Uniteds Optimistic

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 584, 9 February 1929, Page 5

Uniteds Optimistic

MR. ATMORE’S BRISK SPEECH Reception to Ministers EULOGIES galore, a wealth of optimism, and a brisk speech by the lion. H. Atmore, Minister of Education, -were the features of a reception to the two Auckland members of the Cabinet yesterday afternoon. Over 70 supporters of the United Party attended. All the speakers were emphatic that there was a brighter outlook throughout New Zealand.

'J'HE reception was to the Hon. J. B. Donald, Postmaster-General, and the lion. A. J. Stallworthy, Minister of Health. Mr. Atmore arrived later in the proceedings. Mr. J. Trevithick, chairman of the Auckland executive of the party, presided and paid tributes to the qualities of Mr. Donald and Mr. Stallworthy and to the ability of the Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward. “The Prime Minister,” Mr. Trevithick said, “was not slow to recognise the worth of the two Auckland members.” In reply Mr. Donald said that he had learnt his Liberalism in the school of Richard John Seddon. “When 1 made the decision to stand for Parliament,” he continued, “there was no question concerning the party T should join.” Branching on to the work of the Post and Telegraph Department, Mr. Donald said that he believed that the services should be extended for the benefit of the people. He considered that the department would continue to pay. He was definite that he would not permit political iufluences to dictate what should be done in the department. WIDESPREAD OPTIMISM Mr. Stallworthy was of the opinion that optimism had been renewed from North Cape to Bluff. The people rightly thought that New Zealand’s hope for prosperity lay iu a general return to the land. Tt could not be denied, said Mr. Stall worthy, that the new Government had been responsible for renewed hope. Under the leadership of Sir Joseph Ward, better times were coming for New Zealand. “A band of earnest men,” was Mr. Atmore’s description of the United

Party. “The Auckland representatives are men of outstanding mental ability,” he continued. ‘‘New Zealand people did the greatest move in their own interests when they returned Sir Joseph Ward to power. “It is not an idle boast when I say that. New Zealand is one of the most highly educated countries. It has led the world in outstanding instances of social legislation. Lloyd George even asked New Zealand’s advice when an old-age pension scheme for England was brought forward. And, again. New Zealand was the first country to have a Public Trust. “I’ve got the reputation for saying hard things,” Mr. Atmore went on to say. “If a man thinks strongly, he hits strongly in conflict. LEADERS WITH INITIATIVE “We have as leaders in our party men of ability and proven initiative. It has been said that Sir Joseph Ward is too old to lead a Government. I know definitely from my personal association with him that that is not so. He is the one outstanding statesman of Australia and New Zealand. Surely a financial genius was wanted to steer the ship of State. If another electi: n were held the United Parry would get an overwhelming majority. “After 16 years of government by an alleged farmers’ party, the great primary industry of agriculture has fallen into disrepute. The volume of production is not increasing in proportion to the population. The time of few men and many acres has definitely gone. With the price fluctuation in land in recent years, it is not to be wondered that soldier settlers found it impossible to carry on. An- - other land boom is not wanted. Periods of depression follow the booms. The United Party will bring statesmanship to bear on the problems left by Reform. “The land will be broken up for cultivation. Education will be brought up-to-date and the matriculation fetish will be broken. There are too many aspirants for Government positions. “The whole of civilisation with its complexities is an ever-changing scene. Let education during the last two or three years have some relation to the lines the students intend to follow.” Mr. E. Aldridge, Mayor of Devonport, and Mr. E. Allan, United candidate for Hauraki, also spoke. Mr. G. C. Munns, member for Roskill, and Mr. J. S. Fletcher, member for Grey Lynn, were present.