CONFIDENCE IN THE COUNTRY

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2137, 1 May 1914, Page 8

CONFIDENCE IN THE COUNTRY

PRIME MINISTER AT PAEROA. (Tlv TpleeraDii.—Special CnrreTOnnitent.) Paeroa, Xpril 30. The Prime Minister (the Right Hon. ).V. F. Masscy) addressed a largely-at-tended and enthusiastic i)iiblic meeting in the Criterion Theatre this evening. The ball was well filled, and a large number of people had only standingroom. The county chairman (Sir. H. M. Corbett) presided, and seats on tho platform' were also occupied bv tho Hon. W. GJ. Nicholls, M.L.C., Mr. H, Poland, M.P., Mr. J. Clark, ivho lias Keen selected as the candidate to contest tho Ohinemuri seat in the Reform Party's interest at the next election, and many others.

Mr. Massey, who had an excellent reception, dealt with tbe principal political topics of the day, his lemarks in each case being on tbe lines of other recent speeches. In referring to the fact that last year's financial operations had resulted in a surplus of £427,000, Mr. Massey said that this reached a very satisfactory position. "He also said that not only was the outlook good so far as the.revenue and private prosperity were 'concerned, .but also that tho credit of *tho country outside the Dominion now stood bigber than it bad ever stood before. (Applause.) At the conclusion of the Prime Minister's speech, Mr. W. Towers moved, and Mr. E. J. Kitching• seconded, a motion expressing thanks to Mr. J.lasscy and confidence in the Government. Mr. G. Wiiitiflore moved as an amendment, and Mr.' F. E. Flatt seconded, "That this meeting thanks Mr. Masscy for bis address, and .expresses its continued confideneo in Mr. Poland as our representative." The amendment was lost, only somo eight or nine hands ..being held up in favour of it. . The motion was carried by an overwhelming majority amidst loud applause and cheers.