HON. W. F. MASSEY

Hokitika Guardian, 20 November 1919, Page 4

HON. W. F. MASSEY

SPEECH AT ELTHAM. [PEII TEESS ASSOCIATION.— COPYEIGHT.] ELTHAM, November 19. The Premier addressed a huge meeting in tho Town Hall this evening. There were many good tempered interjections, but Air Maisesy had a splendid recop tiojn. He said he bad been engaged for a long time past on important business in Europe, and had not had opportunity to meet his constituents. He proceeded to explain the dissoluion of partnership of the Coalition Government, pointing out that while war problems had beeu solved there remained other problems of almost equal importance wanting solution, including reconstruction and repatriation. The National Government found it necessary to do many unpopular tilings, and noiv had to face the Ooiiseqtuenoes. This they wou/d face unflinchingly. He expressed regret that so much party feeling had been introduced into the Government of the country, and also over tho fact that Sir Joseph Ward had issued a manifesto immediately on his severance from the Government. The Government had, however, carried on, and put through important legislation concerning Samoa and soldiers gratuities. He hoped the batter would be paid bofore Christmas. One of the most pressing needs was housing accommodation. In the cities the people were being turned ujion the street. - i They liad passed legislaion to prevent this and had provided £750,000 sterling for provision of homes, and also £250,000 for homes for civil service employees., and £250,000. for the railway employees. The people were also enabled to build their own homes at what was really 4) per cent interest and money wa s lent without security. He believed this would do a tremendous lot of good. The Premier then referred to there being a danger of tlie Parliamenary Labour Party holding the balance of power after the forthcoming elections. He believed they must do so if the Liberals obtained a majority. Therefore, he appealed to the electors to send his party back with a working majority. The. workers and wage earners were as much entitled to representation as any part of the community, but the Parliamentary Labour Party had alienated all sympathies by' a lack of • patriotism shown during the war period ITo would give a pledge that, rather than be dependent on tlie vote of the Parliamentary Labour Party, or one member thereof, he would walk off th o Government benches. If those men got /into power, ho said God help New' Zealand. Taxation would hate to be revised. He hoped to afford relief next session to married men with large families .who paid income tax. Mr Massey then spoke of the great value of phosphates to New Zealand, and detailed the history of the mandate of Nauru Island. It would provide ample phosphate for hundreds of years.

He" detailed the history of the mandates of the other Pacific Islands, and referred to fheir strategic importance. In regard to land settlement, legislation was passed in favouf of genuine settlers, that was to give them a freehold title to the second and third class lands at present unoccupied. He urged increased production to meet their enormous liabilities. Land aggregation must be stopped and immigration assisted. Labour was also required for public works. Soldiers settlement was proving successful, but they must expect some failures. lie believed the soldiers were satisfied with their treatment including the pensions and gratuities. The Government was doing all possible which wa s their duty. The meat trust constituted a great danger and must be kept out ot the Dominion.

Nationalisation was often being referred to. Nationalisation was justifiable to prevent profiteering and for encouraging industries, but must, not Come into competition with private enterprise, which was of benefit to th e country as well as to the individual. Tlie meeting concluded with a vote of thanks and confidence.