POLITICAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 March 1930, Page 2

POLITICAL.

HON. DE LA PEtRRELLK. BLENHEIM, March 29. “It has been suggested that members of Cabinet have been unable to fulfil their obligations, said Hon. P. A. do la Perrelle at the civic reception last night.' “but ! want to say that I believe that every member of Cabinet is carrying out bis duties and doing it untrammelled. There is further complaint, this time from people who are asking about legislation for the coining session. They have expected us tp divulge our programme, but'l ask'’you. jh’as any party ever said to : the . people, wliat legislation it proposed'tp Tiri, fig down? 1 want to say it, will be (presented in :due course to niei|il)efs : ,Ayliefi'They#assemble in Parliament'. ! fqr, transaction •of business. Further moke, the legislation will be up-to-date and Ajnple in every particular for’ the ,ryelfare and advancement of this' Doinimoir.”. (Applause).

'•The Minister went on to make a brief, reference to land settlement and to illustrate what the Government bad done tot,provide, financial assistance for people on the land. He stated that during. the last 14 months, the State Advances Department had established a record of actually paying out the sum of £(',000,000 to settlers and workers.

“I want to toll you that he is steadily improving,” proceeded the Minister, amidst applause, in referring to the illness of Sir Joseph Ward. “I want to tell you that physically and mentally, with the exception of one of his legs, which is troubling him somewhat, that he is as good as e'er. (Hear, hear). As you know the Prime Minister lias been attacked by his opponents during his illness, but I consider it is unsportsmanlike, ungenerous and unkind for some of the papers, and some individuals, to have criticised so severely a sick man. (Hear, hear). We have never tried to take advantage of sick men. In the last session of Parliament, there were half a dozen memibers whom we hardly saw because of sickness, but we sympathised with them, and did not try to hurry them. However, I think the great bn 17c of the people of New Zealand do not associate themselves with these attacks, and sincerely hope and trust that Sir Joseph will be restored to health, and be able to resume his seat in the House.” (Applause). The Minister received ja number of deputations and leaves for Wellington to-morrow.