POLITICAL REFORM LEAGUE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13927, 12 June 1907, Page 5

POLITICAL REFORM LEAGUE

SPEECH BY Mil MASSEY.

(Per United Phess Association.) AUCKLAND, June 11. Mr Masscy addressed a meeting wider the auspices of the Huntly Political Reform League, lie said he was glad to acknowledge that the. Colonial Treasurer had a surplus. The country was prosperous ami the revenue buoyant. Bnt Ihe speaker remarked upon the indebtedness of the colony that il was inereasinjr at the rate of two millions yearly, and he did not see how this could he. avoided. Ho urged that, in the revision of Iho tariff the Government should reduce the duties on Iho necessaries of life, ami thus Keep down tho cost of living to the multitude. An amendment wo.s needed in (ho local government law doing away with dual control by county councils and road boards, and to place tho finance of local authorities on a inoro satisfactory basis. Mr Miissey also dealt with tho Land Bill. A -nta of thanks was carried with enthusiasm.

Mr Mnssey advocated the Natives having the same privileges as European* and similar responsibilities, with the proviso that no Native should-be allowed lo dispose of 'hlld nooo.!ary for the maintenance of lilnisolf and family. Tlie W'aifcito settlers wero as much interested in tho Auckland harbour as were Auckland's citizens, and an amendment of Iho law was nmtenry to S;ivo country people representation on the harbour boards. Railway administration was severely criticised. Mr Jlassey «aid ho would speak in no uncertain voice regarding the lack of rolling slock and locomotives whereby industry was paralysed and inconvenience caused. Ralph's mine alone Inst quarter loet 30 davs' work owing to thn want of wngrons. Locomotives ought to bo built in Hie colony. Advances to workmen were advocated, and the Land Bill was criticised ns in nrcviniis speeches. MY Masvy said the- Franklin electors had et-oed by him so well that he could not. desert that constituency, though he had boon requested lo contest the Waikato.