POLICY OF PROGRESS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14983, 9 August 1919, Page 7

POLICY OF PROGRESS.

MR " MASSEY'S DECLARATION.

GREAT ISSUES TO BE DEALT

WITH

(Per Press Association,)

. WELLINGTON, last night. A brief statement of his. views on the present situation m the Dominion was made by the Prime Minister to-day. "The pohcy of the country must be a^ policy of progress," he said, To carry out a vigorous policy of reconstruction and development m a time like the jiresent there must be a strong Government. There must be a Government that will place the interests of the country before party and every other consideration. What is wanted is a solid combination of earnest men whose democratic .instincts, honesty and ability can be relied upon. "I do not - look for perfection m politicians any more than m any other class," he continued, "but the times so serious and the outlook so uncertain that a much greater responsibility than ever before rests upon electors [to see that the men to whom they entrust the. management of their public I affairs will m all tests and circumstances unflinchingly do their duty, and thus do justice and credit to the positions they are intended to occupy. "There will be great issues to be dealt with and settled during the period on which we are. entering," said the j Prime • Minister, "and many problems j to be solved on which the prosperity of the 'country and the happiness of the people for many years to come must j depend. We cannot afford to make mistakes. Industry and energy must be maintained and encouraged. There 'musfc-be.rfequal opportunitties, for all. -;'T liopiff*' he' added, *'that ihVmany respects; we shall profit by the lessons of war and learn from what has taken place that as citizens of one country, we should, so to speak, be mem-! bersof one family ready to help each other when assistance is required and when help can be given. States, like individuals, have their temptations and times of doubt and difficulty. Let us hope that New Zealand will always choose the better part and do tho. rightthing m all circumstances. "If we are to be successful m the conduct of our public affairs, the interests of the country must come before any personal advantage." *