MINISTER HONOURED

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19765, 21 December 1935, Page 11

MINISTER HONOURED

NGARUAWAHIA FUNCTION RECEPTION TO HON. LEE MARTIN. MONETARY REFORM QUESTION. A-guarantee that the Labour Party would honour all its platform pledges ■commencing early in the new year with monclary reform, was given, by the .Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. Mr AV. Lee .Martin, M.P,. for Raglan, at a social function at Ngaruawahia last evening. The function was arrange'/ in honour of .Mr Marlin's victory at the poll and his elevation to Cabinet rank and the large attendance was eloquent testimony io his popularity. The Mayor of Ngaruawahia, Mr R. Eyre, presided and associated with him on the platform were representatives of the Raglan County Council and other public men. When Mr ancl Mrs Martin arrived a young girl presented Mrs Martin with a beautiful bouquet. “This reception is not a Labour demonstration it is a ■civic reception with all sections of the community Joining together to express their congratulations to the new member for our electorate,” remarked Mr Eyre. He urged all citizens to co-operate with the new party no matter what their political opinions- Much was expected of the Labour Party and he contended that the electors should be patient as it must be realised that they had a tremendous amount of work to do. He. heartily congratulated Mr Martin and his family on Air Martin’s elevation to the Ministry. • Ability and Experience. “ I can assure you that the Farmers’ Union are very gratified that at last the destinies of the farmers are in the hands of a man with the ability and experience to know what we want,” said Air J. If. Furniss, In adding his congratulations, lie referred to the yeoman service'Air Martin had given to the farming community in the Waikato as well as Raglan and staled that he had well deserved his success. “ The Labour Party has a glorious opportunity in the future and I am confident that they will lake full advantage of it,” commented Air C. A, Afagner, who congratulated the guest-ol-honour on behalf of the Te Kowhai farmers. “ This country, I am sure, is about to embark on many overdue innovations, and the eyes of the world will he on us.” (Applause.) “ New Zealand has lacked for many year's, honesty in politics hut in Air Lee .Martin wc have the type of man who will introduce honesty into Parliament,” contended Air C. A. Barrell, ALP. for Hamilton, in paying a tribute to Iris colleague. “ I am also confident tiiat all the members of the Ministry are honest men who are out to do their best for New Zealand. Our progressive and humanitarian legislation is following on the late Mr R. J. Seddon’s Government’s policy. Give the Government your continued support and they will not fail you. It will, however, take time to put right the 20 years of bad government we have had." After Air AV, C. E. George, Mayor of Hunlly, had paid a tribute to Mr- Lee Martin, Mr Eyre presented the guest-on-honour with a fountainpen as a token of the admiration and respect of the Ngaruawahia people. Honouring of Pledges. . Extending greetings from tiro Prime Minister, lire lion. Mr Al. >T. Savage, and the Minister of Finance, the Hon. Mr AV. Nash, Air Lee Martin was greeted with rousing cheers as he rose lo reply. ' “ The most remarkable Ihing of the election was, t think.. Ihc swing over to Labour of the rural people,” said .Mr Martin. “ 1 promise lirose engaged in the primary industry that the Labour Government will not let them down. There is a feeling abroad that with so many city men holding Cabinet ranks that the farming community will not gel a fair deal, but I want to assure you that the Labour Party fully realises that the future of New Zealand depends on its primary industry. “ The first piece of legislation that the Cabinet will tackle will bo monetary reform and we will commence our work with this on January 8 when Cabinet will meet. (Applause.) We cannot deal with the other portions of our programme until we deal with monetary reform ancl we are not going to delay. I am confident that New Zealand is going to set an example that other countries in the world will follow,” he added. The speaker assured the audience that all the Labour Party’s platform pledges would be honoured, step by step. He paid a tribute to the encouragement and help received from bis. wife and the work of his son, Air K. Martin, who was his organiser and secretary during the election campaign. After supper -was served the remainder of the evening was devoted lo dancing, the music being supplied by Aliss Atengcs’ orchestra.