MR RUSSELL AT ROTORUA

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8733, 15 May 1914, Page 6

MR RUSSELL AT ROTORUA

TRENCHANT CRITICISM OF TORY SHORTCOMINGS. Special to the “Times.” ROTORUA, May 14. Mr G. W. Russell, M.P., addressed a crowded audience here last evening. Mr King, county chairman, presided. Mr Russell, who spoke for over two hours, had a 'most enthusiastic recep- 1 tiou. Ho said many of those present had grown up during the twenty-two years the Liberal party had been in office. They ware now learning by practical experience tho difference between Liberalism and Conservatism. The latter sought to protect existing privileges and interests; hence Mr Massey attracted to his side the wealth and vested interests of tho country. That was tho main backing of his party. Liberalism sought to improve tho condition of those who were handicapped in tho race of life. Its legis-. lation proved that much remained to bo done, and when the Liberals regained office under Sir Joseph Ward — as they would at tho next election—(loud applause)—they would again carry on the good work. “RECKLESS MISSTATEMENTS.” Mr Russell denounced the . reckless misstatements of tho Prime Minister and tho Minister for Finance regarding the falling-off in the- Post Office Savings Bank deposits prior to their advent to office. He showed there was an unbroken series of excesses of deposits under the Liberal Governments to the very date they left office, and said that now at last when tho Government were able to announce that the deposits for tho March quarter exceeded the withdrawals the Ministers were as delighted as dogs which discovered they had two tails. (Laughter.) Ho severely criticised Mr Massey’s statement at Auckland that on the advent to office of the Government they found tho £BOO,OOO of gilt-edged securities pledged for £775,000. As. a mattgr of fact tho Myers loan, raised five' weeks before , they took office, provided the money for repayment of all floating debts, and left a large sum for expenditure in the Dominion. ' PLUNGERS AND PROMISERS. The Government were now plunging to secure votes. Unless they won at the elections it would bo proof positive they should never have been in office. They were promising grants and votes for railways, roads, and bridges everywhere to try Jbo buy support. Mr Massey sat in the clouds

like a demi-god scattering bribes and promises in a manner never seen before. They were “goirig to curtail borrowing,” but it would take many millions to cover Mr Massey’s promises Muring the last six months. Two new additional loans were already pledged by him—one for backblocks roads and another for railways improvements. In every district he visited ho told the people the railways it required were the most necessary in the Dominion, and he would increase the vote. Was this the pure Government they were promised ? (Applause). The Government ivas one for the capitalist and money-lender; its policy was to secure the highest interest 'possible for the classes who supported it. Sir Joseph Wald’s great cheap money scheme was being emasculated, and until the Liberals got back to power the rates of interest would continue high. SCANDALS AND THE PLAYFUL * RAINBOW. The audience listened spellbound to the speaker’s references to the Royd Garlick scandal, the Rhodes Hanraki scandal, the Westport Harbour Board scandal, and the Public Trust scandal. Mr Russell said the. Hon. Mr Fisher appeared to be never in Wellington, and a return would bo moved for of the number of days he had been in his office between the close of last session and the beginning of nest. One day he was playing tennis, the next opening a Salvation Army citadel, and he followed this up by opening a grandstand on a country racecourse. (Laughter.) GREAT WIN AHEAD.

Mr Rnssell predicted a great win for the Liberals at the election. Tbo people were roused; the whole country was with them, and Liberals and Labourites were united in the determination to sweep from office the Tory and reactionary Government and replace them at once and for all with a Government of the people, for the people, and by the people. At the close of his speech there was an ovation.

Sir James Carroll had a great reception and delivered a short speech on native matters. Mr Pohlen (Liberal candidate for Tauranga) also spoke.

A vote of thanks and confidence, together with support of Sir Joseph Ward and the Liberal party, was carried unanimously, and the greatest political demonstration yet seen in Rotorua broke up at 11 p.m. with cheers for the Liberal leader.

enthusiastic meeting at HAMILTON.

Special to the “ Times.’* HAMILTON, May 14.

A political address was given by Mr H. Atmoro, member for Nelson, last nigbt. The meeting was intensely enthusiastic, the ball being packed to the doors. Those that came late had to be content with standing room outside. Mr Atmore, who was accorded a magnificent reception, delivered a telling speech, each point he made against the “Reform” Government being warmly appreciated. A vote of confidence in the Liberal party and hope in its future success was passed almost unanimously, there being only four dissentients. Three hearty cheers for Sr Joseph "Ward concluded the meeting.