POLITICAL.

Waipa Post, Volume III, Issue 129, 19 July 1912, Page 3

POLITICAL.

MEMBER FOR WAIKATO INTERVIEWED.

Mr J. A. Young, M.P., was inerviewed by a press representaive immediately on his return to he Waikato.

In reply to an enquiry, Mr Young said: “Yes; the Reform Party succeeded at the fateful division, and Mr Massey is now Prime Minister of New Zealand. The downfall of the heterogeneous remnant of what was years ago a Liberal party in this country has brought forth a tremendous expression of satisfaction from people in all quarters of the Dominion. On Wednesday last before Mr Massey met the House to announce his Ministry, he received. close on 3OGO telegrams of congratulation, and every member who supported Mr Massey could produce his bundle of telegrams varying from a dozen or two up to three figures. Asked his impression of the new Ministry, Mr Young replied that it was a strong combination and one which commanded the confidence of all the Reformers. A couple of members of the Opposition, including Sir Joseph Ward, endeavoured to sow seeds of discontent respecting the personnel of the new Ministry ; but they failed to find a sympathetic resting place. To see large headlines in Opposition journals outside of Wellington calling out “ Government Dissensions,” “Premier’s Troubles Beginning,” “ Disappointments and Resentments,” etc., was really amusing. “ There were no jealousies —no disappointments among the Reformers,” stated Mr Young. “In fact Mr Massey’s task was lightened in that some of the oldest and staunchest of his supporters laid aside their claims of seniority so that their leader’s judgment should not in any way be embarrassed in his selection of a Cabinet which would commend itself to the country. The Cabinet is such that the country has every reason to be proud. “ Since your entry into the House, what is your estimate of Mr M issey ?”

“ The more you come into contact with him the more your respect and honour for the man increases,” was the reply. “ His experience and knowledge of men and politics is both wide and deep; while the sincerity of his desire to serve his country and see all sections of the people happy and prosperous cannot but impress those who come in contact with him.

“Mr Massey,” continued M r Young, “is a much abler man than many of the rank and file outside of Parliament have been inclined to give him credit for. To know the mind of the man politically is to increase one’s admiration for the liberality of his thought. By nature and instinct he is essentially democratic and certainly is more liberalminded and unselfish than many of his opponents who rant so furiously against him. “ The Reform Party,” said Mr Young, “is truly the National Liberal Party in this country today. Young men in all walks of life in New Zealand are associated with it, and this element has vitalised the old late Opposition to the extent that has become a live progressive party with ideals worth working for, and is now the Government of the day.” “ What prospect is there of the Government being able to continue in office?” was the next next question.

“ Every prospect. The sincerity of the men composing the Cabinet, and the knowledge that the country is with them and prepared to give them a fair trial. Also the wide-spread feeling of confidence and satisfaction in commercial circles is a good indication.”

Mr Young added that the manager of a large firm in Wellington informed him on Friday morning last that for the past twelve months or more things had not been good, and already. within the week they had booked sufficient business to keep all hands busy for over six weeks ahead. “ This,” he added, “ is typical of what one heard in many places. Labour has every reason to be satisfied with the situation, as in Mr Massey they have a strong and sympathetic man at the head of the Department.

“ The prospects of the Massey Government being able to carry on are good. Nothing much can be attempted in the coming session, but all rests with itself, and while its policy is Liberal, progressive and democratic as indicated by Mr Massey, in his remarks during the no-confidence debate, he can look forward with the utmost confidedce to a long and useful term of office.”