SPEECH BY MR. MASSEY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2104, 12 June 1907, Page 3

SPEECH BY MR. MASSEY.

Press Association,

AUCKLAND, last night

Mr. Massey addressed a meeting under the auspices'of the Huntly Po-

litical Reform League. He said ho was glad to acknowledge that the Colonial Treasurer had a surplus, that tho country was prosperous, and tho

I revouuo buoyant, but remarked on the indebtedness of tho colony inI creasing at tho rate of two millions I yearly. Ho did not see how this I could bo avoided. Ho urged that in I tho revision of tho tariff the Government should reduce tho duties on tlio necessaries of life and keop down the J cost of living. A multitude of amondmonts wore needed in tho local government law, doing away with tho dual control by county' councils and road boards, and placing tho finances of local authorities on a more satisfactory basis. Ho also dealt with tho Land Bill. A vote of thanks was carried with enthusiasm. Mr. Massey advocated the Natives ■laying the same privileges as Europeans rind similar responsibilities, .vith a proviso that no Native should oe allowed to dispose of land necesaiy for the maintenance of himself *nd family. The AYaikato settlers vere as much interested in the Auck-

and harbor as were Auckland’s cities and an amendment of the law vas necessary to give the country people representation on tho Harbor -•cards. The railway administration •vas severely criticised. Mr. Massey •aid lie would speak in no uncertain ,-oico regarding the lack of rolling ■lock .and locomotives, whereby inhistry was paralysed and inconvenience caused. Ralph’s mine alone last [Harter lost thirty days’ work owing to the want of waggons. Locomotives ought to bo built in the colony. Advances to workmen were advocated and the Land Bill was criticised as in previous speeches. Mr. Massey aid the Franklin electors had stood by him so well that he could not desert that constituency though lie had been requested to contest Waikato.