CLUTCHING AT STRAWS.

West Coast Times, 17 June 1912, Page 4

CLUTCHING AT STRAWS.

MINISTERIAL SWEET NOTHINGS. THE PRIME MINISTER TALKS TAMELY. k FEP. PRESS ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT.] AUCKLAND, June 14. The Premier delivered a political address at Hclensville to-night on financial .subjects. He said the Gov. was endeavouring to arrange with Australia for a widened system of exchange and ho hoped later to have it extended to continental countries. Regarding the hig loan, he said he would not anticipate, and during the flotation of a loan it was unwise to give away details but they were endeavouring to raise money on the best possible terms.

The Government’s cardinal principles wore closer settlement and the prevention of the roaggrogation of estates. Mr. Mackenzie said it was incorrect that people were leaving New Zealand and money was flowing from the Dominion. Certainly people wero leaving the Dominion, but only to seek larger. estates than the Government would allow them.

Mr. Mackenzie denied that the Opposition would win by seven votes. Such would necessitate a departure by men from solemn obligations which he did not belcivo would ho made. He wished to remain in office to ho of use, r.ftm long training hero and abroad; but not an hour after the people .considered his services wore of no value. A POLITICAL VOLCANO. Mil. RUSSELL EMITS GAS. TAIHAPE, June 14. The Hon. G. W. Russell visited Taihapo to-day and inspected the school j and hospital and received a deputation in reference to reserves. He delivered a political address in the evening. The hall was packed with the most successful and orderly mooting ever held hero. The Minister replied to tho speakers of the Reform Rally hove on-Tuesday. He compared the state of the country twenty-one years back with tho present time, and detailed measures which brought about tho change. He described the Leader of the Opposition and those of that party, who had been travelling rend the country as Christy Minstrels, and twitted them with being ashamed to ho called Conservatives whoso policy was only negative. He expressed the utmost confidence in the solidarity of the Liberal Party and scouted the idea that the left members would vote against their own

would vote against their own party. He justified the appointment of the Commissions now at work, also the non-appointment of the High Commissioner and Imperial Trade Commissioner.

Mr Russell quoted tho figures for the last five years to show the increased prosperity and referred to borrowing, showing that £18,000,000 borrowed, were reproductive and interest earning He also mentioned their efforts to supply nurses for tho backblocks. Mr Russell received a hearty vote of thanks and confidence in the Government.

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