SIR JOSEPH AT GORE.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13278, 1 December 1911, Page 4

SIR JOSEPH AT GORE.

Core, Nov. 30. Sir Joseph Ward and party were welcomed on their arrival by tho Mnvor and the Liberal caudidato.3. tie was played by the Pipe Band to tho Dominion Hall which was packed. Just Lefort_ the meeting Mr. W. i. Inder, solicitor, rose in front of the hall and said that a report had been circiila'-ed that he intended organising interruption on bohalf of the Opposition Party, who he ardently supported. He denied this as a falsehood and his assurance was accepted by Sir Joseph Ward. The Prime Minister said that some of the Oppositionists who were seeking re-election offered age as a reason why the present Administration should bo removed from office. He asked the audience if it believed tho "tarradiddles" that were advanced by some of his opponents. (Cries of "Lies.") As to taxation generally being increased ho complained that his opponents did not tell the whole truth. Since he had been head of the Administration the mileage of railways had increased by 404 miles and further sinco^ the Liberal party had been in power the mileage had been increasod from 1800 to 2807 miies, or an increase of 998 miles. Sir.Joseph asked how many countries could be advanced from the primitive state without borrowing money. Of the total amount borrowed since 1891, 86 per cent earned its own interest, and its own sinking fund. Seven large estates costing £218,000 had been cut up snd were settling 1083 people. He contended that the Government had pursued its land policy with great vigor ,md that no suggestion had been made at any time to repeal the optional tenure.

A motion of thanks and confidence was carried.