FRIENDLY MATAMATA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18357, 24 March 1923, Page 10

FRIENDLY MATAMATA.

PREMIER'S GREAT MEETING.

A FINANCIAL EXPOSE.

ADVANCES TO SETTLERS.

[BY TELECIBAPH. — REPORTER-] MATAMATA. Friday. The fact that the bugles of the LiberalLabour Party are calling reinforcements for its distressed champion in the Tauranga campaign gave added zest to the Prime Minister's brisk activity to-night in Matamata. There was an early rush to the Town Hall, which was hopelessly inadequate for the record assembly of electors. It looked as though all the homesteads and hamlets for miles around the countryside had been deserted for the occasion. Mr. W. A. Gordon, chairman of the Matamata Town Board, presided. The audience rose in friendly greeting to Mr. Massey, and there was an even greater outburst of cheering when the Prime Minister began a spirited political address.

Mr. Massey urged the electors to give the most serious consideration to tho exceptional political crisis, and expressed the confident belief that a majority would be secured by the Government candidate. (Applause.) \ Discussing general politics, Mr. Massey outlined the legislative measures passed by the Government during the past II years for the development of primary industries and the advancement of the best interests of the Dominion, incidentally referring to the granting of the freehold tenure and the numerous Reform Acts of sprcial interest to an agricultural community. There was keen applause of his reference to the fact that during the world conflict the administrative arrangements for Imperial purchase of our produce had resulted in £164,000,000 having been paid in cash to the producers. Then, with regard to the much-criticised Moratorium Act, he pointed out that it had been arranged to protect the small man with a mortgage. There would be no difficulty, when the time came for its repeal, In making the necessary financial arrangements. It seemsd to him that the amazing fleet of motor-cars in Matamata was striking proof that there would be no difficulty about mortgages in the district. (Laughter.) "They are all owned by Civil servants, Bill," observed a wag rather solemnly. "Well, I congratulate tho Civil servants on their prosperity if that is the case," replied Mr. Massey. (Laughter.) Meeting in Happy Mood. Such was the mood of the meeting, and the Prime Minister kept it happy and keenly interested, and especially when tie discussed new proposals regarding the increased advances for settlers' loans on chattel security and the necessity for bringing about a reduction of shipping freights for dairy produce. (Applause.) He mentioned that the first advances on chattel security had just been made. 12 settlers having received loans while arrangements were being % completed for dealing with 200 approved applications. This new legislation was undoubtedly going to be a success. (Applause.) "'I think that the spirit of this campaign has been right up to now," said Mr. Massey. "As far as I am concerned I have endeavoured to avoid any bitter criticism, vituperation, or misrepresentation. I am not finding fault with others. Statements have been made that were not correct. 1 do not think they were made wilfullyl honestly think that— pubhe men ought to be very careful about the source of their information for th» purposes of criticism." Mr. Massey exposed the inaccuracy of the Liberal candidate's comparison as to taxation per head in New Zealand and in Queensland, and fortified his explanation by an official statement by the Commissioner of Taxes as to the actual figures. Even this failed to convince one Liberal doubting Thomas who challenged the signature of the commissioner on the document and wanted to know if the Prime Minister would swear to it. The great audience laughed at the hopeless man, and vociferously applauded Mr. Massey's expression flf opinion that Sir Joseph Ward must have been studying the speeches of Mr. Wilford. The Doubting Thomas: He does not need to read anybody's speeches. Sir Joseph has got the —the head I mean. Sir Joseph and Finance. Mr. Massey : A financier would never make those mistakes. (Applause,) The elaborate financial policy enunciated by the Liberal candidate for the payment of public worki contractors was the next subject treated by the Prime Minister. "It is a retrograde step, but it will not come into operation. (Laughter.) Pen't imagine for a moment that it will be accepted by Parliament. If it was it would do very* serious injury to the credit of this country. Just think of it going forth that we were letting State contracts ar.d paying for them with promissory notes due at the end of five years! Th« scheme is intended for contractors and not intended for workmen, who would laugh at the idea of such paper. Contractors will simply charge a great deal more for the workbut wmy say any more? The scheme is not worth tho waste of good time." (Loud applause.) The. Prime Minister spoke for 135 minutes withoat a tingle hostile interruption, and earned a magnificent demonstration of cordial appreciation. There was much merriment ever the harvest of questions, and the reaping was entirely to the advantage of the Prime Minister, who cut with a keen sickle.

A unanimous vote of thanks and confidence was declared carried on the voices, while a thunder roll of cheers smothered a riemopfitration in favour of Sir Joseph Ward. The end came at last with enthusiastic musical honours for tho Prime Minister.