REFORM RALLIES.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1419, 22 April 1912, Page 4

REFORM RALLIES.

The great success which has attended the various social gatherings held in different parts of the country by way of entertainment of Reform members and candidates should have , a stimulating effect on the movement to place the organisation of the party on a stronger footing. At tho elections last year it won many victories largely through the individual efforts of enthusiasts, but was handicapped greatly by lack of funds, and the consequent inability to properly organise its forces. The striking advance made would have been turned into a convincing victory had tho organisation of the party been such as would have enabled it to bring out candidates to contest every- possible seat with its opponents, and tb make better known the policy and platform of the party in all quarters of the country. The successes gained have had the effect of encouraging the supporters of Reform in every direction. The more pessimistic have thrown off the feel-, ing of hopelessness engendered by a long scries of reverses and have 'become eager and enthusiastic; while those who in the face of discouragement still maintained a bold front have been stimulated to.greater efforts than ever. The gatherings which have been taking place in the different constituencies reflect very well the feeling'which prevails in the ranks of tho Reform party to-day—a steady confidence in the complete success of the party at the next appeal to the electors of the country. Speaking last week at the banquet at Wyndham tendered to Mr. Anderson by his supporters, the Leader of tho Reform party, in the course of a vigorous address, put the position as follows: —

"The Reform party," lie said, "are the strongest party in Now Zealand, and aro still growing. They believe in themselves —they believe in each other, in their party, and in the cause. An election is possible in the near future. It may come in the next few months, or it may come next year. I believe that when an election does come along tho Reform party will come back with a thumping majority. I Mieve that from the communications that have reached me, and the offers of prominent men to stand in the interests of the party."

Whether there will be an election this year or next may be open to doubt; but there is no question at all that the supporters of -the Heforra party must be prepared for any 1 contingency that may arise. The Mackenzie Government realise that they cannot command a majority in the present Parliament—that at any moment after Parliament meets they may be thrown out of office. They are getting ready to face that aituation. It does not follow, of course, that their defeat at the hands of Parliament will necessarily mean a general election. That will depend a good deal on Me. Massey and his party and the programme they may bring down for immediate consideration. But whatever the outcome of the coming session of Parliament, the plain duty of all who wish to see the Government of the country's affairs placed on a sound and stable footing is to assist in strengthening the forces which make, for reform. There must be no Blackening of effort either on the part of those who represont the party in Parliament or of those pnvato citizens who make its aims and objects known amongst their friends and associates. Branches of the Reform League arc beiiiß formed in various parts, and should prove valuable as centres of information, and rallying points for those engaged in the work of organisation. An effort should be made to create at least one live branch of the league in every electorate, and if the_ leading members of the party assist in this work by means of public addresses and special addresses on political topics to members of the various branches, there should be no difficulty in building up a strong and useful organisation.