THE PREMIER IN FRANKLIN.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13272, 24 November 1911, Page 2

THE PREMIER IN FRANKLIN.

VERY ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION,

[United Peebs Association.]

Waluku, Nov. 23

The Premier viisted the Franklin electorate to-day, and received a cordial welcome from the settlers at tho townships he visited. Roplying to representations on the need of a branch railway from Waiuku Sir Joseph Ward declared that the Government would continue borrowing money to enable it to prosecute vigorously road, bridge, and railway construction demanded by tlio legitimate requirements of settlers, nor could it be deterred by the attempts of its opponents to employ that policy as a means of getting the Government out of office. This evening Sir Joseph Ward addressed a meeting oi nearly 300 persons, his speech following the lines of that given at Taumarunui. The audience accorded him a warm reception and a most attentive hearing without any interruption or hostile demonstration. Reference made by Sir Joseph to the statement by Mr. Massey at Palmerston North oil Wednesday evening that ho had been invited to join a coalition Ministry. When the subject was discussed in Parliament Mr. Massey definitely stated that he had not received an> communication upon tho subject of coalition from any member of the Ministry. To Mr. Massey's statement at Palmerston he gave an unqualified denial as he had given to the statement of Mr. James Allen, who was the first to make this assertion. Since the House rose lie had received a letter from a leading supporter of the Opposition who stated that a number of members of the Opposition, believing that coalition would be a good thing, had endeavi oured to persuade Mr Massey to agree to the proposal. This letter threw a good deal of light upon the subject, and he intended to publish it as soon as he returned to Wellington. Replying to a statement by Mr Wright in Wellington, Sir Joseph Ward again declared that he had no intention of accepting the High Commissionership. Apparently with the object of gaining a few votes tho Leader of the Opposition was endeavouring to find a parallel between the Laurier Government and theWard Government, and forecasted the defeat of tho latter. The comparison was illustrative of the ctraordinary efforts that were being made by Mr." Massey and his friends to make capital at the expense of tho Government. The Prime Minister was accorded a vote of thanks and continued confidence in the Government ,an amendment being defeated by a very large majority, and the motion carried with considerable enthusiasm.

In acknowledging the voto the Prime Minister said that thero had been no pre-arrangement in connection with the meeting, and ho accepted tho resolution as an indication of the feeling of tho electors in- the district. Cheers were given for Sir Joseph Ward, Lady Ward, and Miss Ward.