WHERE DOES HE STAND?

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18354, 21 March 1923, Page 10

WHERE DOES HE STAND?

SIR JOSEPH'S INTENTIONS.

POLITICAL SMOKE-CLOUD.

MR. MASSEY DEMANDS LIGHT [»T TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL REPORTER.} TAUBANGA. Tuesday. The notable interest manifested in Mr. Massey's vigorous participation in the Tanranga by-election campaign on behalf of the Reform candidate, Mr. C. E. Macmillan, was further demonstrated to-night at Greerton, or Gate Pa, where a crowded attendance of residents gave him a robust welcome. The district is extraordinarily rich in historic scenes and associations, bat it is still necessary, even in this land of plenty, to hold special political meetings in the blinking light of kerosene lamps and candles. This fact, however, did not depreciate the obvious pleasure of the eager audience. Mr. R. Southey, the county chairman, a grandson of the poet Southey> presided. la the course of a brisk speech, generally on the lines of his Tauranga address, the Prime Minister discussed the singular political situation and the obscurity of Sir Joseph Ward's attitude as a possible member of Parliament. "But he won't be elected if I can help it," .added Mr. Massey to the accompaniment of keen apflanse. It could be supposed, however, hat Six Joseph might be returned to Parliament. In that event, what was likely to happen politically? Personally he was not going to bring about a dissolution if he could avoid it. He did not know where Sir Joseph Ward stood. It appeared that he (Sir Joseph) must go into Opposition unless something in the way of Coalition or National Government were arranged. That might be possible, but at the moment such a possibility could only be suggested. With regard to his own participation in the campaign it was a recognised custom for a Prime Minister to take an active part in a by-election. The late Mr. Seddon had done it in his own case, and Sir Joseph Ward had also taken part in a by-election campaign. It had been suggested that the Government bad rushed this by-election. The ordinary practice, as a matter of fact, had been followed. Some consideration had be.en given to the question of putting the poll back a few days, but if that had been done the election would have clashed with the Easter holidays. There was nothing in the suggestion that the byelection had been rushed to the disadvantage of Sir Joseph Ward. Each candidate had an equal opportunity to prosecute the campaign. Personally, said Mr. Massey, he would be very sorry if Germany were permitted to evade her obligations. (Applause.) Germany owed £26,000,000 to New Zealand on account of reparations, but he would sell tho chance of getting it for a comparatively modest sum. The Dominion so far had got only £500,000. Discussing past and projected reductions of taxation, Mr. Massey quoted Australian journals with reference to tho concessions given to the New Zealand taxpayer compared with Australia s heavier burden. Mr. Mnssey concluded nearlY two hours' spirited address with, an appeal to Tauranga electors, to rise to the occasion and vote for the Government candidate. On the motion of Mr. H. Manse!, seconded by Mr. F. Meeriraan, a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence was carried by acclamation, with three cheers for Messrs. Massey and Macmillan. The Prime Minister visits the Te Puke district to-morrow and speaks in that town in the evening.