PREMIER AT MOSGIEL.

Timaru Herald, Volume C, Issue 15309, 31 March 1914, Page 7

PREMIER AT MOSGIEL.

ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING. THE DEFENCE SYSTEM. (Per Press Association.) DUNEDIN, Maxell 30. Mr Massey addressed a meeting in Mosgiei to-night, and Lad a most enthusiastic reception. The Prime Minister said he would fi rs t ref er to the defence policy of the Dominion. The land defence system liad now been placed on the statute book, and met with the approval of the great majority of the people.' Of course there were some objectors to the_ system, but he personally jot believe _in the folded hands policy. The Minister said he considered the naval defence policy more important than even the land defence, and related that the Hon. James "Allen had J gone Home *to see if a naval policv for the Dominion could be arranged for on a basis they desired. Mr Allen, however, received no satisfacfaction. The agreement arranged in 1909 was not being fulfilled, and he (Mr Massey) though: they should take steps to build a dhig/ or ships for the Dominion. Australia lias gone in for a. local navy and lie considered the Dominion should do likewise, not because Australia had done so, but because he considered it was proper that we should do so. By re-arrqnging themoney at present fixed for tli? subsidy, to the British Navy he considered we could build a. Bristol cruiser without extra cost. THE LATE STRIKE. Mr Massey referred to the strike and said the Government had done its best, but it was impossible to bring it to a conclusion owing to the obstinacy of the leaders. He did not blame the rank, and file of the workers. He felt amused at the statement that the strike could have been settled in two days. This could not have befeti done unless the Government backed down and such a thing did not appeal to him. The speaker traversed a number of other subjects dealt with in previous speeches and said his Government stood for all that was progressive in the country. <

At the conclusion of the meeting a hearty vote of thanks and confidence in the Government was carried with cheers and without any dissentient voices.