THE UNITED PARTY.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17982, 29 March 1930, Page 8

THE UNITED PARTY.

CRITICISMS REFUTED. CABINET ALIVE TO ITS DUTIES. MINISTER’S STATEMENT. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) BLENHEIM, Saturday. “It has been suggested that members of the Cabinet have been unable to fulfil their obligations,’’ said the Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle, Minister of Internal Affairs, at- a civic reception last night, “but I want to say that I believe that every member of the Cabinet is carrying out his duties and doing it untrammelled. There is further complaint this time from people who are asking about legislation for the coming session. They have expected us to divulge our programme, buL 1 ask you, has any party ever said to the people what legislation it was supposed to bring down?. I want to say it will be presented in due course to members when they assemble in Parliament for the transaction of business, furthermore the legislation will be up-to-date and ample in every particular for the welfare and advancement of this Dominion.

State Advances Department. The Minister went on to make a brief reference . to land settlement, and to illustrate what the Government iiad done to provide financial assistance for people on the land, and stated that during the last ii months the Slate Department had established a record of actually paying out the sum of £G,000,000 to settlers and workers. Health of Premier. “I want to tell you he is steadily improving,” proceeded the Minister, amidst applause, in referring to the illness of Sor Joseph Ward, “and 1 want to toll you that physically and mentally, with the exception of one of his legs, which is troubling him somewhat, that lie is as good as ever. As you know, the Prime Minister has been attacked by his opponents during his illness'', but I consider it is unsportsmanlike, ungenerous, and unkind for some of the papers and some individuals to have criticised so severely a sick man. We have never tried to lake advantage of a sick mail. Last session of Parliament there were half a dozen members whom we hardly saw because of sickness, but we sympathised with them, and did not try to harry them. However, I think the great bulk of the people of New Zealand do not associate themselves with these attacks, and sincerely hope and trust that Sir Joseph Ward will be restored to health, and he able to resume his seat in the House.” The member received a number of deputations, and he leaves for Wellington to-morrow.