REFORM’S LEADER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 81, 5 April 1930, Page 8

REFORM’S LEADER

VISIT TO TAIHAPE PRESENT POLITICAL PROBLEMS (From the “Chronicle’s’’ Special Correspondents) “The United Party is in power atthe present time, but you never know when there will be a change,” said the Mayor of Taihape, (Air J. P. Aldridge) during the course of his speech of welcome to the Hon. J. G. Coates and Airs Coates at the garden party held on the Recreation ground, Taihape, cn Thursday afternoon. In responding Air Coates said that it was sometimes suggested that it did not matter what political party a person joined as long as he entered politics. If this was correct these politicians would all be fusionists. Parties were the foundation of all Parliaments an<U the constitution provided for at least two parties. It was thus necessary to choose sides and each si<U; should fight for its principles and objects. If it failed in this respect it was like a jelly fish—no backbone. The Reform Party always placed the country far beyond any party considerations and its principles were above board and suspicion. There was no room in the party for the person who only joined for what he could get out of it.

He showed that those who were interested in the political future of the country had everything to gain by be coining members of tho party. The party consisted of representatives of every station in life. Those who felt that some national advantage would be regained for the country would find that the Reform Party’s concern was for all the people and not the few. The highest citizenship was the ideal of the party. ‘ ‘The Reform Party left the finances of the country iu a sound position and the credit high,” said the speaker, who went on to speak at length on public works and land settlement. It was essential, he said, that lands now idle should be handled and brought into economic use. He said that the group system only should be used in purchasing improved lands. The workers’ system of advances should be made applicable to country lands where families could be maintained in the country district where labour was re quired urgently to-day. In the slack periods workers could produce on a few acres of their own. Air Coates said that the Reform Party was still the strongest political force in rhe country to-day. A great many people were asking why Reform had been voted out of office and various reasons had been advanced. Some blamed the leader; others said the party’s land policy and financial administration was at fault; but he was of the opinion that the Reform Party had been put out of office because the United Party had offered certain promises which they had been unable to fulfil. Electors thought they wore going to get something for nothing.

Speaking of land taxation Air Coates stated that it was ridiculous to tax land that was not suitable for closer settlement. There should be a classification of land before any tax was imposed. In • conclusion he said that his party wanted legislation for the benefit of the whole country. He spoke feelingly of the illness of the Prime Alinister, and hoped that Sir Joseph Ward would soon be restored to health. At the conclusion of his address Air Coates was accorded a vote of thanks. Air J. A. Nash, ALP., Air J. Linklater, ALP., and Air A. Stuart (Reform candidate for Rangitikei at the next election) also spoke.

At Hunterville The Hon. J. G. Coates and Airs Coates paid a visit to Hunterville yesterday and received an enthusiastic welcome from a large gathering on the bowling green where afternoon tea was dispensed. Air and Airs Coates lunched at Glenmorven, the residence of Airs A. G. Simpson, later spending an'hour and three-quarters on the bowling green. Air Gordon Eliott, ex-AI.P. for Oroua, w:’" ulso present

Air W. H. Bowick, chairman of the Town Board extended a welcome to Air and Airs Coates, saving that the gathering was not political but merely a friendly visit. They were all pleased to see the visitors. The wholo British Empire was ready to admire a man, and Air Coates was one of tho men of the Dominion to whom they were proud to do honour. Whenever they visited Hunterville, Air and Airs Coates could be assured of a cordial welcome.

Air Coates, in reply, said he was grateful to think that politics were not permitted and the hospitality extended appealed to Airs Coates and himself. Whether those present had come to make their acquaintance, to play bowls, tennis or croquet, he could not say, but he hoped it was for the whole four of them. Wherever *hey had gone they had received a kind and hospitable reception and it helped to lift the burdens of the present state of politics, where it was hard to say who was in or out. His party was often criticised in respect to things that were not brought into effect, but his party bad no other rerponsibility than to do the best for the whole of New Zealand without thought of party, gain, or advantage. They sincerely appreciated the welcome. IDuring the afternoon Airs Coates was presented with a bouquet by Ethel Dalziell, daughter of Air and Airs R. G. Dal zicll.

Visit to Marton The arrangements made by the Central Committee to welcome the Hon. J. G Coates and Airs Coates at Afarton oii Friday at the Druids’ Hall proved inadequate, for long before the time of his arrival the hall was packed, and the Alayor (Air T. Purnell) placed tho Alarton Town Hall at the disposal of the Reform supporters, where a very enthusiastic audience gave the Leader of the Opposition a hearty welcome. On the platform were the Alayor (in the chair), Airs J. G. Coates, Airs F. Purnell (Afayoress) and Mrs A. Stuart and Afessrs W. S. Glenn and R. E. Beckett (president and patron of the Rangitikei branch of the Reform League), Air A. Stuart (the selected Reform candidate for Rangitikei) and Air Gordon Elliot (organiser tor the district).

Prior to the Mayor introducing the Hon. J. G. Coates, Miss Shirley Moore presented Airs Coates with a bouquet of beautiful flowers amidst applause. Air W. S. Glenn extended a hearty welcome to Air Coates on behalf of the Reform supporters and Air Coates addressed a very attentive audience

for over half an hour, at the conclusion of which he was given a hearty round of applause for his splendid address on the political situation as it stands to-day. Air Coates apologised for his short stay in Afarton and hoped to pay another visit at a later date and concluded by proposing a vote of thanks to the Alayor for presiding, which was carried by acclamation. Air R. E. Beckett proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Air Coates for his address, remarking that the Hon. Mr Coates was undoubtedly the finest Prime Alinister that had ever ruled the districts of the Dominion which was carried by acclamation. The party then motored through to Palmerston North.