Speech by Mr Massey

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 23, Issue 5, 19 January 1912, Page 4

Speech by Mr Massey

AIMS. kND ASPIRATIONS OF THE - PARTY. Auckland, January, 16. Speaking at a social tendered by Me . Lang, M.P. for Manukau, to his election committees, Mr Massey (leadhf of the Opposition) said be was convinced that the Reform party, wonhLgairi, larger individual and aggregate majorities if it was forced to appeal to the country again Within twelve months. The election ■ had involved much hard -work, but the fight bad been a good one and though well-tried soldiers had falldn in the battle, be hoped their absence from Parliament was only temporary. When the people had heard the truth they knew, as was shown by the large number of Reform candidates elected, that however dead the Opposition might be, there was no doubt that the Reform party was very much alive. With increased numbers the party must assume greater responsibility. |lt must give effect to reforms which it had advocated for many years, and which; were urgently, needed. A i favourite slander against the party was that, if the Opposition was allowed to become the Government, it would immediately reduce the of the workers, especially of tbosein the Stateemploy. No viler slander had ever been uttered, but verty soon the party would have an opportunity, of showing that the workers and the wage : earners bad no better friends than the men who had sat in opposition for so manyyears. He hoped that, in the near future, it would be able to'take measures-that would reduce the cost of living and. give the workers access to happiness which bad never been given to the people by those who called themselves, toe Liberal party. *• The Reform party is ready- for -anything that may come along,” said Mr Massey amidst applause. “ We are ready to do our duty even if we are called upon to face another general election. The majority of the people' bejieve.that the watchword of the Reform party is ‘ Honesty and progress.’ Within the next few months all the people will have subscribed tq that opinion.” • '