POLITICAL ADDRESS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3005, 18 October 1911, Page 67

POLITICAL ADDRESS.

MR MASSEY AT LEVIN, * LEVIN, October 9. Mr Massey addressed the electors at Levin to-night, and met with an enthusiastic reception. He attacked the Government, and contended that its policy was to avoid carrying out necessary reforms that were contentious. Land reform. Native lands reform, Legislative Council reform, public service reform, and reduction of taxation were important reforms of which no indications were given in this' session's Budget, which was remarkable for what it did riot contain, and not for what it did. The system of public works in New Zealand was archaic, and the failure to do work by machinery resulted in railway construction being too expensive, and the cost of running the railways was greater than it ought to be. If works of this description were done by machinery such as iron navvies, the men's, work -would be made easier and the wages improved. He complained of the delay in introducing to New Zealand the Canadian system of audit. It might mean voluminous returns, but seeing that it was practicable in Canada with its' population of seven millions, surely it was practicable in New Zealand, where the population was on« million. In a short reference to the Dreadnought gift, Mr Massey said Sir Joseph Ward haxl misled the editors of the New Zealand newspapers, and in this way stifled criticism when the gift was offered. In the light of later events Mr Massey was doubtful if reasons of State or even patriotism were the reason for the offer being made. A motion was carried that Mr Massey be thanked for his address, and that the time has arrived for the present Government to be turned out of office. An amendment conveying a vote of thanks only was lost by a majority of about two to one. Only a small portion of the audience voted on either proposition.