RECORD OF REFORM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20385, 14 October 1929, Page 13

RECORD OF REFORM.

LEADER ANSWERS CRITICS.

LONDON LOAN MYSTERY.

MATTER TO BE RAISED AGAIN

"I havo no hesitation in saying that tho Reform Tarty came through its administration of the country's affairs with flying colours," said the lit. Hon. J. G. Coates, Leader of tho Opposition, on Saturday, when reviewing the political situation at tho inaugural meeting of the Junior Reform League in Auckland. "There have been childish attempts at criticism, such as over tho loan mystery," Mr. Coates continued. "It was stated by tho Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, that lie had been prevented by tho Reform Party from approaching tho London loan market for two years. This has no semblance of justification. It will be further dealt with before this Parliament concludes. Mr. Stewart and myself arc absolutely freo of any implication of tho kind." All the efforts that had been made to find some ■weak point in tho Reform Party's doings had failed dismally. There was one thing in particular that the party had tried to livo up to. AJI vested interests had been given a fair and square deal, but the party had tho people's interests at heart above all, and had given fair consideration to overy section of tho community. It had done nothing discreditable in the past and was not asking for judgment now as tho Opposition. Tho chango was probably a very good thing, as it gavo a great opportunity of setting a fresh course. They could think out a new policy and bring tho people into closo touch with an activo organisation, so as to havo a clear representation of tho views of all classes.

The part played by tho Opposition in tho government of tho country was also briefly referred to by Mr. Coates. Governments, ho said, went into office with pledges and promises and it was tho work of tho Opposition to seo that these were carried out to the letter. For good government, party government was essential. It was necessary to have a well-defined programme before tho country, with tho keenest criticism on the part of the Opposition. Of recent years the trend of affairs had been leading toward tho twoparty system and it was found that by this the best administration had been achieved.- Other systems seemed to have failed, except in countries where the outlook of the peoplo was somewhat different.

JUNIOR REFORM LEAGUE.

AUCKLAND BRANCH FORMED

AN ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING

An Auckland branch of the Junior Reform League was formed at an enthusiastic meeting held in the Unity Hall on Saturday evening. Mr. E. H. Northcroft presided over a large attendance, including many young men and women. Mr. Northcroft said tho idea of forming the branch had come from the young men themselves. Its object was to enable those young people in sympathy with the Reform Party to assist it, not by a blind following, but by informing themselves of political questions, satisfying themselves of those worthy of support, and producing fresh and vigorous ideas for tho party leaders. Tho Rt. Hon. J. G. Coatcs, Leader of, tho Opposition, congratulated those responsible for tho organisation on the attendance. After referring to tho attacks on Reform's administration and the duty of the Opposition, Mr. Coatcs said that the Junior Reform League must .not bo considered as an auxiliary only. It was a part and parcel of the Reform organisation, and in a short time might become tho important part of the organisation. Its functions were to help in the reconstruction of tho Reform policy to mako it fit in with modern times and to assist in making converts, for which reason it should consist of every class of the community. It, should be the training ground of the candidates of the very near future. It might be idealistic, but no party ever got anywhere without ideals. Tho meeting was also addressed by Mr. A. E. Mander, Dominion secretary of tho Reform Party, who gave a review of the Reform regime, and spoke of tho preparation for tho future. A preliminary committee was set up to convene a meeting to be held before tho end of November, The meeting concluded with a debate 011 "Is it in the best interests of the community to havo women in Parliament?" Mrs. Coatcs, who was also on the platform, was presented with a bouquet.