SOCIAL GATHERING.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1873, 6 October 1913, Page 8

SOCIAL GATHERING.

SPEECHES BY PRIME MINISTER AND CABINET. AN INTERESTING MENU. Speeches touching mainly cn the lighter'sides of politics wero, delivered by Mr. Massey and members of the Ministry at tho social gathering in the Sydney Street Schoolroom with which the delegates to the conferenco faound up the day on Saturday evening. Mr. VOll Haast presided and was attended on the platform by tho Prime Minister (tho Hon. W. F.. Massey), tlio Minister of Justico (the' Hon. A. L. Herdman), tho Minister of Education and Defenco (tlio Hon. J. Allen), and the Minister of Railways (Hon. W. H. Hcrries). The Minister of Trade and Customs (tlio Hon, F. M. B-. Fisher), the Minister of Public Works (tho Hon. W r . Fraser), the Postmaster-General (tho Hon. R. H. Rhodes}, Mrs. Massey, Mrsl Hadfield, Mrs. Haslam, Mrs. J. P. Campbell, .Mrs. Earle, Mrs. von Sturmer: Mrs. Hammond, Mrs. Moorehouse, Mrs. F. M. B. Fisher, Dr. Edith Hunltlej, and others. Tho president, in welcoming the delegates from the other branches, and tho members, of Parliament present, said that at a gathering liko that all provincial jealousies wero laid aside, and they' came with the one aim of retaining sound, clean, and progressive government for their country. Mrs. Hadfield, president of the Wellington branch, called upon to join in the welcome, said that .there were many things which she would like to say about Mr. Massey and the members of his Government, but it was not well that thoy should hoar too much of what was good in one day, so she would ask them to tako them as said. Tho president, in a witty resume of tho menu to be gone through, promised those present a "feast of reason and a flow of soul." Ho was only the hors d'oeuvro on tho bill of fare, and was merely an appetiser to whet their agpetitlo for tho ballot tin of lobster a la Reform. Tho piece do resistance, however, would be Mr. Massey's celebrated Irish stew, and the potatoes would, of course, bo grown 011 freehold only. For soup, Mr. Allen would provide New Zealand stock 011 exceptionally favourable terms, aud with game a la Financier, the salad being flavoured with that which could be noticed at a distance— Garlic(k). Then Mr. Herdman was also "game," and ho would provide tho "forced meat" and also the "peelers" for Mr. Massey's potatoes. Tho poultry would be "Trust" before being served. Mr. Fisher would give thein "Cabinet" pudding with plenty of "sauce," and Mr. Bell would supply them with Srawns seasoned with pepper and salt, ir. Newman, who 110 was glad to seo on tho - bill of .fare, was more likely to give them a cold luncheon (he following day, as 110 told them tho previous day that peoplo only came to him for tickets for tile House when there wero likely to bo some "scraps." that, said tho president, was tho !>ill of fare, and if they did ngt liko that plain, wholesomo food he suggested that thoy should go.for a fish supper with the Opposition, as it was evident from the strenuous atteupt tho latter were making to abolish tho Commissioner system for Civil Servants, tlio dish, tliey were hankering after was a.nico "pla(i)co." They had only to rend some of the nows-

papers to sco how the Opposition was liaulo to "flounder," awl his (.pinion was that tlio Opposition ought to return to simpler faro as they had not yet learned to take their "gruel." In conclusion, the chairman said that his hearers probably camo prepared for something moro substantial than his "trifles," so ho would at onco call upon the orchestra so that tho Ministers present could "face tho music" and then address thein. 1 Mr. W. H. D. Dell, M.l\, as treasurer of the league, put in a strong appeal l'or funds, remarking that no matter how important their discussions wero tho most important thing in all organisations was finance."They could not run any political agitation without money. Tho Prime Minister stood for settlement, more settlement, and still moro settlement, and he (Mr. Bell) stood for money, more money, and still moro money. Ho hoped that by tho next election they would have sufficient funds to blow tho Opposition ship clean ouc of the water. Pledges Fulfilled. The Hon. A. li. Hcrdnmn remarked that five or six years ago it would have been impossible to have had such a gathering as that in 'Wellington. The dominant ligure in tlio political arena when he- entered Parliament was the late Mr. Sedilon, at whoso bidding everybody dul as ho,was told. (A voice: "Not everybody.") The .Reform party were quito a small body endeavouring to do their duty with a strong belief in certaiin lines of policy. Mr. Scddon held contrary views, and theirs looked liko a forlorn hope, but times had changed, ,md there was now a feeling of confidence and support in the Government led by Mr. iVlassey. When one read in tlio papers that "ho was a villain of tho deepest dyo," it required a gathering liko that and tho stimulus of intercourse with those who camo from all parts of New Zealand to make them feel that tho Reform party was fulfilling its mission and' could look forward to tho future with hope of substantial result. ' A good deal had been done by the-Reform party during the eighteen months they had been in office, and they had oudeavoured substantially to fullill their pledges. The granting of freehold to the farmers who held leases had been accomplished, and only tho pruvwtis evening tho Leader of the Opposition, "who was at one time fighting Mr. Massey 011 tliat p&licv, declared that for twenty-0110 years he was wrong and j\lr. Massey was raglit. Ho believed, also, that civil servants would realise ultimately that tho legislation just passed would benefit them, though tho .primary object of passing that legislation was in the interests of tlio public, because, though they recognised tliat_ public servants should- be treated fairly, yet tho Government's responsibility to tho public was-paramount, if tho electors allowed the Massey Government to remain in office, four or five years, t-hero would bo very little need for a Government at all, as leaseholds would bo freehold, tho Legislative Council would bo completely relormcd, and tho people would bo living under such happy conditions that tho police would not ho required. An Inspiration to Organise. Tho Hon. i''. ji. B. Kshcr expressed tho opinion that the .Prime Minister ought to take that meeting as an enormously powerful and personal tribute to hnnseir. Ho remembered a timo when many people said, "if you put :iir. ulusMiy n.uo harness lie could not pull anything," -but now tlio Opposiuon, who found luni dragging thorn after him, tliought Jie was ;t much moro wcilmg draugiit liorso than they expected, midst buCoiKiing Mr. Ben's appeal lor money, thcro was another -essential itiiiuu uliey ought to cultivate, and that was enthusiasm. It it was to bo 11 battle at the next' election between their purso wild tho purse controlled by their opponents, tho ltciorffi. Government would go down easily, as although t<jfy were told that they ■ represented vested interests, tnero would be a great many purse strings unloosened at tlio next election to put them out. Ho hoped the delegates would tako away with them an inspiration to organise. Tho speaker contended that tho Government had treated their opponents ill tho House far too generously, and thought tho timo was fast , approaching wlien it would bo necessary for lliem • to put knuckle-dusters 011 and emulate tho Opposition tactics, and then tho Opposition would reflect that they _ would havo been wiser if they; had not invited „them to "got up." Ho hoped that as soon as this was over the Government would start 011 an extensive election campaign so as to meet pcoplo in the remoter districts and give them an interest in tho Reform party. Ho had been taunted with having made tho observation that "consistency was the refuge of l'ools," but in politics they could not be consistent <r the Opposition would^still vote for tho'Government as they had done for twenty-ono years. During tlio fifteen months tho present Government had been 111 office they had placed upon the Statute Book soino very valuable reforms, which would nover be repealed. The Public Accounts Committee now had access to tho details of, their Estimates, and that would save thousands of pounds, because it would stop any Government from makiug improper payments, and .would save tho House endless discussions. They wero.going to have a busy time this session, as they .wero determined to proceed with their reforms. If thoy wero to strengthen their position it would not be done by compromise, but by a determination to enforco tho will of tho country. In conelusion, the hon. gentleman expressed a hope that their trip to Wellington would result in tho consolidation of the aims and objects of the Reform Party. Conference Chairman. Mr. Williams, chairman of tho confe_r_tnco, said that if every mail and woman who suppprted the Reform Party aid his duty in the matter of finance, they would have 110 difficulty in enabling Mr. Massey to "keep up Ilia end of tho stick" at tho rtoxt election. As to the Government emulating tho conduct of the Opposition, 110 hoped their tactics would not be altered, as ho preferred that tho Reform Party, at any rate, should conduct themselves in a dignified manner, and hot indulge, in personalities and recriminations, it was a source of groat pride to the country that the Primo Minister was leading tho House so well. It used to be said of tho lato Sir Wililam Russell that 110 was weak, becauso 110 was always a gentleman in tho House. That was one of Sir William's finest points, ho was always courteous, ,dignified, and truthful. If tlioso were the tilings which were going to be despised, what would becomo of public life? If tlio ladies decided not to put men into power who wero not honourable and gentlemanly, then they would never got tbore, and their • proper placo was outside. Ho thanked the Wellington peoplo for their hospitality to the conference, and remarked that he had never presided over a gathoring whoso assistance made it so easy to conduct the business. OVATION TO MR. MASSEY. THE OPPOSITION'S PROPER PLACE The Prime Minister, who was greeted with cheers and rounds of applause, said that he could hardly express in v/ords the pleasure lie felt in attending that large gathering of delegates. Tho Reform Party's cause was one which in spite of all vilification which tliey had experienced was a cause worth fighting for—a democratic cause, which made for progress, reform and tlio development of the country. There were lots of pcoplo who did not believe their cause was either liberal or democratic, and those were the men who had been talking as long and as loud as they could, and who adversely criticised tlio Bills which thoy voted for when tho division boll rang. Tho Opposition waß only

sincere on one point—they were sincerely anxious to obtain possession of tho Treasury benches. 'They would sell their immortal souls for office, but they could* not get anyono to do business at the price. Tho peoplo of tho country had made up their minds that the proper place for the Opposition was just where they wero now, and intended to keep them there for a long time; and, personally, ho was quite satisfied to fcavo them there. A lady on tile platform had told him to say something nice about the ladies of the Reform Party, and his reply to that was that ho could not say anything half good enough about them. He appreciated their good work and tho splondid fight tlie ladies put up at the last election, as if. it had not been for their assistance they would not have had a Reform Party in oflicc now. Ho hoped they would work still harder at tho next election, and sccure a more substantial majority. Tho ladies had said nice things about him, and at ono meeting a lady, full of enthusiasm, shook his hand and said "I just love you, Mr. Massey." (Laughter.) Ho was a man of peace, and was vorv glad. Mrs. Massey was not about. Ho replied: "You flatter mo, and I am glad to have your affection," but the lady continued, "I just love you becauso you are so nico and fat." (Renewed laughter.) That reminded him of a well-known politician who could give him points as regards obesity, and who, whilst apologising for his'long absence from his constituency Oil the ground of ill-health, told his supporters that ho had very nearly "gono to that bourno from which no traveller returns," whereupon a voice at the back piped out: "Then the fat would have been in the fire." (Laughter.) r.larols Nests Exposed. Speaking seriously, said the Prime Minister, the session had been notable for tho many, niaro's nests which - tho Opposition had discovered. T*ie first was that tho Prime Minister had given away many valuable mill-' orals under the land which had been made freehold, and tlioy rushed to the Supreme Court and tho Court of Appeal, whose decision was that the minerals had not been given away. The next maro's nest was m regard to a Post Oliico regulation, which was said to bo a gross interference,.but it was discovered that that particular regulation had been there for 14 years, and had been introduced by .Mr. Seddon. Then they wero told that men wero going about tho country with their pockets lined with gold, buying up tho farms of small men, which had been made possiblo by tho legislation passed by the Government, but the official report provod that there was no truth in that. Then, when ho introduced the Conciliation Bill, three-parts of which. was already law, it was said that oiro clause would revolutionise New Zealand, and that such . a step was never dreamed of in any British community, but after some days of such statements it was found that that clause had been law all the time. Another mare's nest was tho supposed quarrel between tho lion. F. 11. jJ. Fisher and hibisclf. Personally, such statements did not'troublo him lii tho least, though his family did tako a delight in reading aloud all tho "spicy bits" about himself in the Opposition newspapers while he was getting his breakfast. (Laughter.) However, tlioy wero bound to have an election beforo the end of next year, and', therefore, it was tho particular duty of tho Reform Tarty when they went back to their districts, if they had no candidate, to select tlie best they could find and run him for all tlicy wero worth, so as to givo tho Government a good majority next tiuio, and keep in office a party who were not worKing for their personal interest, but who wero trying to make New Zealand ono of tho grandest countries on tlio face of God's earth. (Applause.) Financial Prosperity. Tho Hon. J. Allen opened by remarking thai the I'muo Minister had invited ilieiu xo prepare lor tho next, election, and added that they recognised, the olfect of the ladies' organisation and assistance, not only upon tlio candidate, but on tho constituency. Tho ladies' support had a great eirect upon the Ministry and upon the country, and while' the Government was better than tho Opposition ho asked them to continue tueir support. It encouraged tho Ministers to come to such a gathering as that, and to realiso that whatever slanders wero cast at them there was. a solid body of men and women who gave them credit for their best in tho interests of tho country. Ho could, as Finance Minister, assure them that tho finances of tho country, notwithstanding tho stringency of the outside market, wero sounder to-day than they had been for many years past. Tho ordinary revenue was coming in extraordinarily well, and was increasing at a, greater rate than tho expenditure. Tho Public Works Fund was stronger, and would see thein further than it ever saw their predecessors, who wero content to pay their way to October and then struggle on anyhow until March. That was not the policy of the present Government, who hoped to finish tho year with their finances thoroughly sound. They, looked to that league for encouragement and enthusiasm on behalf of a clean, healthy Government, which was living within its means, and doing what was right and proper for other people. Policy Endorsed by Electors. Tho Hon. W. H. Herries, in tho courso of a forcible speech, said tho Government looked upon that league as tho essence and the cremo do la cremo of their supporters, who put them in and wore going to keep them in so long as they approved of their policy. Tno Government's pledges wero being mt< ricd out, and at the next election they hoped to place before tho country « policy which would bo endorsed by tho electors. They had vested interests again them, and tho strongest Opposition any Ministry had ever had. Money did a great deal, but enthusiasm did more, and Mr. Massey would soon fill the hearts of tho people in tho way Mr. Seddon did, as he was as capablo a leader and would reign as long. (Applause.) Mrs. Campbell, on behalf of tho visiting delegates, thanked tho Wellington members for their hospitality alto for the stimulus which the conferenco had given the delegates from ether parts of tho Dominion. 'The Prime Minister proposed a vote of thanks to tho chairman, which was heartily accorded, and tho chairman, in response, said that, to enablo thoso present to get into "closer touch" with one another, tlioy would liavo a dance and refreshments.