SPEECH BY HON. R. H. RHODES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15769, 18 November 1914, Page 4

SPEECH BY HON. R. H. RHODES.

WELL RECEIVED BY ELECTORS. [Br TELKGKA.I'H.— PEKSS ASSOCIATION.] CHRl?rcHL*ficH, Tuesday. The Postmaster-General, the Hon. R. Heaton Rhodes, addressed a large meeting of electors at Southbridge last night. He was accorded an excellent reception. He defended the new system of compiling .the rolls, which, he declared, had worked admirably in the districts that -had come under his notice. During three years of office, the Reform Party had disproved the pessimistic forecasts of what would happen when it took charge of the country's affairs. The work of the Government would speak for it, and under the present Governmet the country was given every opportunity of making steady progress, and developing its

During three years of office, the Reform Party had disproved the pessimistic forecasts of what would happen when it took charge of the country's affairs. The work of the Government would speak for it, and under the present Governmet the country was given every opportunity of making steady progress, and developing its natural wealth in such a way as to make for the benefit of every individual member of the community. The Minister went on to refer in detail to the various reforms which the new Government had introduced. Among others, he mentioned the repeal of the Second Ballot Act.

An Elector: What have you put in its place ? The Minister: Can you tell me of anything better to put in its place ? The Elector: That is for you to find out.

The Minister: You would like proportional representation,, but would you do away with the country quota ? Of course not. Mr. Ell got only thirteen to vote for its abolition. Continuing, Mr. Rhodes said that he would approve of proportional representation if the country quota difficulty could be got over. He did not know how to get over that difficulty, and that was why nothing had replaced the second ballot. On the subject of naval defence, the Minister said that the time was approaching when Great Britain' would oe relieved of the defence of the Pacific by Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Siirelv it was a nobler thing to have ships of our own than to pay Great Britain to fight our battles for us! Tho Minister devoted a considerable section of his speech to explaining the proposals of the Government in regard to borrowing for such purposes as erecting public buildings, extending roads and railways, and generally assisting in the development of the Dominion. The Minister received a vote of thanks and confidence.