THE PRIME MINISTER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15566, 25 March 1914, Page 11

THE PRIME MINISTER.

RETURN FROM WEST COAST. AN EXCELLENT RECEPTION. [BT TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION*. Christchvrch, Tuesday. After a very satisfactory tour through Westland, the Prime Minister arrived in Christchurch this evening, having left Hokit-ika this morning. Everywhere on the Coart the receptnn accorded Mr. Massey was excellent. Every opportunity was taken throughout the trip to show Mr. Massey the possibilities of development latent in the district and this was greatly appreciated by Mr. Massey and convinced him that the Coast had a great future, especially in the direction of dairying, which would lie in the hands of the people themselves to realise.

"No man," said Mr. Massey, *' had a better reception than I rceived at every centre that I had the opportunity of visiting. So far as the political position is concerned, while I am not prepared to say that every elector in Westland is now a. supporter of the Reform Party. 1 am prepared to say this, that the people of Westland row understand that the present Government is not the Government of reactionaries that many of them have been led to believe, but a Government that is thoroughly progressive and really Liberal, and democratic, and one that is anxious to promote in every possible 'ray the development of the country. Lan only sorry that I was not able to give more time to the West Coaat."

Votes of confidence in the Government had been carried at every meeting addressed by him, said the Prime Minister, with the exception of Nelson. There was no doubt, however, that there a motion would have been forthcoming had it not been for interference at that stage by the member for the district.