TELEGRAMS.

West Coast Times, 13 June 1912, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

REFORM RALLY AT TAIHAPE.

DEFEATED CANDIDATE HONOURED.

il’iltt PRESS ASSOCIATION—COI'YiUCUT.]

TAIHAPE, Juno 11

The occasion of making a presentation to Air. F. F. Hockley, tho Opposition candidate for Wairaarino, who was defeated at tho last election,-was utilised to-night for a Reform Party rally. The hall was well filled and Air. J. F Stndholmo presided. Among the speakers wore Messrs W. F. Massey, D. M. Guthrie, Dr. A. E. Newman, C. K. Wilson, F. M. B. Fisher.

Tho proceedings at times wero lively, but good humoured.

Air. Massey, after paying a tribute to Air. Hockley referred to tho vacant High Gominissioncrship, Sir Joseph Ward’s resignation as Now Zealand’s representative on - the Empire Trade Commission, and asked why the position had boon allowed to remain vacant, it must lie in the interests of tho Party or the individual. Ho criticised adversely the raising of short-date debenture:. Ho admitted borrowing was necessary but tho loan should have boon raised months ago before the money hardened.

Air. Afassoy touched on the Party’s land policy and tho necessity of opening up all/" unoccupied Crown Lands, also Native Lands.

Other party speakers expressed confidence in a change of Government. A purse of sovereigns was presented to Mr. Hockley who was enthusiastically received.