Mr Massey Entertained

Southland Times, Issue 10966, 18 February 1907, Page 2

Mr Massey Entertained

SPEAKS ABOUT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Per United Press Association. AUCKLAND, Feb, IC. A garden party was tendered to Mr Massey, leader of the Opposition, at Pukekoho on Saturday by the Political Reform League. Despite threatening weather there was a large attendance, the number of people present being close upon 2500, including a large contingent from Auckland and Manakau and Waikato districts. Mr Massey, in the course of a speech, claimed that the Opposition had exerted a beneficial influence last session, notably in regard to the Government’s Land Bill, which, he said, would have been forced upon the country but for the determined stand made by the Opposition. He claimed that such a measure should not be passed without the electors being consulted. The Opposition party was now much stronger than at any time during the. last dozen years. “Speaking of the recent Legislative Council appointments, he said that men had now 'been appointed who had not the slightest chance of being elected to the Lower House, and who would not be of the slightest use to the country- Such a system of appointments was a' blot upon our democracy, and the appointments of some of the men included in the last batch \was a positive •affront to the electors. Hie hoped the electors and the press would assist the Reform Party, in bringing about a state of affairs more in keeping with democrat principles. Speeches were also/ delivered by other Auckland members. a£ ’ the conclusion of the speeches a presentation of a handsome feather boa was made to Mrs Massey, by members of the ladies’ committee, aa | a mark of esteem land appreciation of her husband’s services.