LEADER'S MESSAGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20496, 22 February 1930, Page 10

LEADER'S MESSAGE.

UNITED PARTY MEETING.

REASON FOR NON-ATTENDANCE.

THE GOVERNMENT'S RECORD

[BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION. J WELLINGTON. Fridny.

The following message was sent Ipy the Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, from Rotorua to tho meeting of the United Political Party:—

"It was my full intention to preside over this meeting to-day, but, many of my friends in tho party have strongly urged that I should remain at Rotorua for some little time longer to derive the fullest benefit from tho treatment I am undergoing and not risk the possibility of a set-back at this juncture, by undertaking the long train journey to Wellington. I am glad to bo able to tell you that I am making steady progress toward recovery, all being well I look forward to taking my place actively once more among you at no distant. dato. In the meantime I desire to acknowledge gratefully tho sympathy and consideration which has been extended to mo by members of the party and by hosts of other friends iu the country during my indisposition. Especially I wish to thank my colleagues for tTieir local co-operation throughout a difficult period, and to express my appreciation of the splendid manner in which they and tho Parliamentary members of the party have risen to tha occasion.

"The object of your meeting is to havo a free and full discussion of all matters affecting the welfare and prosperity of the party, particularly tho placing of the futuro organisation on a solid and satisfactory footing. The question of organisation is naturally one of tho greatest importance, and demands your most earnest consideration. It is absolutely essential to be prepared for eventualities, and although I do not think that the great majority of the people desire a general election before the end of the present Parliament, still, in the existing state of parties, we must not ignore the possibility, although remote. "The record of the Government to date is, in my opinion, a highly creditablo one and shows an earnest, and I think, successful endeavour to give effect to tho policy of tho election platform of 1928. I may mention briefly the putting of the public finances into order, the pulling up of the large volume of arrears in tho State Advances Department and providing the necessary funds for an active policy in this direction for settlers and workers, making provision by legislation for closer settlement, which is now in operation, and thq practical handling of unemployment. It is the Government's intention to continue on sound, progressive and liberal lines and in doing so we hope we shall be able to command and retain, not only your loyal support and assistance, but also to attract an eyevincreasing body of supporters' in the community generally. "1 send you all my best wishes for a profitable and useful conference and I shall be most happy to give my sympathetic consideration to any proposals or suggestions which you deem desirable, and which will bo conveyed to me personally by the Hon. Mr. Forbes."