BANQUET TO HON. W. FRASER.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1502, 26 July 1912, Page 4

BANQUET TO HON. W. FRASER.

' EEMAEKS AT TE KUITI. . . (By Telegraph-Press Atwjlation.) Tβ Kulti, July 25. At the banquet to the Minister for Public Works (Hon. W. Fraser) last, night, Messrs. Wilson and Young, M.P.'s, were present. i ■ Replying to the toast of his health, Mr. Fraser said that Mr. Musscy had the confidence of the entire Cabinet. Silly rumours had been circulated regarding Mr. Massey not being regarded as a suitable leader. He could give an emphatic denial to such statements. All were thoroughly loyal. Sir. Fraser oulogjsed Mr. Massey's ability, integrity, and strength of character. Referring to borrowing, ho said the idea had been broadly circulated that tho Reform Party was against borrowing. That was not so; they were against borrowing on tho eysfem pursued in regard to the raising of money and its expenditure. They advocated long-dated loans , instead, of short ones, even if the longer term meant paying a littlo more interest. He could not disclose the policy of the Government before his chief had done so, but he was sure the present Government would adopt the system indicated. He regarded the outlook optimistically, and did not think the Government would have great difficulty in financing. Ho denounced a State note issue as unround finance. The King Country, he said, required a ereat amount of expenditure to develop it, and ns far as possible lie would nssist it. The baelc-blocks must be a 'first consideration. Much depended upon the amount placed fit his disposal for expenditure. Economical methods, with a view to getting the best nossiblo results,' would be adopted, and when tho end of his term arrived he wouTS like to have it said that ho was more a man of dwrls than words. Mr. Fraser remarked that that was tho first speech he had mode as a Minister.