THE PREMIER IN AUCKLAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2111, 10 February 1908, Page 3

THE PREMIER IN AUCKLAND.

GOVERNMENT POLICY OUTLINED.

LARGE SUM FOR ROADING

P less A ssoc iatio n. AUCKLAND, Feb. S,

Sir Joseph Ward addressed a public meeting on political matters lasi evening. ■ ,•* Referring to the work of 1 ist cession, he claimed that the Government did work which would stand favorable comparison with that' of any other session. The legislation passed last session had provided the basis upon which .a great superrtruction in’the interests of men. women, and children could be built up.

A great revolution such as was now being worked could not in reason be expected to develop to completion in a year or two, but he was persuaded, as a result of investigation, that we had at least in this country got our great Native problem on sound lines, and that a permanent and lasting good to both the European and Native races would be produced by the careful and vigorous carrying out of that policy. The position .of the population question was not satisfactory. The increase from every source this year was 8000 less than the increase last year. Ho was strongly against bringing a large number of immigrants from the Old Country, but we ought to continue the present system of assisting in a moderate way to bring suitable men and women to tho Dominion. . Ho proposed next session to osK Parliament to provide lor a system of superannuation of employees -oi municipalities, counties, and other local bodies, and also a system oi purchase of annuities by -lie geneiai He proposed, in addition to the setting aside ox a large sum inary roading purposes, to piov dt a special sum of £200,000 a year ioi five years,, and to have a map prepared in advance showing the^ roads upon which this money was -o i>e t. Chi.,™, he did not think, in view of the legislation of last session, that many more M il l come. In vegetable gardening the Chinese practically excluded Lmopeans. He suggested a Elate market garden in each ot -the tour ceutie., where the services perhaps ot pnsoners could be utilised. 1 , Last session he had promised l look into the working ox the old ago pensions system in the recess, when Parliament met again lie would lay before it proposals which fiomil improve the working ol the system. Defining the position ot the Government party, Sir Joseph Ward said its policy was neither revolution.! v Socialism nor hide-bouml individualism Thev believed in the prudent use of the power of the Sfatii to give equal opportunity to all. .U d to make the neonle as a whole, and n-o any class," healthier and happier, ffis could not be done by visionary methods or violent, rapid but by courageous and cartful ex tension of State action along prudent and progressive lines. A vote of thanks to Sir Joseph Ward and unabated confidence himself and the Government concluded the meeting. _