PRIME MINISTER AT PUKEKOHE.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 291, 10 July 1917, Page 2

PRIME MINISTER AT PUKEKOHE.

WELCOME FROM CONSTITUENTS Yesterday's Proceedings The gathering, organised by the Franklin County Council on behalf of the people of Franklin, to the Prime Minister (the Rt Hon. W. F. Massey M.P.) as a welcome to him on his return from England to New Zealand duly eventuated yesterday. Mr Massey was accompanied by Sir James Allen M.P. (Minister for Defence), Messrs R. F. Bollard and J. A. Young M.P's. and Col. G. W. S. Patterson (Officer Commanding the Auckland District). Mr Massey was met at the station at 2.15 p.rn by Mr J. Flanagan (ckairman) and other members of the County Council and by the Mayor of Pukekohe (Mr H. G. R. Mason) and Cr Barter and he was first entertained at afternoon tea at the Carnival Tea Rooms

The next portion of the proceedings took the form of an open-air meeting held outside the Post Office. A crowd numbering several hundred was present and the children of the Pukekohe Public School acted as a guard of honour Sunshine fortunately prevailed till the close of the speeches but as the company was dispersing heavy rain set in.

From the Post Office the Prime Minister proceeded to the County Council Chambers, whore various deputations were received, and a banquet, held in the Premier Hall, followed at 6 p.m., Mr Massey and his party leaving for Wellington by the Main Trunk express at 9.4-5 p m. The Open-air Meeting For the afternoon assembly outside the Post Office a motor-car, lent by Mr Ivan Motion, was requisitioned as a platform and Mr Massey's and Sir James Allen's appearance therein was greeted with an outburst of cheering again and again renewed. Cr Flanagan expressed the pleasure it gave him, in the name of the people of Franklin, to welcome Mr Massey and the Minister for Defence. Mr Massey, he said, had, with Sir Joieph Ward, been away on a most important mission from the Dominion and all would agree that he had carried out his duty in a most satisfactory manner, They were glad to also have with them that day Sir James Allen, who had so ably acted as Prime Minister during Mr Massey's absence. On behalf of the district and the Fraukliu Electorate he heartily welcomed Mr Massey (cheers) The Mayor of Pukekohe, in supporting the welcome, said that the visit which Mr Massey had paid to the Homeland was impoitant in that it served to consolidate the Empire

and at the same time preserved local independence. They all felt proud of their member and were delighted to see his smiling face once again (applause). Mr Massoy, on rising to speak, expressed his thanks for the welcome extended to him by the Mayor and County Chairman. He reminded his hearers that on the last occasion he was amongst them he little thought that he would have t" travel to the other side of the world as he had done. Whilst he had see a many attractive scenes in other countries he could assure them there was no place like home. (Heir, hear). Continuing, Mr Massey said the important duties which devolved upon him whilst he was away could hardly be realis°d but as tini i wont oh they would learn some'hing of the importance which New Zealand shared in the affairs of the British Kmpire. Alluding to tne part which New Zealand had played in the contribation of her best men in the causvf the Empire and the war in which they were now engaged, the Prime Minister paid a high tribute to the native races, especially to India who had given so many of her sons on behalf of the Empire. Prior to the war, Mr Massey wonton to state, New Zealand had no voice in the Empire's foreign policy but he was pleased to say that lie as representing New Z'aland had had the honour of sitting on the Imperial Cabinet and it was i:o temporary position but one for which New Zealand Government and every other

part of the Dominion would bo asked to send their representative. He had sat side by side with the Imperial statesmen and in every way lie was treated with the greatest respect as the representative of New Zealand. In passing Mr Massey nmi'ionvl that it whi d b> live y<rs torn irrow since ho took up the position of Prime Minister but the position which lie occupied made no difference to bis f. cling towards tli.in. He felt, however, that tlnso live \ears had hoen strenuous year, as grra'i r nnd neon imp r ant events had occurred during that time than had taken place in any proI vious period of o ir lii-t >ry. A voice: You look pre'.tv well on it any ho .v. Mr Mass-y (smiling': " Yes, 1 am improving all the time " Proceeding, "tr Missoy said tin: New Z "aland and New Zoil md is wen not "n'y b ■tter ku >wn ami more highly respected than b d ue ihe war but the lighting capacity of her s I'diers had earned for tli inselves not only a n line but a reput ition and ho could assure them that thi«y received a In no everywhere a verv heartv welcome He was glad to know that with the sacrifices 'they had made after n >arly three years of u that tlier l w tiohangiti: back. Mr Massey paid a glowing tribute to the women who, in giving their sons, had so helped by their work a', home to do so much for the Dominion and tlm Kmpire. Preceding, | Mr Massey lvleiivd m flowing ■■

terms to tlio.se of tlie'r soldiers who had only in the war proceeded to Samoa to take possession of 'lie German territory tliero. War broke on' on the 5 4 h August, UU4, ret on the

15th August, 10 days later, two ships sailed from Wellington with '2OOO men. At that time, the speaker said, there wore very serious developments and the risk involved on their part was very great. In justice to those who left on that expedition he pointed out that the dangers and risk were even greater than for many who had taken part at the Front.

Since then New Zealand had been sending Reinforcements to the seat of the war and to-day, said he, they were not a single man behind. There had been 7-5.000 men sent and there were still ten thousand more men in

camp. As to the war itself Mr Massey said he could not tell them how long the war would go on. A leading soldier of the Empire speaking to him acknowledged that there was no better soldier fighting for Britain than the man .vho went from the little country of their own. New Zealand had fought in Egypt and then at Gallipoli. The Premier, speaking feelingly, said that the reading of the record of Gallipoli made very sorry reading but the gallant work of the 29th Division could not but be too highly praised. An officer before leaving England assured him of the splendid service rendered by their gallant men and he (Mr Massey) was glad to tell them of the glorious part the New Zealand soldiers had played. Of course there were many sad hearts for there was scarcely a man or woman who had not some relative or friend who had not made the supreme sacrifice. What the lads had done would never be forgotten. (Applause). Referring to the fighting forces of the Empire Mr Massey paid a glowing tribute to the magnificent army now in the field for after three years of war they had no less than five million men ready to fight or fighting for their country. The speaker, in briefly alluding to his visit to France whore lie saw many ot our soldiers, paid also a high tribute Sir Douglas Haig and also to Sir David Beatty whom he saw on board one of their great battle cruisers and both those men much impressed them. The women of Britain numbering over one million, the great majority of whom were working in munition works at Rome, Mr Massey said, were doing a noble work. Many, too, were engaged on motor vehiclos, in hotels, and in capacities formerly occupied by men. In this way they were doing a great service and were just as enthusiastic as the men were in winning the war and preventing the starving out of England. Enormous sums were raised by committees in various parts of the Old Country in conntction with the War Loan and the women had a noble share in raising by their own efforts a large part of the money contributed for carrying on the war against the barbarjus Germans. The speaker then referred to the terrible practices adopted by the Germans and to the driving of the French women and children at the point of the bayonet. Such acts were not war, said Mr Massey, speaking with force and passion, but murder and murder ought to be punished. Such acts would not be overlooked and whoever was responsible would be compelled to take the c sequences of their actions (hear, hear). With regard to th« Mi'itary Ber- . Ice Act, Mr Massey expressed the opinion that New Zeal iud had done the right thing in putting the same on the Statute Book and that was confirmed by the fact that Canada had also adopted compulsory service. As to Australia he acknowledge! that her soldiers hid done well though he would have liked it bettor if she had adopted compulsory liw. While much effective service had been rendeied by the Dominion he trusted there would be no hanging back and th it they would all go forward until the stand ird of Britain and her Allies was placed in such a position as to secure victory that peace -a permanent peace, without which a peace would not b«) worth having would bo established But, said Mr Massey, there must be no slnrkiug and they would have t > go on whatever the sacrifices had t > be made. Peace wo ild only be woith having that was permanent and it must beau enduring peace (renewed cheering ) Mr Flanagan, in welcoming Sir James Allen, said that they had regarded him in his official capacity as a wizard with finance and did not know that he possessed such qualities as had enabled him to sj ablv carry out the duties of Acting PiiinMinister. Mr Flanagau alluled to the Military Servi;e Act with which Sir James Allen's name hid been associate.l and to the administration nF the liw so ably cirried out by Sir Janes. lie we'.C'Oii'd hiin there that day most h*arti'y. Sir James Allen, who on rising was greeted with much cliHiri'ig, flunked them all for their kind ex picssions towards hiui and for their welcom After alluding to the in my personal qualities of th* Prime Minister a.id of hit tenacity of purpose, he said they could hardly realise what Empire meant for New Zealand wai now not a chi 1 of the Motherland but a partner in the Empiro an! had a voice which she never hid before That was largely the result of tho important work doao by their Prime Miniate.' and Sir Joseph Ward which later on they would m ire fullv realise. lie paid a tribute to tho noble wor.i don j by soldiers and urged th it there would be no hanging bick and tint the people would continue to bj as loyal as they hid ben in til* p i-t The administration of th • Militrv Service Act, said Sir Jam--, had been male eisior bjcaust of th 3 loyalty with which it had been re-cr-ivei by the people of the Dominion Befoie departing Mr Massey ex ( piessed tho pleasure of seeing the ; bov. and girl* present with their teacli-rs and hoped the day would uevi ici in v\ h*ii the 1 }' would have to play their part in the Empire but if j it ever came he felt sure they would equip themselves as well as the I soldiers of to day had done

Deputations. A deputation from the Glenbrook Farmers' Union waited on Premier and asked if the rails on Ma".ku-Glenbrook line could be laid so that the work could be proceeded with. The deputation consisted of Messrs C. Hodgkinson (President), I. Wjnier, E. Dromgool, D. T. Reid and J. M. Whithain. Mr Hodgkinson in mentioning that rails were necessary at the present juncture was informed by the Prime . Minister that the difficulty experienced was to obtain rails. He, however, promised that he would consider their request. A deputation representing the six o'clock hotel closing movement waited upon the Prime Minister and a petition (bearing 2123 names) was presented by the Mayor (Mr H. G. B: Mason). Among those forming the deputation included: Messrs Jos Flanagan, EL. (i R- Mason, J. E. Taylor, Rev J. F. Martin, Rev S Nixon, S.A, Capt Elford, Rev Slade, Rev Potter, Messrs J. D. Chalmers, H. E. R. L. Wily, J. Pilkington, J. H. Blackwood, Geo Bycroft, S. Atkinson, E. Btevenson, W. Scott, Hodge, E. Allan, P. Allison, and James Finlay.

\ Mr Mason asked that Mr Massey, as their member would support the petition as in his opinion it indicated a decided feeling throughout the electorate in favour of six o'clock closing. Mr J. E. Taylor asked that Mr Massey should give a definite statement—would he support the six o'clock closing ? The speaker then referred to the unsatisfactory result of petitions presented to Parliament during the last two sessions. Mr Massey, replying, sai l there was no strong feeling in 1915 in favour of early closing. Mr Taylor: That did not touch upon six o'clock closing. Mr Massey : No, but the question of prohibition or continuance was involved and the peoplp decided in favour of the latter. Parliament, by a majority, had decided against a reduction of hours but the anti shouting law was brought into operation and it had not been a failure in the cities whatever it was in the country. The Government would bring down a Bill early in the session dealing with the question referred to. With regard to the question put to him, he must remind them that he was not only member for Franklin but also Prime Minister and could not commit the Government in any way. He promised that they would get a Bill but at what hours hotels should be close 1 he could not say. Mr Taylor piessed for six o'clock. Mr Massey : Now you are asking for details The Bill will deal with hours but he would not say what other matters would be dealt with ii the Bill. He would not commit the Government for he had adopted that constitutional method evei since he became Prime Minister and he was going to stick to it. Mr Taylor then remarked that they were liable to have a very inadequate compromise served up t) them in the Bill.

Mr E Allan objected to the last remark and added he bad known their member for a very long time and he felt sure they could tiust him. (Hear. hear). A deputition of la lies *lsi wiitel upon the Prime Ministe- urging that the Government should appoint Women Police. Mrs Martin was the speaker and said she repiesented the W.C.T.U, Salvation Army and other women's organisa tions. and expressed their unite! opinion that in the interest of women it was desirable that women police should be appointed. Mr Massey, in reply, said that tin question raised had not been lost sight of by the Government and promised to bring the matter before the proper authorities and assured them that any good object for the welfare of all concempd wou'd alwavs have his sympathy.

Evening Meeting Tastefully decorated the Premipr Hull presea'o l an animated apne trance last evening, for bo-ides a full display of flajs wlrc'i gavu ti tli* Hall a cheerf.il an 1 loval Appearance the word •• Welc »ne " pr imitpntlv displayel at the the top >f ihe Hall give an unqu stione 1 w"l«- >me to the Prime Minister and >r for Frauklin. Presided nvor by Mr J. Flanagan, th >s» supporting him beside* the guest of the p/pning, the Rt Hon W. F Mas-ey, M P, were Sir James Allan. Onl. (J W S Patterson. Oapt Ct>lbci-lc. Messrs K. F. Bollard. M P.. J A. Younir, M P., II G. R Mason (Mayor of P.ikekohel, F V Fra/. -r, S M. Crs Motion, K. Lyons, Wilcox, Woods, Henry and Liekwool

A first el is* repist. of which Mr John Sinciair was the caterar, was p irtaken of After th-» enthusiastic gathering sinjxinij National Anthem a ijv irtot, "0 Peaceful Night," was effectively rendered by the Lyric Four, Auckland. Following th : s fr Ilenrv propised l 'Th n Armv an 1 Navy,'' anl in d 'in£ so ref'rrel to the finings of our soldiers win w>re at the commencement nf the war, were referred to as "T!ie Con emptil.lo Little Army " That terra was given on account of the peaceful na'ure of tho British who believed in following their usual trades and calling and who had ideals of justice and fair dealing. Speaking of th* Navy, Cr Henry referred with pride to the magnificent work done silently and effectively and | the pait she had nohlv this great War. lie couple! the toast the name of Col. Patters^^^r Col. Patterson, in responding® behalf of the " Army and ventured to think that the Navv was amply justified in the confidence placed in it. With regard to the Army when it is remembered that upwards of five million men—and these highly trained ready to i take the field—that was an achievement worthy of the great nation to which thej belonged. ■

"The Parliament of New Zea

land " was a toast proposed by Or T. J. Lockwood and in doihg so he to the excellent members tyho were occupying responsible at the head of the various f Government departments paying a special tribute to the Premifr and also to Sir James Allen and the Hen

W. F. Fraser (Minister for Public Works) whose familiarity with the country district needs was aptly alluded to by the speaker. As a back-blocker representing the Huvua district he had found that it was only by pulling together that country districts could hope to suct'd and it was as the result of unity that the Govfrnment had accomplished so much fie coupled with the toast the name of Sii James Allen. Sir James Allen, who rose amid cheers, in responding, said they must all feel pioud that their Parl;ament was based on true dem'cr.it ; c principles which should be a sou ice of comfort to theoi all, for as a National Government stood by one another so it behoved County and other local authorities to continue that loyalty which was a tower of strength at all time*. Peferringtothe need for the best men that could be (•pared Sir James said that in the future New Zealand would show a prospect and development more than some of them could dream of to-day and the Dominion with all its prosperity would even be more so in the days to come. He thanked them one and all for the reception given him which was a response on their part and a recognition of what he in his duty had done. (Applau c e). Cr Flanagan in proposing the toast " Our Guest" paid a high tribute to the personal regard which they felt at the pleasure of having their member with them that evening and recalled the fact that it was not only as Prime Minister that they were pleased to see him but also for the magnificent seivice which he rend>r d in connection with the many problems which he had had to face and which would arise in the future. They all regarded it as an honour not only to Franklin but alto to the Dominion that Mr Massey had sat on equal terms with the British Cabinet when gathered together to discuss oversea questions and matters relating to the war. He could assure Mr that he had their greatest confidence and that they were all pleased to have him there and to address them

Mr Massey, in rising to respond, said he regarded it as (ne of the greatest pleasures to meet his old friends on bis return to the Dominion. Continuing, he said that on matters directly concerned with produce as be knew that they were most anxious to hear from bim At present there was about a quarter of a million boxes of butter in cold store in the Tominion. The Government during the past few weeks had been in communication with the shipping authorities and that day he had received a communication from the Imperial Supplies Department, Wellington, stating th»t tpace had been secured for 50,000 boxes of butter in >hips for July and August and a portion of tbi* would relieve the congestion in Auckland. Butter, he paid, had had not been allowed to be shippsd as p iority cargo but as the result of a conference wi h the Sbipfiiig Committee he had acc pt«d the responsibility of placing fifty or sixry thousand b xes of butter on board t» relieve su-h conges'i >n. ; Applause) He h d also received a c uiiaiunirat ou fioui the I'rifish Board of Irade an h risi'g him t" enter into negotiations for the purchase of next season's output of cheeee. He desired to obtain a fair price for the producers in view oi the increased cost of production but it would be unwise to s°rew the last shilling out of the Imperial Authorities.

Referring to the shipping: position he was pleased to say that altogether sixteen ships would load between now and September and h-* regarded this as satisfactory. If what was promi-ed as to shipping the position for next season would be saHsfartorily met. The ships would not ba able to take the wh le pro luce hut a clearance could lie made without much difficulty. The Imperial Authorities had presumably been able to build up a sufficiently safe reserve of mrat from other quarters to allow them to send more vessels to New Zetland. As to cheese he felt he could promife to secure a fair price Meat, he said, had been arranged for. Britain, he felt sure, would need wool and hides and the chief products of the Dominion. The outlook for the future was promising as the demand would be exceedingly great long after the war was finished. When the soldiers returned he hoped the producers would be encouraged to produce still more. Unless this was done they would have to face a time of great depression as they were going to have an enormous debt to repay. Alluding to preferential tariff

MrMassey said the Dominion had for some years given preference to Britain, but she'had not given reciprocal preference. Witn that he had no fault to find as she had taken all produce that New Zealand could send free. She had, however, done the same thing for Germany and other foreign countries, but that would not be done any more. Britain could not allow the goods from every country to come in on the same terms as goods from the Overseas Dominions (hear, hear). Already there was a tremendous change coming over England for when speaking at Manchester (the,home of Cobdenism) and also at Liverpool this changed yiew for a new policy had already gained a great hold (applause).

Mr Massey then alluded to T*l iie possible changes which might arise as the result of the and he expected that by co-operation of all countries of the Empire an improvement would be effected in shipping. In connection with the great trade routes the Government would probably subsidise suitable ships with low freight for the advantage and benefit of the producer at the one

end and the consumer at the other end. That was part of the present policy of the British Government for they must make the most of the great ocean highway. There would be a need to distinguish between port dues between British and foreign vessels and they must not torgetwhat they owed to the Allies. (Loud cheers). The address was listened to with the greatest attentioa throughout, the speech being punctuated with applause as Mr Massey explained what he hat d>re in the interests or New Zealand to solve some of the difficulties which he had to face.