THE OPPOSITION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 36, 25 January 1912, Page 5

THE OPPOSITION.

BIG DEMONSTRATION BY THE PARTY IN AUCKLAND.

SIXTEEN MEMBERS SPEAK

(Per Press Association.)

Auckland, January 24

A huge demonstration was held by the Reform Party in the Town Hall to-night. The attendance was over 3000, the accommodation of the hall being fully taxed. Mr Lemuel G. Bagnall occupied the chair. A long programme of speeches wps delivered by members of the Reform Party, of whom eighteen were present.

The audience gave tho speakers a very hearty reception, Mr Massey being the subject of a remarkable display of enthusiasm. When Mr Massey rose to speak, ho was received with a great demonstration, tho audience cheering and singing “For 1 he’s a jolly good fellow.” He expressed thanks for the. support given the Reform Party at the general elections. The old standing reproach to the party that it was unable to secure support in the greatest contre of the district to which he belonged was now removed. Auckland would never regret this, and what Auckland said to-day the rest of New Zealand would say to-morrow, Wellington had already stated its disapproval of the administration, and demanded a Government more energetic and enthusiastic to do right. He was delighted at the opportunity to introduce members of the Reform Party, and letting people meet face to face representatives of the party which was in a majority in Parliament at the present time and which possessed tho confidence of the majority in the country and from which the people expected an up to date policy and economical and effective administration. ’ ’ :,i ■The people, continued Mr Massey, would not regret having placed their confidence in the party. He referred to the staunchness and incorruptibility of members ,of his party, : who hlid grown old in their service, and :ex,|;ended a compliment to the now jqpmbers of his party. ■■

The people said Mr Massey, . ivojp looking forward with gfeht to the session next month'.v. first time fbr 21 years thoy were .gQm| to have a change of government ,w|ij6Jif they had demanded. Ho ajjd party wore proud at spcurihg fidence and affection o£ the bfi}k ?f the people in New Zealqnt}.';! responsibilities would - he heavy, hpt they never shirked responsibilities, and would do their duty* as; sincerely 'bn the Ti’easury benches as on the Opposition benches, their first though',: lining the welfare of the country, in either needed many feroras such as his party had advocated in the past. They wanted unoccupied lands opened up 'ior every energetic settler who desired to go upon it. The finances must be placed upon a sound and proper footing, so that everyone .could see whether the money was spent properly or the reverse. The party hoped to be able to promote an economical and efficient administration. The State must be prepared to pay for brains and ability, but they wanted to keep at a distance everything like ‘graft or political patronage.” Legislators should be the direct representatives; of the, people themselves. They wanted also to see the country do its duty as not the least of the nations which make up the great Empie. Altogether, sixteen members addressed, the meeting. At . its conclusion a vote of thanks and confidence in the Reform Party was carried by an overwhelming majority. ■ Masterton, January 24.

Interviewed by a representative of the Wairarapa Age this evening, Mr W. A. Veitch, M.P. for Wanganui, said he was not aware that a movement was afoot in Wanganui to form a separate Labour Party. He admitted, however, that there was a strong feeling against the criticism of Robertson, Payne and himself by the Labour paper in Wellington. Mr D. McLaren, who was also interviewed, stated that the Labour paper in Wellington did not represent the views of the Labour Party.