SPEECH BY SIR A. CUINNESS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1324, 30 December 1911, Page 5

SPEECH BY SIR A. CUINNESS.

LIBERAL PARTY'S AWKWARD ..POSITION. , A VERY DIFFICULT TASK. (By TelecraDh.-Press Association.! Christchurch, December 29. Speaking at a complimentary social to Mr. Geo. Witty,' M.P., to-night, Sir Arthur Guinness said if more members of tho Houso had only been stamped with the same characteristics as Mr. Witty possessed, tho Liberal party would not bo in tho awkward position in which it stood to-day. They had a very difficult task to perform if they were to retain tho Liberal party in the Houso for tho next three years. He believed, however, that with the resource, tact, and ability Sir Joseph Ward had shown in tho past, now that the time had come when their leader should show what ho was mado of, Sir Joseph Ward should shape tho party's course, and the Liberal policy in such a direction ns to retain the position ho had held iu Parliament for so many years past. The country had been prosperous under tho rule of the Liberal party, and nobody present could think that that prosperity was likely to bo altered by tho present party remaining in power for three years more. Other parts of tho country seemed to think otherwise, but that was their mistake. ' Mr. Witty said the Liberal ( party was not beaten, and the other side had to prove they were in tho majority. He believed that in the future the Liberal party should not make so many latvs, but should see.that,..cxisting. laws .vere, car-, ried, out ••better. ;■ 'There-■-; must.'be a stronger and better Administration, and ho believed that they would have that in tho future.