POLITICAL CAMPAIGN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17327, 26 November 1919, Page 10

POLITICAL CAMPAIGN.

MR. MASSEY AT TEMUKA ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME. EXTREME LABOUR PARTY. STRONG CONDEMNATION. PRODUCTION OF WHEAT. [BY TELEGRAPH—own correspondent.] TEMTXKA, Tuesday. The Prime Minister, Mr. W. F. Massey, addressed an enthusiastic gathering at the Theatre Royal, Tcmuka, this evening. The building was crowded, and Mr. Massey was given a hearty reception as he mounted the platform. 'The Deputy-Mayor, Mr. G. R. Cartwright, presided, and at his invitation the meeting opened with three hearty cheers for Mr. Massey. Mr. Massey said the problems of wai had been solved, but they still bad to solve the problems of peace. The Na tional Government, be considered, had done very fine work. It was able to set to it that its promises and obligations tc the Imperial Government were fulfilled. It had kept New Zealand prosperous, and slia was now one of the most flourishing of the Dominions. He thought he could mv thai 'New Zealand would recovei from the war quicker than any othei country. The National Government had been unpopular for a time. A Voice: It is still. Mr. Massey: Perhaps so; but I don't think this audience thinks so. (Laughter and applause.) Proceeding, Mr. Massey spoke strongly of th<» need for increased production and the development of Industries. They had, he said, to welcome all additions to the population, such as immigrants from Britain. There were many thousands ol acres in New Zealand which must be made to produce something. Then there was a great scheme of hydro-electric to be developed. He was confident that New Zealand would always have a good market as as she produced a good article. Party Politics Condemned. Referring to the coming elections, Mr. Massey said he was sorry that there was not one party. At the present juncture it was a great pity that party politics had cropped up, with such work to be (lone. He would like to have seen the best men in the country united in the best interests of the country. Howevei, there were now three parties. A Voice: There is Labour. What do you think of that, Bill ? Mr. Massey: I'll tell yon what I think of it. ft is this. The. Parliamentary Labour Party is not representative of Labour at all. (Applause.) A Voice: Are you ? Mr. Massey: Yes, I am, for one, just as I represent any other section of the country. (Applause.) * Mr. Massey proceeded to express his opinion of the Labour members of Parliament, and remarked incidentally that not one of them had lifted a single finger to help the country in the war. He was sick and ashamed of the whole lot of them. (Applause.) The Labour Party would, of course, gain some seats. He could assure his hearers, however, that they would not dictate to his Government. End o! toe Coalition. The Prime Minister went on to speak of the "breaking up of the National Government. He was glad to say that the House had stuck to him when he faced the session. When Mr. Massey wag referring to the raising of loans in New Zealand a voice asked : Why don't you use the compulsory clauses ? They're never been used yet. Air. Massey : My friend, you don't know what you are talking about. The compulsory clauses were most certainly used. (AppJause.) But when war expenditure ceases compulsion will no longer be justifiable Moreover, there will be no mora loans free of income tax. (Applause.) The Wheat Question. Turning to the wheat question, Mr. Massey spoke of the necessity for not relying on Australia for supplies He remarked on the serious position that followed a drought in Australia.- Whatever was done, however, sufficient inducements must bo given to the wheat-growers to increase their production. It was a wrong thinz to go to another country when we could produce the wheat in sufficient quantities in our own country. He could promise to give inducements which he thought would satisfy the producers. It had been suggested to him that he should stop the export of all foodstuffs with a view to decreasing the cost at living. Were that to happen, in a few months the country would nave plenty of cheap food, but no money with which to pay for it. (Laughter.) The Meat Trust. Mr. Massey went on to speak of the meat trust, which was, he said, "out to exploit" the public. The "big five as the five firms which comprised the'trust were known, controlled 96 per cent of , th trade in America. It had got hold 01 the Argentine, and it was bavin- a serious effect on the meat trade in Great Britain, It had also- established itself m Australia., but it had not much of a hold in New Zealand. He was not much concerned about the danger of the trust in New Zealand, but he was concerned for Great Britain. The speaker briefly pointed out how the Lrovernment was endeavouring to ease the housing situation, and incidentally remarked that some 600 dwellings 'would be erected by March 31. (Applause.) It was up to" the local bodies to do all in their power to assist the Government in this matter. __ The Prime Minister referred to the hamoan mandate and the repatriation of soldiers. In conclusion, he said there was a great amount of industrial unrest now though, perhaps, less than in other countries. It was one of their duties to end that unrest. Mr. Massey was, at the conclusion of his address, accorded a hearty vote of thanks and of confidence as Prime Minister. In reply, ho urged the people to show their thank? and confidence in him by placing Mr. T. D. Burnett at the head pf the "poJL TARANAKI. 0* TELEGRAPH.— ASSOCIATION.] NE"W PLYMOUTH. Tuesday. Mr. G. H; Buckeridge, provincial organiser and secretary of the Farmers' Union, has consented -to contest the Tarauakl seat in the Reform interest.