REFORM'S POLICY

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2180, 19 June 1914, Page 7

REFORM'S POLICY

AND BACKBONE TO ADMINISTER IT. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Walhi, June 18. The Hon. F. M. B. Fisher addressed a crowded gathering of over a thousand persons to-night. His speech was listened to with rapt attention, punctuated by frequent applause. Tho Minister at the outset of his address gave reasons why tho present Government should re- ,- main in office, and why the Opposition should remain out. He contended that the Opposition had no policy. Sir Joseph Ward, he said, had been going round tho country telling the people ' that at an opportune time he would give them his policy, and the Government had been accused of stealing tho Opposition policy. Tho Government was able to demonstrate to the public that they,; had not only got a policy, but had the backbone to administer it. The Opposition had shown themselves to havo been a knock-kneed jelly-fish party, which had given way to all sorts, of compromise. The Minister then dealt with figures showing tho immenso load of liabilities which the previous Government had incurred and which tho present Government had to shoulder w-hen it came into power. Ho referred to the promptitude with which the recent loan had been subscribed in London, showing the confidence the English money-lepd-ers had in the administrative power of tho Government. Ho paid a tribute to tlie old pioneers who had created settlement in New Zealand in tho face of hardships and privations. He condemned the growing habit ainongst the people of this country in relying too much on tho Government for everything. Mr, Fisher replied to . allegations mado that Mr. Masscy was not settling any land in New Zealand. During tho past two years, the Minister said the Government had made 'a record, quoting figures in support of his statement. Replying to criticisms of the Opposition in regard to the business of the Insurance Department, ho said tho net income for. 1913 was £61,280, as against £56,314 for 1912, showing an increase of £4956. Tho not premium income showed an increase ot £5037, and tho not profits amounted to £15,443 as compared with £14,023 for 1912. Tho reserve fund stood at the closo of tho year at £65,071, as against £18,213 for the previous year. Tho first year tho Government was in offico thoy broke all previous records, and for the 'first five months of this year tho increase had been £6500, showing that they .were still beating records. A hearty vote of thanks to the Minister, and of confidence in tho present Government, was proposod and carried unanimously.