POLITICAL REFORM LEAGUE

Otago Witness, Issue 3149, 22 July 1914, Page 32

POLITICAL REFORM LEAGUE

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. WELLINGTON, July 16. The annual conference of the New Zealand Political Reform League was opened at the Sydney Street, Hall to-day. There were 250 delegates and members present. Mr H. F. von Haast was voted to the chair. The Right Hon. W. F. Massey, president of the league, opened the conference with a spirited address, welcoming the delegates and expressing special pleasure at seeing so many representatives of the Maori race present. He referred to the loss sustained by the Reform Party during the year through the 'death of so many ok! friends, including the late Sir William Russell and Colonel Bloomfield, of Auckland. Regarding tho position of the political parties, ho expressed the opinion that the Government was in a sound position in the country, and that before the elections came round they would have candidates for every seat. He proceeded to say that he had no fear of the result, as he believed the Government to be in a sounder position in the country than ever. Following Mr Massey's address a Maori delegation, comprising members of the Maori branches of the Reform League in tho Hawke’s Bay, Tauranga, and Bay of Plenty districts, was introduced to the conference, Chiefs Mita Taupopoki (of Rotorua) and Mohi Tcatahikoia (of Hawke’s Bay) acting as spokesmen. Mr Massey, in acknowledging their greetings and congratulations, said that it was the desire of the Government to deal fairly by, the Maori, and to place him in the same position as the pakeha. Tho Dominion Executive, in presenting its third annual report, congratulated the members of the Reform League, and more particularly its leader and his colleagues in the Ministry, upon the improved outlook and prospects of the party generally. The executive felt that this was largely due to the very able administration of the country’s affairs by Ministers during their two years of office, and to tho fact that throughout the country there was a widespread feeling that the Reform Government could be trusted to do its duty faithfully and to administer the law impartially and fearlessly, and legislate on lines that “would ensure a just recognition of the rights of every citizen, whether his standing was high or low, rich / or poor. Beyond this the executive recognised, as every unprejudiced person must recognise, that the country had lost nothing in the shape of Liberal legislation, but gained immensely by the change of Government inaugurated on July 10, 1912, when the then Governor (Lord Islington) commissioned their esteemed president to form the first Reform Ministry. Proof of the liberal legislation already accomplished by Mr Massey and his colleagues was set forth in the special midwinter issue of the Reform journal, Light and Liberty, x-ecently issued, which covered the work of the Reform Government during its two years of office, and which dealt, inter alia, with the improved conditions of the finances under the Hon. Mr Allen’s administration. It detailed “ how the man on the land ” had been helped, “ how the wage-earner is helped,” “ the. improved pensions scheme,” and the many ways in which tho Government”, has worked for the common good.” It was proposed to circulate this special number in large quantities throughout the constituences, and the executive trusted that the officials of the several branches who might have the handling of the publication would make tho distribution effective. Tho great aim was to get the paper _ distributed and read over the widest possible area. “While the outlook , is good,” proceeded the executive, “it must be recognised, arid your executive cannot too Strongly impress the fact upon tho delegates and supporters of the party generally, that there is a stiff fight in front of us, and that victory can only be secured , by tho Reform party at the polls as the result of united action, backed up by energetic and persistent effort. There is much in our favour, but there is also much against us. A movement has evidently been begun and apparently consummated to bring about a working agreement and practical alliance betwen the Liberals and the Red Feds, with a view towards capturing the Reform citadel next December, The Opposition party in Parliament are apparently prepared to proceed to any extreme in their attempt fo oust tho Reform Government from office, and. although Mr Webb, like other of his “Red Fed” associates, declares that he has even less faith in. the Liberals than in the Reformers, and that he would cheerfully join in a vote of no confidence in Sir Joseph Ward, the fact remains that the Liberals are acting upon the advice tendered them by Mr W. T. Mills at the Lyttelton by-election last December.' While waiting for their funeral they are prepared to support “Red Fed” candidates where seats are held by the latter, or where it is thought they command a majority which would be split in favour of Reform if a Liberal candidate stands. In return tho Liberals expect to secure* the support of the “Red Feds” where Liberal candidates have the better prospect of winning the seats. Such an arrangement as this is a distinct menace to good Government, and can only end in disaster to the country. The danger is fortunately recognised, and with its recognition comes the necessity for action. The country has to choose between a strong Reform Government under Mr Massey, which is not afraid to speak its mind and preserve order in times of national peril, and an administration that would be dominated by political extremists who desire to destroy the existing constitution in order that they may inaugurate the Socialistic state.’’ The report proceeds: “Your executive feels that it is a matter for congratulation that so many representatives of the Maori race have arranged to attend the present conference. Tho interest they are taking in political affairs is a very healthy sign, and the fact that they are scok.ng the assistance of tho league in bringing about important changes in tho laws more particularly affecting themselves is, in the opinion of your an indication that the Maoris recognise that their truest friends are to bo found on the Reform side of tho House.” Tho annual report was adopted. Committees were then sot up to deal with the remits on the conference paper. The reminder of the morning was spent in discussing the following remits forwarded by Maori branches: “1. That it be a recommendation to the Government,’, from this conference, that in all future elections of Maori members to Parliament, provision should be made for

a secret ballot so that the voters may be relieved of the necessity of openly declaring for whom they intend to vote. 2. That in the best interests of the Native race this conference further urges upon the Government the 'necessity for taking such action as will help the Maoris to follow agricultural and farming pursuits, and to afford them such instruction in the business as will result in their becoming independent and self-reliant citizens of the State.” Both remits were adopted without alteration. At the afternoon sitting questions relating to organisation occupied attention. Among the motions adopted was one recommending provision for equal representation of men and women at general conferences. The election of the executive officers will take place to-morrow. WELLINGTON, July 17. The Reform Conference concluded to-day, the following being elected members of the New Zealand Executive Messrs H. F. Yon Haast. W H. D. Bell, C. B. Morison (all of Wellington), Sir Walter Buchanan (Wairarapa). A. H. Russell (Hawke’s Bay), D. H. Guthrie, M.P. (Oroua), H. D. Acland (Christchurch), E. W. Alison, E. W. Woods (secretary new Auckland Waterside Workers’ Union), "M. A. Clark (Auckland), James Wall (Taumarunui), -C. F. Ferguson (Marlborough), R. Scott, M.P. (Otago). Lady members: Mrs J. P. Campbell (Auckland), Mrs Rolleston (Christchurch). A remit dealing with the Bible in schools was rejected, on the ground that it was a non-party question.