“DEEDS, NOT WORDS."

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 143672, 16 December 1911, Page 2

“DEEDS, NOT WORDS."

MR. MASSEY’S MESSAGE. TO THE PEOPLE OF NEW ZEALAND. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND. Dec. 16. The following letter to the electors has been handed to the Press Association by Mr. Massey: “I desire to tender my most cordial thanks to the people of New Zealand for the splendid testimony they kare accorded the Reform Party by gfnng it a majority at the elections. The electors have emphatically decided that there must be a change in the administration of the affairs of the Dominion, and they have expressed their confidence in the party that I have the honour to lead, and that has served their interests faithfully and well for many years. The Reform Party has won its proud position in a fair and open fight, and against the whole strength of the Government, which, entrenched in office, had the command of resources and organisation denied to us. Much labour, effort: and much paper and ink will no doubt be wasted in endeavouring to explain away the decisive defeat of the Government, and to belittle the victory of the Reform Party. But I ask the electors to estimate such effusions at their true worth, and to rest assured that the Reform Party will do its duty unflinchingly; that it is solidly united in the interests of the people ‘as a whole, and that it will act when the time comes for the people. All the people can accept together with ray thanks my assurance that the Reform Party is guarding their best interests, and that it will bo found the true friend, not of one, but of all sections of the community. “The electors, by so substantial an endorsement of our policy, have indicated their desire to place the stewardship of the Dominion in idle hands of the Reform Party, and this high trust will he accepted in full! consciousness of its honour and its responsibility. The Reform Party is guided bt high aims and high ideals for the advancement of the Dominion on true democratic lines, apd it will, when the opportunity comes, prove itself tnlly Liberal. On its part it is not concerned with the vam boasts or foolish misrepresentation indulged in by its opponents. The answer will come by deeds, not words. “There have been many rumours and suggestions made with reference to the Reform Party’s Cabinet. I have not yet arrived at the Cabinet-making stage. When I have I shall take care that all sections supporting the party are properly represented. No nasty or ill-considered steps will be taken by our men. The electors have entrusted us with the duty of reforming the administration of national affairs. The Reform Party trusted the people, and the-people may trust the Reform Party, who will hot hesitate when the time comes to proceed with the policy outlined in our platform. It is a sound progressive and self-reliant policy. The electors may take the assurance of the party that "it will be carried through. “It makes for economy, of administration. a sound and sensible land' settlement and development programme, reduction of taxation in the fiscal system whenever possible in order to lessen the cost of living, a Legislative Council representative of the people, proper and efficient control of the civil service, better local government and social and industrial legislation on democratic principles, together with wider and higher opportunity for the people and the advancement of all forms of industrial activity. “Again I thank the electors on behalf of my party, as well as on my own behalf, for the confidence reposed in us, and for the emphatic answer to the misrepresentation we had to fight against. The Reform Party will do its dutw fearlessly, confident in the trust hf the people.— W. F. MASSEY.”