MINISTER OPTIMISTIC

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8183, 26 July 1912, Page 1

MINISTER OPTIMISTIC

BANQUET AT TE KUITI

W. FRASER ON POLITICAL

SITUATION. BACKBLOCKS REQUIREMENTS. \ PBE33 ASSOCIATION. TE KUITI, July 25. At the banquet to the Minister for Public Works (Hon. W. Fraser) last nignt, Messrs Wilson and Young, MJtVs, •ware present. Replying to the toast of hia health, Mr Fraser said that Mr Massey had tire eoniidenco of the entire Cabinet. Silly rumours had been circulated regaruing Mr Massey not being regarded as a suitable loader. He coulu give an emphatic denial to such statements. All were thoroughly loyal. Mr Fraser eulogised Mr Massey’s ability, intregity, and strength of character. Referring to borrowing, he said tho idea had been broadly circulated that the Be form Party was against borrowing. Tnat was not so; 1 hoy, wero against borrowing on tho system pursued in regard to the raising of money und its expenditure. They advocated long-dated loans instead of short ones, even if the longer term meant paying a little more interest. He could not disclose the, policy of the Government before his chief had done so. but he was sure tho present Government would adopt the system indicated. He regarded tho outlook optimistically, and did not think Iho Government would have great difficulty in financing. Ho denounced a State note issue as unsound finance. Tho King Country, he said, required a great amount of expenditure to develop it, and as far as possible he would assist it. The blackblocks must bo a first consideration. Much depended upon the amount placed at his disposal for expenditure. Economical methods, with a view to getting the best possible results, would bo adopted, and wueu tUe onu oi his term arrived he would like to have it said that he was more a man of deeds than words. Mr Fraser remarked that that was tho first speech be had made as a Minister.