GATHERING OF EX-MEMBERS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 10 December 1925, Page 5

GATHERING OF EX-MEMBERS.

PRESENTATION TO MR MASTERS. (By Telegraph —Press Association.) STRATFORD, This Day. A large and enthusiastic gathering of supporters and friends of Mr Robert Masters, late member, was held last night, the attendance being representative of all parts of the electorate. The guest was presented by Mr G. W. Forbes, leader of the Liberal Party, on behalf of the electors, with a handsome roll top desk and a substantial cheque, while Mrs Masters received a magnificent canteen of cutlery. The .speakers included Messrs Veitch (Wanganui), Smith (ex-member for Taranaki), Corrigan (ex-member for Patea), Lye (ex-member for Waikato), Broadfoot (To Kuiti), and local electors. Many warm tributes were paid 1o the work Mr’ Masters had done, an I much regret was expressed at his defeat. All hoped that he would again offer his services. Mr Masters received an ovation on rising to speak. He returned thanks for the honour done him, and hoped that the Government, with its huge majority, would act wisely and see that no sectional legislation was passed. He was sorry that the Opposition was not stronger, as, speaking now as a business man and not as a politician, lie could say that the financial outlook called for the greatest consideration. It was impossible to increase the indebtedness at the rate it had been done in the last few years, without an increase of population, so that the. taxation could be spread more equitably. A country, like a business, could not be financed with a view to a continuation of prosperity, and must look ahead, and in times of prosperity take cognisance of the lean years which always follow.