A “REFORM” RALLY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 25, 30 September 1913, Page 5

A “REFORM” RALLY.

AT PALMERSTON NORTH. [Per Press (Association.] 1 Palmerston,North, September 29. The Opera House was crowded this evening on the occasion of the Reform rally. The Prime Minister, Mrs and Miss Massey, and seventeen M.P.’s, were present. The audience was large, and at times enthusiastic. Several members addressed the meeting. Mr F. M. B. Fisher contended that the country was never more prosperous than at the present time. Ho eulogised the Military Pensions Bill and hoped that the Government would make provision for those unfitted by natural disadvantages. The country I should be thankful for the Public Service Act, for which his party was responsible. He hoped when the session was over that the party would enter on a vigorous platform campaign throughout the Dominion. He would flike to meet the Opposition in a straight-out .fight. , The; Priimcj Master!-,;waS, warrnjy : iqheered. ; ■ He s'aicl that' the session ihad' been dmjaikyd by- a amount of delay and obstruction, but it did not affect him at all. The delay would not prevent his party giving effect to their policy. They were going to settle down- to four or five days, of Government business each week. The Land Bill had been approved of from one end of Now Zealand to the other, and it .would tend to provide seciirity aid land for the landless. If would promote land' settlement, and increase the number of producers. The country was never more prosperous than at present. A guarantee of tin Government would be placed behind Ideal bodies, and they would be able to borrow in the open market. Every pledge his party had made would be given effect to. It was also his desire to carry out reform of the Legislative Council. Defence was in a satisfactory position and working well. He would have an announcement to make later on with regard to naval defence. The Arbitration Bill was > good measure, and ah attempt was being made to promote industrial peace, which included a secret ballot. The subdivision of land was going o;i as quickly as possible. The exports had increased last year, and there was every prospect of a further substantial increase next year. A Bill was before the House to provide for the setting up of an Agricultural Board, and an agricultural college was in view. The system of workers’ homes would be applied to rural districts as well as •towns. He proposed to take direci taxation off the necessities of life, and put it on luxuries. The speeches were followed by a social and dance.