POLITICAL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVII, Issue XLVII, 10 April 1912, Page 5

POLITICAL.

THE PREMIER AT MANAIA. WHAT THE COUNTRY WANTS. "MORE ADMINISTRATION—LESS LEGISLATION." (Piiess Association.—Copyright.) MANAIA. April 9. A gathering of about .400 welcomed ! the Prime Alinistw at a banquet at M-unaia-. The proceeding* were most cordial and enthusiastic. The Premier, oli rising t,> respond., was greeted with continued cheering. He said lie felt it a great honour ut represent Egmont. Only a year ago J.e came to lay the foundation stone of tne poet office, and now he had been elected by the Liberal Party to carry on rile operations of this country. The people worked So well that, despite prognostications, he was elected. He hoped that Mr. Jennings would only have a- temporary absence from Parliament. He prai? Ed the settlers for their good work in dairying-. His experience in London was invaluable h> him, and the people of the Dominion had put up good rights on behalf of the producers to ensure them getting the best results from the industries. Regarding his election to Egmont be had determined to light a clean and fair fight, and both candidates had endeavoured so to act as to be able to shake hands afterwards. "I hope my constituents will all be proud of me as their member," said Mr. Mackenzie, He had refused to give any promises to anybody. He gave his services to the finest district, then to the colony, and then to the Empire. He referred to his association with Sir Harry Atkinson—a man. of sound constitutional principles, and ahead of his time. He believed that a man's work should be for the good of the country, and he always endeavoured to attach to his standard men of clean records, integrity, and ability to labour on behalf of the people. Referring to the Cabinet, and how long it would carry on, he said, "Each member has ccupied a good public position, and has the interests of the country at heart. I hope to act up to the standard se in a speech of Lord Dudley, in which he deprecated a policy of anathema and improper motives. Good men should sacrifice self for the country." He recognised his responsibility. As to the future, they intended to answer every speech before they met Parliament. He would make no effort to control a majority, and would accept what Parliament had in store with an even mind. "I hope the people will allow us a- chance to continue the good Government of the past. I also hope to do something for Taranaki and "Egmont. (The country wants political Test— -more, administration and less legislation. We hope to settle down to deal with matters for the good of thi; people, to. utilise the land, and break up the large estates."' He believed the time had come when land must be available for all wanting it. and so give prosperity to the country and to the people. The land was good, but the settlers required more selenitic knowledge in dairying matters, -with men to supervise the produce in London, and also more instructors. Better stud cjttle should be procured. He hoped to open up the land, and improve the waste lands in the north by fruit growing. Experiments and testing had proved the poor lands minht be worked with advantage. They could bring Crown and other lands into greater productiveness. The Government had had a. part in bringing about the present state of happiness, then let his Cabinet have a. chance to do good work. 'He hoped to bring swamp lands into profitable cultivation, and the Premier gave figures showing the areas of these lands which would soon be available, lie assured his hearers that he was not giving up the portfolio of Agriculture. Referring to the borrowing policy, he said the country received a. greater income from the money invested by the New Zealand people than was paid in interest. The Prime Minister referred to the singular session just held, and repeated the manner in which the new members hud be.n brought to vote with the Government. The men who were going to rule the country were men who would take the people into their confidence Mr. Mackenzie concluded by saying, "If we cannot fill the position we shall retire." Applause greeted the end of the speech. THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE. MATTERS TO ENGAGE HIS ATTENTION. CHRISTCHURCH, April 9. The Hon. J. A. Hanan. .Minister of Justice, passed through Christchurch tonight. On being interviewed he said he was going into the matter of the appointment of the Commissioner of Police and Under-Secretary of Justice, with a view to making a recommendation to the Cabinet. The matter had not been decided yet. He added that he was "not in favour" of going outside the Dominion to get a Commissioner of Polce. He might possibly call a conference of the gaolers in Wellington to discuss with them matters of detail in connection with prison management. He was also going into matters connected with the administration of the police force, and afterwards intended going into matters connected with the education system with a view of improving it.