HON. E. A. RANSOM

Hokitika Guardian, 26 April 1929, Page 5

HON. E. A. RANSOM

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

DANNEVIRKE, April 26. Hon E; A. Ransom (Minister of Public Works) was the chief speaker at a dinner of Old Identities of the const district of Southern Hawke’s Bay, held at Dauncvirke and attended by many descendants of the original settlers. During his speech lie made the admission that lie was. so to speak, cramped in expression of his tlmugliLs

and now lie was a Minister. It was, lie said, far easier to criticise a Government when in opposition. As a Minister of the Crown it was liis duty to defend the Government. Shortly after his election to Cabinet rank lie had

made a public statement. He hud been giving his personal views rather than those of the Government, and was more or less taken to task by one ;of his former school mates, now a member of the Government who impressed upon him the necessity at all times of being loyal to his chief. We desire as a Government to ren-

ter the best possible service to the

country, without regard to party considerations, proceeded the Minister. It had been said that as Governmqnt had a slender hold upon the Treasury Benches, that it would legislate in such a direction so that we could hold down

ur jobs. I can assure you, that so

far as the present Cabinet is conceited. it will place the country absolutely above - pauty and legislate in the interests of the whole Dominion, anil

not for any particular section. It,is our intention to bring forward legislation that Will assist in the develop-

ment of the dominion to a maximum degree, and leave dt to the country ,to say whether, our action is right or

wrong,

During his tour through the country,' the Minister said lie had fouiuLa disposition among all sections that the Government -should he given an oppoiv tunitv to introduce its legislation and

have a fair spin: For sixteen years the Reform Government had been given an opportunity to bring its legislation into affect, and

the country was sporting enough to allow the Liberal Party to bring forward

its programme. No one need bemshanied of its work in the past. Throughout the country he found there is a feeling •>f confidence in the Liberal Party, and the Government of the day. '