THE REFORM PARTY.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 242, 21 June 1928, Page 5

THE REFORM PARTY.

ACTIVITIES AT MATAMATA. Formation of League. At a fairly well-attended meeting of supporters of the Reform Party on Friday afternoon in the Farmers’ Union Hall at Matamata it was unanimously decided to form a branch of the party in Matamata with the idea of furthering the interests of the movement. Mr. F. F. Hockly, M.P., and Mr. D. Hebenton, organiser, were present. Mr. H. Rollett was elected chairman. Apologies and letters of support were received from Messrs. Handcock (Okoroire), W. Main (Tirau), Anderson, A. Totman (Kereone), C. A. Stopford, J. W. Simpson, Wright, J. E. West (Taihoa) and Seton (Tirau). Mr. Hockly said he did not intend to deliver an address on politics but wished to briefly show the benefits to be gained by the formation of a Reform League in Matamata. Before the new boundaries came into force his constituency had come to within three miles of Matamata and he was greatly pleased that Matamata now came into the Rotorua electorate. If the party wished to have a successful election it must have a powerful organisation, said the speaker. In a large district it was impossible to successfully organise a campaign without help. It was necessary to have an outside organisation to aid the candidate. He had therefore called the meeting as a preliminary towards organisation. Continuing, the speaker said it was his earnest hope that a Reform League would be formed in Matamata. There were numerous advantages to be gained. In his opinion the coming election was going to be one of the most important yet held. It was agreed that New Zealand must continue to have a stable Government. The. pioneer politicians had set a high' standard, and laid foundations broad and deep, and new Governments had to live up to that standard. The present Government had not stood for any particular part of the Dominion. It realised that the interests of the Dominion lay in the interests of the primary producer. Mr. Hockly claimed that the Government had done as much as was possible for the Dominion, but it was being assailed from both sides—the farmers and the townspeople. He contended that the present Government was one of honest endeavour and had done its best for the Dominion. He considered that New Zealand was at present in a particularly strong position. They wanted to progress, but without having a boom, a flutter, a sudden leap forward and then a sudden throw-back. The Government would not take a step forward without being certain that it:was putting its feet down on hard ground. In his opinion if the country was to progress .the Reform Government must go back. ~

Mr. Hebenton briefly outlined the work and advantages of a Reform League.

Mr. Rollett said the Matamata branch of the Farmers’ Union was absolutely opposed to the Country Party. He considered the forming of a Reform League essential. Mr. W. O. Garland said he always supported the Reform Party berahss it was the only party that supported his views.

Mr. J. Price formally moved that they should form a district branch of the Reform League. He considered that by doing so they would help to strengthen the Reform organisation throughout the Dominion. Mr. A. Bowler seconded the motion. He considered that with the formation of a league one would have somewhere to go for information. At present Ministers visited the district and few knew of the visits. In the future the member for the district could advise the league of a projected visit and arrangements could be made to meet the Minister.

The motion was carried unanimously. It was decided to elect Mr. J. Price chairman, Mr. T. J. Underwood secretary and all others present a committee pro tem. Votes of thanks to the chairman and Messrs. Hockly and Hebenton terminated the meeting.