DEFENCE OF CABINET

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 29 March 1930, Page 7

DEFENCE OF CABINET

BY,HON. P. DE LA PERRELLE

SIR JOSEPH WARD'S ILLNESS

(By Telegraph—Press Association) BLENHEIM,' This Day. "It has been suggested that members of the Cabinet have.been unablo to fulfil their obligations," said the Hon. P. de la Pcrrelle at a civic reception last night, "but 1 want to say that I believe that every member of' Cabinet is carrying'out 'his duties and doing it untrammelled. There is a further compliment, this time from the people who are asking about legislation for the com-; ing session. They have expected us to' divulge our programme, but I ask you, has any party over said to the people what legislation'is proposed to bring down? I want to say that it will be presented in due course to members when they assemble in Parliament for the transaction of business. Furthermore the legislation will be up-to-date and ample in every particular for the welfare and advancement of this Dominion." (Applause). '. , The Minister went on to make brief reference to land settlement, and to illustrate what the Government had done to provide financial assistance for the people on the.land. He stated that during the last fourteen;months the Advances Department had established a record by actually, pay ing out the sum of £6,000,000 to settlers and workers. '"I want to tell you that he is steadily improving," proceeded the Minister, amidst applause*, in referring to the illness of Sir Joseph Ward. "I want to tell you that physically and mentally, with the exception of one of his legs which is troubling him somewhat, ho is as good as ever. (Hear, hear). As you know; the Prime Minister has been attacked by his opponents during his illness, but I consider it is unsportsmanlike, ungenerous, and, unkind for some of the papers and some individuals to have criticised so severely a sick man. (Hear, hear). We have never tried to take advantage of sick men. Last session of Parliament there were half a dozen members whom we hardly saw, because of sickness, but we sympathised with them and did not try to harry them. However, I think the great bulk of the people of New Zealand do not associate themselves with these attacks, ond sincerelv hope and trust that Sir Joseph Ward will be restored to health, and be able to resume his seat in the House." (Applause). The Minister received a number of deputations. He leaves for Wellington to-morrow.