THE PREMIER AT AUCKLAND.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9069, 8 February 1908, Page 5

THE PREMIER AT AUCKLAND.

Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. Speaking at Auckland to-night Sir Joseph Ward said the population question was not satisfactory, as the increase from every source this year was 8000 less that the increase last year. He was strongly against bringing a large number of immigrants from the Old Country, but we ought to coqiiinue the present system of assisting in a moderate way to bring suitable men and women. He proposed next session to ask Parliament to provide for a system of superannuation of employees of municipalities, counties and other local bodies, and also a system of puchase of annuities by the general public. As to; the reading of the backblocks he proposed in addition to setting aside of large sums for ordinary reading purposes to provide a special sum of two hundredi]thousand pounds a year, for five years. To meet Chinese gardeners’ competition he suggested a State market in each of the four centres, and perhaps the utilisation of prisoners. He said the Government’s policy was •neither revolutionary socialism nor hidebound individualism. There would be a courageous and careful extension of state action along prudent and progressive lines. A vote of unabated confidence in the Premier and Government was passed.