SIR JOSEPH WARD

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8734, 16 May 1914, Page 5

SIR JOSEPH WARD

WELCOMED AT WANGANUI NAVY AND FINANCE MATTERS DISCUSSED.

Special to the “Times.” WANGANUI, May 15.

Despite tho fact that heavy ram fell throughout this evening the heaviest downpour in fact that has been recorded here for some time—the Opera House was crowded to the doors on tho occasion of Sir Joseph Ward’s deliverance of a political address, Even on the stage a large number of forms and chairs had been placed, and these were not nearly sufficient to, accommodate tho large crowd, some hundreds' of people contenting themselves by standing throe and four deep throughout tho evening at tho back ol the stage. The Mayor, Mr T. B. Williams, presided. The appearance of Sir Joseph Ward on tho stage was tho signal lor loud and prolonged applause, followed by three rousing cheers. After paying a tribute to the memory of the late Mr Ballance and Mr Bryce, who had both been closely l associated with Wanganui, Sir Joseph went on to express his views on tho naval question. He dealt with the subject on the lines of recent speeches. Ho had been called a “Little New Zealander” by a Minister of the present Administration. (Laughter.) He did not know whether the reference was to his dimensions—(laughter)—it certainly could not be to his public actions. (Applause.) It was foolish for any person, because he was opposed to him on a particular question, to retaliate by saying ho (Sir Joseph) was a “Little New Zealander.” He had never known names to hurt anybody. “They can call me anything they like.” ho added. “1 am hero to do wthat I believe to bo right, and to place my views before the country on important questions.” If tho people thought ho was wrong they Ijad their remedy. Calling him a “Little New Zealander” had as much effect on him as the piroverbial water on the duck’s back had upon the size and condition of, the duck. (Laughter and applause.) He (Sir Joseph) was as firm as a rock in his naval policy. He was hot in favour of a local navy. Dealing with the Dreadnought, he said his opponents before last election had tried to represent him as a political Minister who had made tho poor working man, the poor farmer, and tradesman pay for the battleship. THAT LOAN PROSPECTUS. Dealing with the Massey Government’s recent loap, he said they had had to use him (Sir Joseph) to get the money on satisfactory terms. (Applause.) By this prospectus the “Reform” party had presented him with a first-class' certificate of character. He had been told that the farmers were against him, but he had evidence to the contrary. He referred to the enormous benefits conferred on all the farming community by the legislation passed by the Liberal Administration. They had repealed ,th© iniquitous property tax, which had pressed so hardly on the farmers and tradesmen. The repeal of that tax had had the effect of relieving 30,000 farmers and thousands of business men. A land tax was then introduced, and the Liberal phrty had had the undying hatred of the large landed proprietors ever since. (Applause.) Of tho total population only 38,232 persons had to ay land tax. He referred 'to the facilities the Liberal Administrations had £iven to the people to acquire, land and obtain cheap money so that they could improve their holdings and build homes. The Liberal party during their term of office had placed 130,000 persons upon 'the Jand. ' LOANS IX)MING DUE. Touching on finance Sir Joseph referred to the frequent Ministerial state, merits to the effect that the shortdated loans of Sir Joseph Ward and the renewals that he had to make were something appalling. Sir Joseph pointed out that in 1930 loans amounting to £29,295,302 would mature, and in 1940 £17,528,932, while the total alnount falling due in 1915 was £9,830,865. What would tho present Minister for Finance do in 1930 when such a large sum was falling due, if ho could not carry out such a small, job as the renewal of the present loans which he was always crying out about P If a man borrowed £SOO and the sum was falling due, he would nob go on tho market and advertise the fact that he wanted £SOO before he had tried to make arrangements for a renewal with the original lender. During his tiip© of office renewals were going on all the time. It was always done in a satisfactory way, and nobody knew any-, thing about it. No fuss was made. He did not go advertising from the house-tops that large sums of money falling ,{lue were to be reborrowed. The London money-lenders were just as keen as anybody else to make a half or one per cent, more interest on a Joan, and they would do so if the fact was loudly proclaimed that money was urgently required. “UNFAIR FIGHTING.” Referring to the new jamous “James Circular,” Sir Joseph asked whether it was fair fighting. He was answered by a chorus of cries of “No!” “Dirty!” “Rotten!” Tho graduated land tax was expending itself, he said. Its effect was ending, and there was bound to be something introduced to take its place. Sir Joseph Ward spoke for two hours and twenty minutes ; he received a magnificent hearing, and an ovation on resuming his seat. ■ Mr A. G. Bignell moved a vote of thanks to the speaker and confidence in the Liberal party. This was carried by acclamation.