REFORM LEAGUE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVII, Issue XLVII, 6 August 1912, Page 6

REFORM LEAGUE.

CONFERENCE IN WELLINGTON. THE PLATFORM. «Uhit»d Press Association.) WELLINGTON, August 5. The conference of the Reform League was continued to-day. A scheme of organisation for the Dominion was submitted by the committee constituted on. "Saturday," and"details of the recommendations were discussed at considerable length. The subscription for members was fixed at 2s 6d per annum. - " -_•• The objects ~of the League are stated as follows: (1) To secure prudent and honest administration, of public affairs according to sound economic principles; <2) to secure and maintain the freedom of political conscience and opinion; (3) to support measures giving equality of opportunity to all; (4) to guard the strictly constitutional prerogatives of Parliament, particularly with regard to measures giving undue powers of patTonage to Ministers; (5) to promote and encourage the candidature for Parliament of honourable, capable and representative men; (6) to take such measures as may commend themselves to the League for our furtherance of negotiate objects, and such others as may from time to time be adopted. The committee reported that it had no recommendation to make regarding the proposed appointment of an official organ of the party.

A PARTY RALLY. PREMIER'S MAGNIFICENT RECEPTION. WHAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL DO. WELLINGTON, August 5. The Town Hall was filled to overflowing to-day on-the occasion of the congratulatory rally 'by the Reform Party supporters. Over 3000 were present, over which Mr. C. B. Morison presided. All the 'Ministry was present, and had a •great reception. Mr. Morison said the Reform Party had come" to stay, and Mr. Massey had already departed from the policy of "spoils to_bhe victors" by appointing an opponent to the High Commissionership. Civil servants- could now speak openly without "fear of consequences. The Hon. J. Allen said the Reform Party would give every man freedom of speech. The Reform Government would try to put the finances on a sound level, and settle the -land to the advantage of .the people generally. The Hoi-W. -H. Herries said that Mr. Massey*s Government -had a hard task •before them to rectify the mistakes of the past Governments. Although they •were now on top they must not cease Mr. W. >H. D. BeU, member for Wei- 1 lington Suburbs, said he "felt sure that the Financial Statement to be brought down to-morrow would reveal that Mr. Massey's policy was not a reactionary one. '

At this stage the Hon. F. M. B. Fisher •was presented by his election committee with an illuminated address to mark hiselevation to Cabinet rank. When the Hon. W. F. Massey rose fco speak the vast assemblage rose and, cheered him for some minutes.- Mr. Mas-

sey said be had expected such a reception as "Wellington had stuck to the Re- \ form Party in adversity, and they surely -would not desert in their hours of triumph. The recent Reform conference had been epoch making. Mr. Massey said the Financial Statement which would be brought down to-morrow night would not embrace the -whole Opposition policy, but what was enunciated to-mor-row would be adhered to. They proposed financial Teform ; Teform of the Legislative Council; reform of the Public Service ; land reform to provide for pioneers of the backblocks; and reform of legislative methods. There would be economy of administration, but no parsimony. No civil servant would be worse off, but many would ho better off. To-morrow's Financial Statement would be the most important for 21 years. Lately the credit of' the country had not been as good as' ii might have been, but the Reform Government would endeavour tc restore:the good name by a policy of energetic development. The inflow of outside capital would he encouraged, and by this ; course New Zealand would join with the other nations of the Empire in strengthening the bonds of Imperial especially as Tegafds the Imperiai>Navy and. Jand The time■ .wgftld yet" come' .when England would •ffill representatives of the Dohef.\councils'.* In conclusion he Government? trusted the peo pie, &&&& asked. tHemHp trust the GovemnteMc- fLoiid %a3 prolonged ap plause.>v/£. ;• .-.. : "4 ' ■- The/EFgn. A. L. Herdman also sook'e. Dr. •mertbe.r.for Wellington East, <-onndericß-m-the Government led by th' Hon. W. F. Massey." This was carrier" unanimously bv acclamation. It was Tesolved that the Dominion executive should consist of the Leader of the party, and 11 other members, and an executive of this number, in eluding two ladies, was constituted to acl during the next 12 months. A. clause was added to the constitution -providing for the representation at the

Dominion conference of women's branches by one delegate from each electorate. Thanks were accorded to the ladies for their services in the past. The conference concluded at 3.30 p.m. JUSTICE FOR THE MAORIS. WELLINGTON, August 5. A deputation representing all the Maori tribes in New Zealand waited on the Prime Minister this afternoon and extended towards him their hearty congratulations upon his recent victory. They hoped that the Government would not favour one race more than the other, and would see that justice was done. The Hon. W. F. Massey, in reply, expressed his appreciation of the fact that the .Maoris had. come in person to extend their congratulations. He assured the deputation that justice would be done to the Maoris. If any of the land was to be sold the best market price would be paid, and if Tent was to be paid it would be fixed on an equitable basis. ONE FOR MR. BUICK.

During the course of his speech on the Legislature Amendment Bill Mr. Isitt said he did not object to criticism, because he could give as much as he got. He did not want to whine. An hon. member : What are you doing now ? 'Mr. Isitt: Do I look as if I whined ? Mr. Buick : If you wined now and then you -would : be a better man.—• (Roars of laughter from the House and galleries.)