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TAURANGA BY-ELECTION.

MR MASSEY HEARTILY RE-

CEIVED.

Tauranga, 20th March,

Mr-Massey, to-day visited Tauriko, Otumoetai, and Upper Papamoa. This evening he addressed a crowded meeting in the school room at Greerton (generally known as Gate Pa), the county chairman (Mr H. Southey) presiding. He met with a hearty reception and gave a long address, mostly on the lines of his Tauranga speech. Last night what struck him most, he said, in connection with this byelection, was the unparalleled interest in it being taken by the electors. Things had gone wrong at the last General Election, ancf for this there were many reasons; but the principal one was the vote-splitting through which the Government lost live seats. This by-election might have far-reaching results. He did not. know what Sir Joseph’s position would be if elected, but he must go into opposition unless a Coalition or National Government could be arranged. If Sir Joseph were elected the Government majority would be reduced to one, which would make it quite impossible to carry on. He could not say what would be done; but felt it would be his duty to ask the Governor-General for a dissolution.

Personally he would welcome a dissolution; but he had to think of the cost to the country. The possibility of a General Election, however, had to be faced. The other alternative was that Mr Wilford, Sir Joseph Ward, and Mir Holland might come to some agreement; how could they carry on if the Government could not carry on? If the Government lost the by-election he saw no way out of the present position except by a General Election. There was some important business to be done, which could not possibly be got through even with a majority of three. Although he wished to avoid a General Election, it might prove to be the lesser evil. Referring to Sir Joseph Ward’s statement regarding conducting his campaign alone, Mr Massey said that he, himself had taken part in many by-elections as had every other Prime Minister. Sir Joseph Ward also had suggested that the date of the election had' been arranged to prevent him getting oyer the district. Nothing of the kind had been done, it being necessary to avoid the Easter holidays.

Mr Massey then outlined the difficulties that confronted the Government during the war and since, on the lines of Monday night’s speech here, dealing similarly with the financial-position. Regarding the operations of the Bank of New Zealand, he felt that the bank could use more capital, but the State should have a larger interest in it.

All things considered, the country was not in. such a bad way as had been represented. Dealing with workers’ homes, Mr Massey said that a bill was now being drafted enabling the Department to lend up to 95 per cent, of the cost of building, and 95 per cent, of the cost of land. He concluded with an expression of hope that the electors would return the Government candidate. A hearty vote of thanks and confidence was accorded him by acclama.tion.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MH19230322.2.15

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2558, 22 March 1923, Page 3

Word count
Tapeke kupu
511

TAURANGA BY-ELECTION. Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2558, 22 March 1923, Page 3

TAURANGA BY-ELECTION. Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2558, 22 March 1923, Page 3

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