THE PRIME MINISTER AT TAUMARANUI

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2323, 3 December 1914, Page 6

THE PRIME MINISTER AT TAUMARANUI

THE TEST OF .PROSPERITY.. (By TeJeKraph.-Prese Association.) i Taumarunul; December 2, •the p r i mo Minister addressed a crowded gathering- at Taumarunui- toilight, Doaling with defence,, he said the lesson of the war'was that the next might come suddenly. Wo should' join intU tho other British Dominions bordering on the Pacific, to got a British lieet ior these coasts. He dealt with the canteen allegations, clearing tho Government of any culpability: also with the land question, workers' homo, and other matters of moment; Ho challenged- anyone to givcum instance of political interference after the passing of the Public Servico Act: The test of the prosperity of- tho country, was in the Savings Bank. Tho deposits were in excess or the withdrawals this year of over, a milieu to date; 'in October tho excess was £152,604—a1m05t a rcM .™: Amidst interjections he explained that he had not .voted against tho Old Age Pensions. Bill until he found there were no specific provisions to prondo money in payment. Ho then vot-' ed against them.-, A rote of thanks and confidence m tlie-Reform Party was earned with enthusiasm.',.'POLICY OF VICOROUS DEVELOPMENT. ' THE WHEAT CENSUS. (Br Tel«BTaph.~spedel Correspondent.) Taumaraunui, December 2. -Uie Prime Minister arrived at Tau« marunui this evening by train, and wae welcomed at the station by a gathering of citizens. The Mayor, MV Ji. W. Sunmons, extended a cordial welcome, and expressed appreciation of the consideration tho district had received at the:hande of the Government. Congratulations, were also • expressed on,the honour, of, Privy! Councillor conferred on Mr. Massey In returning thanks, the Prime Minister stated that the policy of the Government was one of vigorous development in regard to public works and tho opon'mgj p -, oi Hl ? bac ! c country by roada and'bridges, and giving settlers access to their holdings. He was afterwards entertained at dinner, and in the evenuig addressed,an overflowing "atlieriu" uitho Theatre Rojal. tho large build" ing being crowded ; to tho doors, dhroughout his speech Mr. Massey had a splendid'hearing, and on rising to speak was-greeted with great cheerine and singing "For He's a Jolly Good lellow." Mr. Maesey was in excellent form, and spoke largely'on lines of pre,nous addresses. - Referring .to tho wheat and flour question, ho stated the 'wheat census had. just been taken, and showed, a-littlo over one million bushels; this , , • together with supplies ordered , by the Government from Australia . and CanSda,' were estimated to bo sufficient to tide-us over till the new harvest.-. The names .of holders of stocks were .being furnished, and if there were- any people who held for speculative purposes the "Government would. exercise its powers and compuleorily acquire the- stocks', selling to the public at-a fair price; end any instance of attempted exploitation would le severely dealt with. The- figures also disclosed that an' additional area cf 23,000 'acres had :been' sown in wheat. Referring to the strenuous times the Government had ' passed through, Mr. Massey stated he would gather have been in office even. >for these two years than, in office for fiftj; years of dullness. These- were stirring times, when history was being made. ' An interjection from tlie audience, "Tou : have done well," was greeted with rcjiferous applause. At the conclusion of a two and:a .quarter ■ hours' speech a vote of thanks for the address and confidence in the Reform Government was carried ; enthusiastically, and the meeting.closed with three cheers for.ihe Prime Minister. ...";.';.. , Mr Maesey proceeded later to Auckland. ' ■'■ .-' ~