POLITICAL.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12848, 26 January 1912, Page 7

POLITICAL.

REFORM RALLY AT AUCKLAND

A GREAT DEMONSTRATION

MR MASSEY HAS A GREAT

RECEPTION

(Per Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, January 24

A huge demonstration was held by the Reform Party in the Towji Hail to-night. There was an attendance of 3000, the accommodatiom of the ball being fully taxed. Mr L. G. Bagnell occupied the chair. There was a long, programme of speeches, delivered by members of the Reform 'Pai-iy, of whom 18 were present. The .audience gasvet the speakers a very hearty receptioDj, Mr Massey being the subject of a remarkable display of enthusiasm. When he ros© to speak, ho was received with a great demonstration, the audiences cheering and singing "He's ia Jolly Good Fellow."

Mr Massey expressed thanks for tho support given, tho Reform Party vat tho general elections. The old standing reproach to the party, that it was un~ ablo to secure support an the greatest centre of, the district to which he belonged^ was now removed. Auckland would never regret 'this, and what Auckland said to-day, the rest of Nevr Zealand would cay to-morrow.' - Wellington had already stated its disapproval of the Administration, ajnd demanded a Government more energetic and.enthusiastic to do right. Be was -'delighted at the opportunity to introduce members 'of the Reform Party smd letting' the people meet face to fabe representatives of the party which vraa in the, majority in Parliament at the "present time, which possessed the confidence of the majority in the country, and from which the people expected an up-to-date policy, an economical and effective AdministrAtion. The people would not regret having /placed confidence in the party. He referred to the staunchness and incorruptibility of the members of hia _party, tv ho hod grown old an' the service, and extended the compliment to new members of the party. People were looking forward with great interest to the sessiom aies:t month. For the first time for -21 yeaj-s they were going to have a change of Government which they had demanded. He and the party, were proud at securing thfc confidence and affection of tiLe bulk of the' people of New Zealand. Their responsibilitiea would bo -heavy, but they never shirked responsibilities, amd would do their duty as sincerely on the Treasury as dn the ■Opposition benches, tho first thought being the fw«2fare of the country in either oircouQstonce. New Zealand needed many reforms, such' as his party .had advocated in the past. They wanted unoccupied lands opened up. Every energetic 6ettler who desired should go upon it. Finances must be placed, upon a sound and proper footing, so that everyo:ae could see whether money was spent properly or the reverse. The party hoped to be able *to promote economical aaad officien& administration.'' The State must bo prepared to "pay for brains'suid ability, but they wanted to keep -af a distance everything like graft or political patronage. They wanted also to seethe country do its duty las not the least of the nations which make up the great Empire.

Altogether, 16 'addressed the meeting. At the conclusion a vote of thanks and confidence in the Reform Party was carried by aoi overwhelming majority.