REFORM LEADER.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18538, 8 April 1930, Page 9

REFORM LEADER.

VIGOROUS ATTACK ON LABOUR. NO CAMPAIGNING AGAINST PRIME MINISTER. By Telegraph—Press Association. NAPIER. April 7. A speech of great forcefullness, in quite his best vein, was delivered by the Hon. J. G. Coates to an audience of Reform supporters at Hastings this evening. Mr Coates said he personally, and his party, were determined to refrain from active campaigning against the Premier while he was incapacitated through illness, and they did not intend to take any advantage that might savour of bad sportsmanship. Mr Coates went on to criticise Labour’s actions and policy, and said Labour was entirely responsible for the present unsatisfactory condition of politics. They had voted against their own principles, and now had got into difficulties from which they would find it hard to extricate themselves. Mr Coates said that in a statement Mr H. E. Holland made on February 2nd last, as being Labour's land and taxation policy, were three points which were merely summaries of amendments moved by Reform last session against the United Party's land and taxation proposals, and unanimously voted against by Labour. Mr Coates outlined the Reform land and taxation policy; criticised Labour’s actions and policy with particular reference to nationalisation and Socialism; and condemned the United Party’s railway policy. He was given a splendid reception.