MR MASSEY AT PUKEKOHE.

North Otago Times, Volume CV, Issue 13929, 10 July 1917, Page 2

MR MASSEY AT PUKEKOHE.

ENTERTAINED BY FRANKLIN ' ' ELECTORS.'

(Per Press Association,)" AUCKLAND, July 0,

A welcome home to the Premier was tendered at Pukelcohe by Jiia constituents of Franklin. The Hon. Sir .1 nines Allen was also present. There was a large gathering nt the reception in the afternoon, and the Premier was given a most enthusiast!? welcome. In his speech Mr Massey dealt with the Dominion's part in the war, on the lines oHiis recent speeches, lie stated that 7.1,000 men had left New Zealand, and 10,000 w;'re in camp, . Mr Massey 'expressed a hope there would lie no slackening of New Zealand's efforts in regard to the despatcli of reinforcements. New Zealand had .pledged itself to do all in its power to assist in bringing the war to a successful conclusion, and any turning back from thar decision was equal to declaring that Xew Zealand was growing wearv of the war,

The Hon. Sir ,lames Allen, who was accorded a very cordial reception, expressed the same sentiments, and said that in common with the Mother Country, Xew Zealand had get to see the war through until victory and a lasting peace was secured. At the banquet, -Mr Massey was accorded a magnificent reception, The main portion of his speech was devoted to a review of the meat, butter and cheese ontiook. ,11 e said that relief was ,coining for Xew Zealand producers in July and August. Shipping space would be available for 50,000 boxes of butter. Ho had been authorised by the Imperial Government to negotiate for the purchase of Xew Zealand's output of cheese. In regard to the shipping problem, generally material relief would be I forthcoming within the next three' months.