THE PRIME MINISTER.

Otago Witness, Issue 3031, 17 April 1912, Page 88

THE PRIME MINISTER.

BANQUET AT MANAIA. MANAIA, April 9. A gathering of about 400 people wel- • corned the Prime Minister at a banquet to-night. The proceedings were most cordial. The Prime Minister on rising to speak was greeted with continued cheering. He praised the settlers for their good work in dairying. Preferring to the cutting up of former electorates in .the South Island, he said the large landholders haa threatened that he would never get a seat because the cutting up of estates so enthusiastically. His experience in London had been invaluable to him, and the people of the Dominion. Hi had put up fights on behalf of the producers to ensure their getting the results of their industry. He referred to his association with Sir Harry Atkinson—a man of sound constitutional principles, who was ahead of the times. Referring to the Cabinet and how long it would carry on, he would say that each member had occupied good public positions, and had the interest of the country at heart. They hoped to act x\p to the standard set in a speech by Lord Dudley, who deprecated a policy of anathema and improper motives. Good men should sacrifice self for their country. The Ministers intended to answer every speech before they met Parliament. They would make no effort to control a majority, and would accept what Parliament had in store. He honed the people would allow the Government a chance to continue the good Government of the past. The country wanted political rest—more administration and less legislation. He hoped to settle down to deal with matters for the good of the people, utilise the lands, and break up the large estates. He believed the time had come when land must be available for all wanting it, so as to give prosperity to the country and people the land with good settlers. More scientific knowledge was required in dairying matters —men to supervise the produce in London, more instructors, and better stud cattle. The Government hoped to open up the lands, and improve the waste lands of the north. If the Government had had a part in bringing about the piesent state of happiness let his Cabinet have a chance to do its work. He hoped to bring swamp lands into profitable cultivation. 13 He gave figures showing the areas of these lands that would soon be available, and he assured his hearers that he was not giving up the portfolio of Agriculture. Referring to borrowing, he said the country received a greater income from money invested by New Zealand people than was paid in interest. It would be improper to unduly borrow, and they must see that their investments were sound, and so push the Dominion along. If the Government did not give satisfaction it would retire, and he promised that if he was put out of Ministerial office he would go to live in Egmont. Enthusiastic applause greeted the end of the speech.