PRIME MINISTER ON THE STUMP

West Coast Times, 17 June 1912, Page 3

PRIME MINISTER ON THE STUMP

“GOING TO CONVERT THE POLITICAL INERTIA.”

THE ETERNAL DEPUTATION,

per press association.- -copyright.] DARGAVILLE, June 16.

Tlio Prime Minister addressed a public mooting last night, dealing with the general lines of his policy outlined at Opnnake. Ho replied ,to the criticisms in reference to tho four million loan, hy stating that the details would not bo given by the Government before tho transaction was completed. No country was in a more prosperous condition. lie quoted figures showing the improved agricultural and pastoral export, industry being in a particularly sound condition. The outlook for to future was most promising.

Speaking of the present situation, after refuting criticism Mr. Mackenzie sai-f there would bo no meanings if ho passed over the bar, but ho would thank the people for the kindness and confidence expressed in him for the last twenty-five years. Whether in or out of Parliament or the Ministry be would do bis best for the coranvunity. They were anxious to convert the inertia of public opinion into something real. They had tried to improve things that bad been in the minds of men. for some lime past. Ho instanced the civil service which needed remodelling, but ho was opposed to a Civil Service Hoard. Education cost too much and ho hoped for good results from tho Commission, also the Cost of Living Commission. A vote of thanks and confidence in tho Ministry was carried with cheers. Replying, Mr. Mackenzie said tho Ministry was going to do good Liberal work and would load tho country to good.

Subsequent to tho meeting, numerous deputations waited on the Prime Minister, who regarded it as indicative of tho necessity of visiting various parts of the Dominion, also of an increased number of Ministers. He declared there was no ghost of a show of complying with tho request to place £200,000 on the estimates for a north Auckland Main Trunk railway. This amount was equal to a quarter of the whole of the sum borrowed for railway construction last year. In the face of all the slander, the Government was not going to borrow so much this year. Replying to a deputation from the No-liconso League. Mr. Mackenzie declared that the Government were not prepared to bring j n a Bill to give Uk,’ bare majority vote at licensing pells.