THE REFORM CONFERENCE.
The presence of many Maori representatives at the annual conlerence of the New Zealand Political Reform League is an indication that a considerable proportion of the native race is unwilling to revert to the "taihoa" policy which has been broken by the Reform Administration. Although a number of chiefs recently showed a serio-comic enthusiasm for the Leader of the Opposition and disgust with Mr. Massey, the enemy of "taihoa," there will be a large following amongst the native race for the selfreliant policy put forward by the Maori delegates to the Reform League Conference. To urge action, as these delegates have done, "to help the Maoris to follow agricultural and farming pursuits," is to enunciate a policy which is not "taihoa." The Continuous Administration gave the Maoris no inducement to show either independence or self-reliance, and the natives were subject to its enervating influ-
ence so long that it is gratifying to finda section of them already convinced of the superiority of the progressive and more truly humane policy initiated by Mr. Massey. The Reform Conference is meeting this year under very cheerful circumstances, but over-confidence is fatal to any political organisation. Mr. Massey's optimism in announcing that every seat will be contested at the coming elections and the Reform League's determination to leave nothing to chance augur well for the. future. The executive of the league is wise in drawing attention to what appears to be the only alternative to a Reform Ministry. The return of a Government dependent on the' votes of Federation extremists would be a national calamity which all moderate men would deplore. This seems to be the most likely eventuality if the present Government is not given a clear majority over all other parties and factions in the House. The country is in no humour to tolerate government by extremists and will recognise the wisdom of giving Mr. Maßsey a clear mandate.
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New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15663, 17 July 1914, Page 6
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320THE REFORM CONFERENCE. New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15663, 17 July 1914, Page 6
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