results of the Land Boards of the West Coast, in his opinion as a practical man. were exceedingly unsatisfactory, and tho Westland 1 Land Board had sadly needed the infusion of new blood. Born the appointments wore well chosen, and ho had noticed that tho \Y;>st Coast Times had challenged the member for Westland to name a more experiericed r.nd better-fitted West Coaster than Mr Ward. The challenge had not been accepted.

REFORM ORGANISING. Tho work of organising Reform Leagues had engaged Mr Jones's attention, and he expressed his satisfaction at (lie result of his ia!v)ur. He addressed a wull-attended and sympathetic meeting at. Ross, where there is a mining community, and a strong sub-branch had been formed, and a strong executive committee appointed, and a large number of members wero enrolled. At the meeting at Rtmtapu, where tho comtrtiinity i.s composted entirely of sawmillers, tho workers had filled n fairly commodious bolkiol. and nt the conclusion of the address, Mr YV. Morris, wlio had been a strong supporter and worker for the Seddon cause, taid he would in future support, the Reform Party. Ho joined the league, and said that he was satisfied that the Liberals had only been liberal to themselves. At Kokatahi, which it, entirely a farming community, there was another largo gathering, and many members wire enrolled, and the members decided to attach themselves to the Westland branch. At Kaniori. which in a mining and sawmilling district, there was a large attendance, and very keen interest «as displayed, and a large number of those prc«e.nl joined the League. Mr Jones said he also visited Reef ton, ami met tho supporters of Reform and formed a branch. A meeting is to be held inthrco weeks' time, when officers will l>e elected. He expressed his pleasure at having been invited 10 nttend the first annual social of the West land branch of the League, when there was a large and representative gathering, and he noticed with great satisfaction that the young people of the district wero taking n keen interest in the Reform movement. He was pleased to note that the Westland branch, which was tho Hint formed on the West (oast, wan a vigorous body, and was making very strong progress. On Thursday evening a "strong branch of the League was formed 'at Groymouth.