THE PREMIER.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1648, 15 January 1913, Page 4

THE PREMIER.

GARDEN AT PAPAKURA, • A POLICY OF PROGRESS. The cordial regard in which the Prime Alinisler is held in his own electorate was manifest (says the Auckland "Herald") at a garden party. held at Papakura on Saturday afternoon, the first opportunity which the constituents in the northern part of Franklin have had of collectively extending their congratulations to Mr. toassey, upon iiis attainment of the Preiiiieis.n|). Aoly expressed by representative speaicorji, in* constituents' pleasure in his honours and their good'wishes for a long and useiul enjoyment of them were presented ior permau'ent record in an illuminated address from the residents of Papakura .aud th'o surrounding districts. I'ioin all parts of the district, the residents gathered; many of them political' opponents, but all warm friends. Their numbers wero augmented by the arrival of many visitors trom the city, the special train which was run for their convenience being yery well filled. At Mangere, the Prime .Juuister, accompanied by Airs. Mass'ey and Jliss,' Alassey, joined the tram, and the party was given a very hearty reception -on arrival at Papakura. The-Prime Minister's supporters in Parliament were represented by Messrs. •P. W. Lang, AI.P. tor Alanukau, and Chairman of Committees,in the House of Representatives, J. Bollard/(Edch), P. Jlarider (Marsden), -J. H. Bfadney (Aiickland West), A. Harris (Waitemata), and J. A. Young (Waikato). The gathering was held in the railway reserve, which, being comfortably' sheltered by plantations, formed an admirable situation' for the purpose.; The weather conditions were highly favourable, and the function was a complete success. Afternoon tea was served under the direction of the entertainment committee, and the formal programme was then undertaken, the chairman of the proceedings being Air. A. Willis, chairman of the Papakura Town Board.

. As an old friend who had fought well and returned laden with honours, the Prime Minister was welcomed by Mr. E. D. Jl'Leiinan, While fully appreciating the ..onerous responsibilities which Mr. Alassey had'.- undertaken, Air. M'Lennan said ho was confident' that the Prime Minister would always -boldly, attack any problem-which confronted him. (Applause.) His friends were glad that he •had been given an opportunity to display his. capabilities, and they delighted in assuring him'of their hearty goodwill and good- wishes. ' (Applause and cheers.) An address, expressing the friendly concern with which his.constituents regarded their representative,' was then presented to Jfr. Alassey by the chairman, the ceremony being followed by enthusiastic cheering. .

. Supplementing the terns of tho address, tho'Kov. AV. C: AYood said that they w:ere merely an indicationof tho depth of the' regard and tho confidence of which Mr. Alassey was tho object. ' Speflkiiig from their intimate acquaintance with hinrin Parliament and in private life, all tho members of Parliament present paid warm tribute to the excellent qualities of their leader, and a complimentary speech was also made by-Mr. Frank Lawry, formerly member for Parnell.

■Vigorous'applause and cheering greeted the Prime Minister when he replied. Ho expressed hearty and 'sincere thanks to the people of Papakura for all the kindness they; had extended to,him in past years, and on the present occasion. Above all'his honours; ho appreciated his good fortune in possessing tho,esteem, the respect, and even th'o affection of, the people whom he reprf.scrited'ih Parliament;.(Applauss.) There was no risk of. hard work killing him, but were such a result possible,' lie had narrdtviy''<t>caped being killed by kindness. In-the; trials and troubles with which his political career had. been' checkered, kindness and encouragement/had always been given to •him-by his friends, 'and.for that, timely, assistance: ho was deeply grateful.;

...Spooking, of. his aims, as Leader;! of, the. Government,.-Mr.;. -Massey"said; that'whettier its term'was'lon? or short the Gov.ornmont's policy-would-be one of progress. There would-be!no reaction. The Gbvernmenfewould strive Jor'the benefit of-both races, for it.■proposed'to elevate the Native people to all the privileges and all the responsibilities of British citizenship. Further, the; Government intended to do its'-duty to tiio great' Empire of which New was a part. (Applause.)' He and his-colleagues realised, totho: full the great, responsibilities they had!fciken upon themselves, and'were encouraged by the knowledge-tliat they, had the support of the great' majority of , ,the -.' people. Political opponents of the past had' acknowledged that they had been deceived, and-admitted, that the present Administration was a firm and just one.; (Applause.) ■ ■■'■■' ■■■■ ~ i Mr."Ma=scy-concluded by a.further ex-:, pression of his thimks, <ind tbo patherinsj concluded with,further.cheers for- the Prime Minister and Mrs,. Massey. . ' ~