Mr. Massey at Woodville

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 24 July 1912, Page 3

Mr. Massey at Woodville

The Prime Minister, Mr Massey, in a speech, at a social given at Woodville to Mr J. H, Escott M. P. for Pahiatua, said he would not divulge their policy yet, which would be ready in about three weeks. They intended making a specialty of land settlement, as they could serve the country best by increasing the number of producers. They hoped to give every man who desired it an opportunity of going on the land, and to increase the production a? far as it was possible to do it. They wished to give security of tenure ; to improve the valuation system by exempting improvements ; to introduce a bettei sj'stem of roading; and to improve agricultural education, in which New Zealand was behind. The colony being so far frorp its market, it was necessary for farmers to get the best possible education. If they were able to do these things they would feel they had done well for the people. He denied that Sir John Hill, Sir Harry Atkinson, or the Hon . C. Rowen were Tories, and gave illustrations of their being great Liberals. They could not make people rich or prosperous without work, but they hoped to give equal opportunities to all and make the chances for life better.

At the termination of his speech the Prime Minister, on behalf of the electors of the district, presented Mr. Escott with a gold watch and chain.