MR VEITCH IN AUCKLAND

Hokitika Guardian, 8 September 1927, Page 4

MR VEITCH IN AUCKLAND

government* criticised. “Our prospects are good very good,” said Mr W. A. Vcitch, leader of tho Liberal party, who arrived in Auckland on Saturday morning. Mr Vcitch told a newspaper representative that no selection had been made of a Liberal candidate for the Raglan by-ei'eetion. Several desirable candidates were offering, and a selection would he made consistent with fairness to all the aspirants. “They have discussed the things that matter, and done the things that don’t matter,” said Mr Vcitch. in referring to the work of the present Parliamentary session. “The Government seems to have feared the responsibility of dealing with the urgent problems of the day.” he added. “Tho question of excess of expenditure must he faced, for New Zealand cannot find money to continue expenditure at the present rate, conditions in the Railway Department are still unsatisfactory, inasmuch as there have been enormous increases in the railway charges, and it is preventing the Department from successfully competing with the opposition of the motor.

“The alf-importani problem of farmers’ finance is still unsolved, although it is capable of solution if a proper and courageous course is taken. An agricultural bank would be a solution of the problem, but apparently there arc influences controlling the Government from outside, and so the farmer of New Zealand will' continue to he committed to heavy, loaded usury until a Liberal Government is returned to jiower at the next election.”

Mr Vcitch said that the administration of Samoa had come as a shock to the people of New Zealand, who had a profound respect for native people. Anyone with a knowledge of the Polynesian mind knew that with a little common sense and forbearance peace and confidence eouVd be restored in Samoa, said Mr Vcitch. “COLLAPSE OF POLICY.”

•'Perhaps the most spectacular feature of the Reform policy has been tho coi'iapse of their agrarian policy,” said Mr Vcitch. “One can recall the fine speeches by Reform supporters when they started out with their land settlement schemes. We were told that an independent yeomanry would bo firmly established on the land and that the day of tho big rancher had gone. To-day we find land aggregation everywhere, bankruptcies among farmers that would soften the heart of a sphinx and a complete collapse of the economic situation as far as the farmers are concerned.” “COATES AND CONFIDENCE.” “What part are you taking in connection with tlie New Zealand United Political' Party?” Mr Vcitch was ask-

“I know nothing of it,” replied the Liberal leader. “I have no communication from the organisation, and I am not aware of its existence, except that statements of its principles were published. “ Tlie time has come for all Liberal forces to unite,” said Mr Vcitch in conclusion. ‘The last election was fought ou ‘ Coates and Confidence.’ Confidence lias gone, and Coates will follow very soon.”