THE PUBLIC MEETING

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 5 June 1914, Page 4

THE PUBLIC MEETING

The Star Theatre was crowded last night by an enthusiastic audience, to hear the Leader of the Opposition speak.

Mr J. McLeod (chairman of the Town Board) occupied the chair, and in a few complimenta.iy remarks, introduced the speaker. Mr R. Hoe, the Liberal candi-

date for the district, and others were also on the platform.

On rising, Sir Joseph was greeted with applause. He referred to the great achievements Of the Liberal party since coming into power in 1891. They had broken up large estates, and one that comprised a whole county, with only a very few employees to look after it, was now cut up and had hundreds of families settled upon it. The Liberal party had been christened the "Seven Devils of Socialism," because they had acquired large estates to enable the people to be placed on the land. The Liberal party had been responsible for placing 130,000 persons on the land.

The speaker referred to the up-to-date legislation of the country. It was leading the world in this respect. Countries in the Old World, were only now adopting some 'of our measures.

With regard to the Dreadnought gift, Sir Joseph explained' that the expense had been provided for in three ways— A tax on bank notes; on death dues; and on "the totalisator. These have been made to meet the cost.

He reminded his audience that he had not been beaten at the polls, nor in the House. He had declined to go as leader of the party because he had recognised the responsibility devolving , upon him, and he was not inclined to go in an unsatisfactory way, and be at the beck and call of one or two members.

Sir Joseph spoke for two hours and ahalf, and was repeatedly applauded throughout the evening, and when he resumed his seat, received an ovation, with continued cheering. On the motion of Mr Donovan, a vote of thanks and confidence was accorded to Sir Joseph Ward and the Liberal party. The motion was carried with enthusiasm.

Mr R. Hoe also spoke in a vigorous manner, on the good work performed by the Liberal party, and called for three cheers for Sir Joseph and Lady Ward which were heartily responded to.

A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated a most orderly and successful

meeting,