POLITICAL REFORM LEAGUE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8191, 5 August 1912, Page 2

POLITICAL REFORM LEAGUE.

FIRST NATIONAL CONFERENCE.

The first national conference of the Xew Zealand Political Eeform League was opened in Wellington on Saturday morning. There wore over 150 delegates present representative of every electorate in the Dominion, a number of ladies being present as delegates from women's organisations. THE DELEGATES.

Christchurch South, Mr E. L. Murray; Lyttelton. Mr Anderson; Ellesmere, Messrs it. Forbes and J. Storey; Selwyn, Messrs C. A. C. Hardy, J. D. Hall, D. McMillan, and G. Sheet; Ashburton, Messrs J. C. N.. Grigg apd.O. W. Leadley ; Temuka, Messrs R. K. Martin and (j. Casey; Timaru, Messrs J. Wallace and J. H. Moore; Waitaki, Messrs W. E. Gardiner and E. C. Studholmo; Oamaru, Mr W. Waddell; Masterton, Mr S. R. Edwards; Pahiatua, Messrs W. B. Mathorson, A. H. Vilo, and H. Ellingham; Wairarana, Mr W. Welsh: Wellington South, Mr K. A. Wright; Waipawa, Messrs J. Flood, L. C. Ratnbone, and A. MoNicol; Hawke's Bay, Messrs Q. Land, Q. W. Warren, and E. H. Williams; Napier, Mr H. B. Lusk; Gisborne, Mr W. Morgan; Bay of Plenty, Mr H. D. Latour; Eastern Maori, Mr Mohi te Atahikia; Wairau, Messrs A. Maokay and E. E. Hoaly, Mesdomes A. J. Eishor, Elson, and Mackay; Nelson, Mr A. Maginnity; Motueka, Mr Q. L. Tacon; Otago Central, Miss Iverson; Awarua, Mr J. K. Hamilton; Wanganui, Mr G. Careen; Ohinomuri, Mr A. White; Stratford, Messrs N. B. Fryday and H. W. Young; Waikato, Messrs J. L. McGregor, H. Smith, J. Barton, Q. Edgecurabe. and Miss Wood; Tnumarunui, Messrs J. Wall, E. Martin and R. Somerville; Auckland Bast, Messrs H. H. Seabrooke and W. R. Bloomfield; Auckland West, Messrs P. McEhvainc, 11. N. Bagnall, and E. A. James; Grey Lynn, Messrs G. J. Garland and J. W. Brindley; Parnell, Messrs F. W. Stonox and J. M. Phillips; Auckland Central, Messrs J. Farrell and P. Murdoch; Tauranga, Messrs A. Bossons, E. C. Banks. J. Johnstone, and J. Lipsey; Waimarino, Messrs A. L. Arrowsmith, R. W. Hall, C. Buttermore, P. F. Hockley, and T. Soworby; Rangitikoi, Messrs J. Gilchrist. Richards, McDonald, and P. R. H. Bryce; Oroua, Messrs H. Burrell, O. Mcllroy, and H. Booth; Palmerston North, Messrs Goring Johnston and G. Sim; Otakl, Mr T. Kingdon; Hutt, Mr E. P. Bunny; Wellington Suburbs, Messrs H. S. Hill and A. R. Atkinson; Wellington North, Mr C. B. Mori son; Wellington East. Messrs R. W. Gilbert and A. Leigh-Hjlnt; Wellington Central, Mr W. A. Thompson; Chalmers, Messrs T. Scott and W. Marsh; Riccarton, Messrs C. 11. Bnsor, B. SethSmith and F. W. Hoslam; Canterbury Women’s Social and Political Eeform League, Mrs Hashun; Avon, Messrs M. Dixon and H. J. Otlcy; Christchurch North, Messrs J. J. Dougall and R. Evantf; Christchurch East. Messrs E. C. Huie and F. J. Needham; Waltomnta, Messrs B. W. Alison, C. C. Grainger, C. W. Harris, J. A. Harty, J. St. Clair; Manakau, Messrs A. Gordon and E. W. Burton; Raglan, Messrs W. Horn, H. Waring, R. D. Duxfiold, -Mrs Duxfield, and H. H. Wylie: Franklin, Messrs A. M. Barriball, J. Eossiter, C. B. Herold, R. F, Fenwick, and J. Schaeffer; Patea, Messrs E. F. Hemingay and J. E. Death; Egmont, Messrs G. H. Buckridgo and J. Luny; Taranaki, Mr T. Buxton; Hurunui, Messrs D. D. Macfarlano, T. Gardiner, H. H. Holland, and J. Allan; Kaiapoi, Messrs E. Moore, H. C. D. Van Vsch, W. Nicholls, W. Doubloday, and C. G. Pateman; Dunedin Central, Messrs J. MacGregor and R. C. Algie; Dunedin '•forth, Mr H. Mitchell; Dunedin West, •tr W. Burnett; Dunedin Sonth, Mr P. K. Harty; Mataura, Messrs T. Fester xnd J. McKercher; Clutha, Mr J. Begg; Wallace, Messrs Q. B. Meek and J. A; \rmstead; Kaipnra. Messrs A. Harding, F. Jones, and J. McLeod: Marsden. Mr •J. E. Holmes: Bay of Islands, Messrs G. Wilkinson. H. E. Ludbrook, and J. E. Coatee: Eden, Messrs J. R. Walters, J. Milne, and W.. Gasset; Auckland Ladies' Executive. Mesdarace Von Stunner and r. St. Clair. MR MASSEY'S SPEECH.

The proceedings were opened by the 'rime Minister (Hon, W. F. Massey), -.hose appearance was greeted with isarty cheering, followed by the singing >f "Rule Britannia." In extending a welcome to the delegates, Mr Massey said t gave him great pleasure to meet the epresentatives of the men and the women who had stood to the party and maintained its principles during the twentyone years it had been in Opposition. 'Applause.) Representative of every electorate from the Bay of Islands to the Bluff, the gathering was the very strongest indication that the people of New Zealand had definitely decided that the public business should be conducted on clean, straight and democratic lines —and in those terms thg policy of the Eeform League was summarised. (Applause.) It showed that the people of New Zealand had shaken off their lethargy, and had determined to take an active interest in the conduct of their and there was no better guarantee of the proper conduct of political business than a strong and healthy public opinion. Regarding the work of the conference, Mr Massey said the most important business would be to arrange a scheme of organisation to prepare for the general elections, whenever they might come, though daring the Inst few weeks the prospect of a general election had faded into the dim and distant future. The first duty of the delegates was to arrange a full and complete organisation, by which, when the necessity arose, there would be a strong and popular candidate for every electorate, with a strong and complete organisation to support him. He was sure that the conference would be productive of good for the party, and if that was its result it would be productive of good for the country. (Applause.) Mr F. F. Hockly was unanimously elected chairman of the conference. The first remit was moved by Mr G. J. Qarlapd (Auckland provincial district), who proposed a motion recording high appreciation of the valuable services rendered to the country by the Reform members of Parliament, under the able leadership of Mr Massey and congratulating him and them on the success that had crowned their long and arduous struggle for the right. The motion was seconded by Mr C. A. C. Hardy (Selwyn), and supported by many delegates, who concurred in their expressions of gratification at the success of the party, and In congratulating Mr Massey and his party upon the manner in which they had conductedthe fight for the narty. There were manv sincere expressions of esteem and admiration for Mr Massey personaUv. The motion was carried, with vigorous anplause. followed by cheers for Mr Massey, the singing of "For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow." and cheers for Mrs Mas--60 Acknowledging the compliment, the Prime Minister said that ho and his colleagues deeply appreciated the con pratulations of the conference. One thing to be proud of was that the party had stood the test of adversity, and he believed it would stand with equal credit the test of prosperity. (Applause.) He was confident, with such help and assistance as had been given in past years, that the representatives of the party in Parliament would control the destinies of the country for many years to come. (Applause.) During the morning all the members

PREPARING FOR NEXT GENERAL ELECTION.

of the Ministry visited the conference, and were given an enthusiastic welcome. The chairman expressed the pleasure of the delegates that the leaders of the party liad accepted their, invitation to join in the proceedings. ORGANISER’S REPORT.

A report was presented by the official organiser (Mr C. XL Landcgrecn) recounting the career of the party in Opposition. Referring to the selection of Mr Massey as leader, the report stated that from the very first it was recognised that in the new leader they had a man who was imbued with a spirit of true patriotism; they say Intent power in their new chief, and every man stood by him, and felt proud to have the honour to-day of seeing him take his lightful position in Parliament and the country. Credit was given to Mr R. R. Martin for his services as organiser, and the report states that since Mr Lindegroen's appointment active steps have been taken in thoroughly organising the sympathisers and supporters of the party by the formation of branches of the league. This has met with some measure of success, and it was considered that a meeting should bo convened for the purpose of adopting a constitution having a definite scheme of organisation, which shall have for its object the embracing of every electorate in New Zealand; that tho party may bo so consolidated that it will secure at the polls a sufficient majority of tho candidates offering themselves tor election to the people’s Parliament. During the year branches hnyo been established in many electorates in both islands, and are in a vigorous condition.

The report concluded with an acknowledgment of the party’s debt of gratitude to all those men and women throughout New Zealand who by their zeal and loyal efforts aro responsible for placing the Reform Party and its organisation in tho position it is in to-day. The report was adopted. ORGANISATION SCHEMES.

A committee comprising ten delegates fron each island was appointed to report upon the various organisation schemes -übmittod by branches. A second committee of seven members was appointed to report upon the advisability of establishing or appointing an official organ of tho league. They will report to tho conference on Monday. CATCHING THEM YOUNG. The greater part of the afternoon sit- 1 ting was occupied with the consideration of various proposals intended to assist in consolidating tho supporters of tho party. With this object the conference resolved that provision should be made in tho constitution of the leagua for the enrolment as honorary members of branches of young people under twenty-one years of age. Tho idea was that young people should be encouraged to take an active interest in the Government of the Dominion.

Tho desirability of establishing branches of the women's political rcfoim league in every electorate was unanimously affirmed. The conference will resume this morning, when the principal business will be the consideration of recommendation! from tho committees appointed on Saturday. REFORMERS’ RALLY. POLITICAL "AT HOME." CHEERING WORDS FROM PREMIER AND COLLEAGUES. Supporters of the Reform party rallied In great force on Saturday night for an "at home" tendered to the delegates to the Reform League Conference now sitting in Wellington. The gathering took place in St. Paul’s Schoolroom, Sydney street. Mr C. B. Morison, chairman of the Wellington Branch of the Reform League, presided. With him on the platform were the Prime Minister and Mrs Massey, and also several other Ministers and their wives. A RED LETTER DAY.

‘‘To-day will be a red-letter day in the history of New Zealand," said the chairman amid loud applause. Ho mentioned that the gathering was a result of tho efforts of the indefatigable ladies of Wellington, whom also they had to> thank for winning tho Wellington election. (Hear, hear.) It was his belief that what they had to meet in the future was some form of socialism; not based on any experience or history, but on imagination and tho flimsiest theory. MR MASSE y IS DELIGHTED.

Prolonged applause and hearty cheers greeted the Prime Minister, who said no was delighted to have an opportunity of meeting to many triends and supporters of the Reform puny. Ho had also been delighted to be present at the huge and representative gathering which had started that morning, and to meet ths delegates assembled fiom every part of Hew Zealand for the definite purpose of formulating a plan of campaign and a scheme or organisation applicable bo every electorate —one designed to have tho effect of returning, a majority of members pledged to the principles of the Reform party. (Applause.) At past elections they had generally had any amount of enthusiasm, just a little in tho way of organisation and perhaps less m the way of funds. (Laughter.) In the future, however, he believed they would have all three, but if they were to do without any one of them, he would say —giro him enthusiasm and organisation, and he would be quite satisfied to do without funds. (Applause.) Just lately there had been a lot of whining about misrepresentation, but it was the Reform party which had suffered from misrepresentations, and very seriously too. One of tho favourite misrepresentations thrown at them was that they were the party of wealthy men and large landowners. When ho had looked at the conference delegates that morning he could not help thinking, however, that the capitalists and large land-owners were conspicuous by their absence. The people there were just an average set of citizens, progressive and patriotic each one of themA PROGRESSIVE PLATFORM. Their progressiveness was shown by theii support of tho platform of the Eeform party, the most progressive platform that had ever been placed before the public of New Zealand by any political party. (Hear, hear.) It was a policy which would have the effect of making the conditions of life easier, and happiness more easily attainable for every individual in the community. He had no desire to crow over the party lately on the Government benches, but he could not help thinking of the description applied to them by a man who said they reminded him of a drum and fife band—everyone wanted to be boss. (Laughter.) He thought this just about described tho position. Intense joy had been felt in every part of New Zealand when the result of the no-confidence division was announced. He thought that far too much was expected of them, and he only hoped they would be able to live up to it and give effect to even one-half of the anticipations formed. - (Applause.) If they failed it would not be for the lack of trying. (Applause.) He was confident, that when it came to be their turn to walk out the people would see that they had done their best to leave tho country:

better off than they found it. (Renewed applause and cheers.)

AN EPOCHAL EVENT. Mr A. Harris, M.P. for Waitemata. who spoke on behalf of the North Island members of the House, said that he regarded tho occasion as of very great importance; as an epoch-making event in tho history of New Zealand. Never before had a political gathering of such manitude been held in New Zealand. He spoke of the advance made by tho party since Mr Massey had been its leader, and said it was still growing. All true men and women were proud to see that at last it had reached the position of being tho dominant party in New Zealand. (Applause.) A few days ago Sir Joseph Ward declared in Auckland that tho party now in power only represented a minority of the electors, but this was incorrect. He bad since looked into the figures of the actual votes cast for each of the eighty members now in the House. In some cases ho had had to take tho second ballot figures; in others those for the first ballot. He found that supporters of the Ward Administration polled 102,350 votes. Mi Massey’s supporters polled 128,251 votes (applause)—while the Labor members polled 13,700 votes and the Independents 18,838 votes. Thus the successful Eeform candidates polled within about 4000 votes of tho total votes polled by supporters of the then Government, Labor and Independents. Further than this, it must be remembered that the latter members were undoubtedly helped by the votes of the Reform Party. In face of these figures he could not see how, anyone could' say that the present Government did not represent a majority of electors. ALL THERE TO CROW, The president of the Wellington Women’s branch of the league, Mrs A. K. Newman, said that it seemed to her thai everyone was present to crow, so that it was only left to her to crow more loudly for the workers she represented. (Laughter.) She spoke of the hard work done during the campaign by the Wellington women members of the league, and said that they were now loyally rejoicing in the glorious victory of the party. (Hear, hear.) Tho women of the party couh always bo trusted to keep tho Reform flag flying. (Applause.)

At tho call of the Prime Minister three cheers were given for Mrs Newman, and the audience sang "i’or She’s a Jolly Good Fellow." SHINING IN THE ZENITH. The president of the Eeform Conference. Mr F. Hockley, congratulated the Wellington ladies who were responsible tor the gathering. For tho Inst twentyone years Now Zealand had been under a dark political cloud—one that grew darker as tho years wenton. But at last the star of tho Eeform Party had risen in its strength till it was now shining in the zenith. An era had commenced of wise legislation and of prudent and economical administration for which they had been working for the last twenty years. There was, however, >e great work still to bo done. They had to consolidate and advance tho interests of the party throughout New Zealand—ihear, hear) —and he had no doubt that hey would see an era of happiness and progress such as had never before been witnessed. (Hear, hear.)

Speaking on behalf of the South Island members of tho House, Mr G. M. Thomson (Dunedin North) told of the progress made by the party in the South Island, and expressed confidence that before many years it would have captured the majority of the seats. As for the future, there wore‘two things of which they must take particular care. They must first ensure that their party would go in for •ound, solid, clean administration —(hear, hear) —and in the next place they must be severe critics of themselves. (Hoar, hear.) It was very easy to be in Oppo eition, but when they came to be in the majority, they found it to be a time when t*;ey had to be watchful of themselves and to see that they were worthy of the trust reposed in them. (Hear, hear.) Mr J. Hamilton, of the Awarua elect'rate, who was received with cheers, spoke on behalf of the delegates to the conference, and said they appreciated very much the great kindness shown them by Wellington people. In reference to his campaign against Sir Joseph Ward at tho last election, he declared that his opponent was entrenched behind the ramparts of popularity, and was armed with tho public purse. - The people thought of favours to come and of favours already received, and so they said; '‘What is the good of putting Hamilton in ? What can ho do for us ?" In fact, when he visited portions of the electorate, people were in such terror that they were frightened to be seen speaking to him in the streets. (Laughter.) The i.ite Prime Minister during his term of office had been granting public money for expenditure all over tho Awarua electorate, hot only on roads and bridges, but also on private property. (“Oh, oh,” and "Shame.") However, at the next election he thought there was every probability that he would be able to oust Sir Joseph Ward. (Applause.)

GREAT RESPONSIBILITIES TO FACE In response to calls from the audience the Hon. A. L. Herdman, who waa cheered and greeted with "For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow," spoke briefly. He s;.id that the people of Now Zealand were indebted for the present‘happy position of affairs to tho man who was now Prime Minister. None realised more than they themselves did that though they had won a great battle they ■ had now very great responsibilities upon their shoulders. They must show to the (people that they had courage, firmness 'and ability to control the affairs of the country. He hoped they would try to emulate the example of great British statesmen. If they did this the country would be preserved and the lives of tne people made happy. The *Hon. F. M. B. Fisher was also called upon to speak. He drew attention to the fact that five of the nine Ministers were native-born ■ New Zealandeis, and said that after the Reform Party had been for a long time in Opposition the laugh was now on the other side. Mr Massey had been often referred Mi as Moses, but he would take the liberty of now styling him Joshua, for he had 1 led his people into the Promised Land. They hoped to retain the confidence ol the people for a long time. (Hear, hear.,' He believed that the Budget which would be brought down on Tuesday would prove to be one of the best yet delivered in New Zealand; during the last twentyfive years, at any rate. (Hear, hear.) There was a loud cull for Mr W. C. Buchanan, but the member for Wairarapa only bowed. The Hon. J. Allen was then caller’ upon, but he excused himself from making a long speech because he had had a very busy day. If the delegates attending the conference would only stand together and go back to their districts to toll their people what they had seen and heard in Wellington they would do a very great deal of good for the party. (Applause.)