THE REFORM PARTY.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143769, 18 April 1912, Page 2

THE REFORM PARTY.

MEETING AT WYNDHAM. Per Press Association. WYNDHAM, April 17. A banquet to Mr. G. J. -mdereon, M.P. for Mataura, was held in. Wyndham Town Hall to-night. There was remarkable enthusiasm shown. ’ Members of the Reform Party were present. The seating capacity oh the hall was taxed to the utmost and besides prominent residents of the electorate the following members of the Reform Party were present:—Messrs. W. F. Massey (leader of the Opposition), D. Buick (X s almerston North), W. Buchanan (Wairarapa), W. Nosworthy (Ashburton), W. Fraser (Wakatipu), G. M. Thomson (Dunedin North), 0. E. Statliarn (Dunedin Central), James Allen (Bruce). A. S. Malcolm (Clutha), E. P. Leo (Oamaru), R. Scott (Otago Central). Apologies for absence were read from 18 members of the Reform Party, Mr. B. Sutherland, chairman or Wyndham Town Board, occupied the chair. The Leader of the Opposition was loudly cheered on his entry rnto the 1 hall and on his rising to speak was greeted with cheer’s that lasted for some minutes. Mr. Massey gave a very, forcible address, in which he said that' the prospects of the Reform Party were very bright. Where in some places during the last election the party had not been able to find candidates the best type of men had offered _themselves to fight for the party fn the event of another election. Mr. Massey said that the Prime Minister at the Government Party gathering at Stratford last week had said that certain members of the Opposition had cast a slur upon the credit of the country by making certain statements concerning loans. He challenged Mr. Mackenzie to publish those statements and to state the names of the Reform Party members who had allegedly 'been so unpatriotic. Speeches were also; delivered by the other members of the .Opposition Party and each in turn had’ an excellent reception.

BANQUET AT WAIPAWA. , WAIPAWA, April 18. Mr. George Hunter, M.P., was entertained at a banquet last night at Waipukurau. Speeches were delivered by Messrs, Newman, Fisher, Campbell and Escott, M.P.’s.