THE HON. W. FRASER.

Otago Witness, Issue 3168, 2 December 1914, Page 34

THE HON. W. FRASER.

ADDRESS AT WAIKAKA. GORE, November 29. The Hon. W. Fraser addressed the largest

political meeting ever held at Waikaka last night. He referred to the fact that ho had represented Wakatipu for 21 years, and said ha felt sure that nothing he had done during that lengthy term would offer any excuse for the electors declining to give him support in the future. He claimed that no had in every way possible done his utmost for his electorate and the dominion. The Minister went on to say that every Government expected criticism, but he did not know that the Opposition criticism had been always fair. He did not think any Government could have administered the dominion’s affairs so satisfactorily during such a short term. In the face of so many untoward events their work had been most arduous. The Government has had to face the tail end of the Waihi strike, and in the following year the smallpox scare. Then the waterside workers’ strike had occurred, and now there was the war. From Sir Joseph Ward the party in power had received very little help. The Leader of the Opposition had said that he could have settled the strike in two days. Yes, but in what way? Ho would have given way to the strikers, and that would have meant only a fresh beginning of trouble.—(Applause.) Mr Fraser referred at some length to the action of the Government in regard to the war and the sending away of men. The task had not been a light one, and although slight unavoidable mistakes had occurred, he maintained that the greatest credit was duo to all those responsible for the despatch of the Expeditionary Force. —(Applause.) From the first week the Government had assumed office it realised that a deliberate plan was afoot to block legislation. The. Huntly mining disaster was referred to at considerable length, the speaker giving details of the steps the Government had taken. The Minister stated that those who knew facts and were concealing them were not “playing the game.” It was a despicable thing for opponents to attempt to make political capital out of that disaster. — (Applause.) Mr Fraser next dealt with the charge of extravagance brought against the present Government. He pointed out that during the last two years he had spent £46,000 less than the Minister in charge during the previous two years. Ho could not help the fact that the expenditure on public buildings had been greater, as the present Government had to carry out the old Government’s programme. Amongst other matters the Minister also referred to the allegations of increased taxation, in which, ho said, there was not one word of truth. The Customs tariff had not been increased one penny, and any increase so far as the present party was concerned was duo to an increase, in the graduated tax. A vote of thanks and confidence was accorded the Minister in the face of an amendment “ That this meeting thanks Mr Fraser for his address, but has no confidence in the present Government.” The amendment was lost by a very large majority, and the motion carried with cheers, as opposed to a slight counter demonstration from the back of the hall.