POLITICAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 63, 10 November 1914, Page 6

POLITICAL.

HON. W. MASSEY SPEAKS.

Papakura, November 9. The Prime Minister opened the political campaign here this" evening when lie addressed a large and representative meeting in the Papakura Town Hall. Seating accommodation was overtaxed, and many of those

present bad to be content with standing room, many more also standing outside the door. Mr Massey received a very enthusiastic reception, and leaving and entering the hall be was received with loud and continued applause, and as he rose to speak, he was greeted with' cheers and renewed applause. Mr Massey said it was now eighteen years since he was first elected member for Franklin, and he hoped to have, the honor of representing it for another 18 years. (Hear, hear). He was not there that evening for the purpose of making what might be called a fighting speech. He might have occasion later on in the campaign to take the gloves off, and when the occasion arose to take them off, he would not hesitate to do so. He intended on the first occasion to give them *some information as to the work that had been carried put by the present Government. During the past 2} years, said Mr Massey, no Government that had ever held office in New Zealand had had so many difficulties to contend with as the present Government had had. (Hear, hear). He was not complaining of this, as these difficulties, like all others, had a knack of disappearing when they were firmly grappled with. This was the experience of the Government in handling, the many difficulties that had confronted them. The first difficulty that the Government had to face was the unsatisfactory condition of the country's finance when it came into office. The outlook was bad, and money was scarce and dear. This was not the only trouble at that time, as there were industrial troubles to face. When the Governmen assumed control of the Dominion affairs, the Waihi and Reefton strikes were in progress. The Reefton strike was soon settled, but that at Waihi lasted for a long time. However, they got over that. <

Their next trouble was the so-called smallpox epidemic among the Maoris last year. He did not know whether it was smallpox or not, but the effect that it had upon the finances and. trade.' of the country was scarcely creditable. No one could . ever tell to what extent'the revenue of the 'railways find other departments was really affected by the epidemic. ! The outbreak also had an aftermath on the settlement of native land transactions. However, in course of time they got rid of the epidemic, but no sooner were they free of that than they were confronted with the big strike of 1913.

soon as the Dominion was getting over the effects of the strike, the European war came upon them like a thunderclap. The population at' first was almost stunned by the outbreak of the great conflict', but it had got over the effect of the shock, and the business of the country was now being carried on as usual. Referring to New Zealand's sha're in the war, Mr Massey said New Zealand' soldiers had been the first to occupy the *enemy' s ; territory. (Applause). The taking of Samoa had been a bloodless victory, but it had not beentaken without a great deal of risk and damage. After the first expeditionary force had gone to Samoa, the Government commenced to organise the big expeditionary force. Few peo-v pie realised the enormous amount of work involved in this , organisation. However, it had been accomplished, and it was an open secret now that New Zealand's second expeditionary force of 9000 troops was now on its way way to fight for the flag and for the Empire, and he was satisfied the men would give a good account of themselves when they reached the scene of operations. (Cheers). In fighting for the Empire they were fighting for themselves, because prior to the declaration of war, it had been stated by Germau officers that in the event of hostilities Germany would take possession of New Zealand and Australia, which, would become German colonies. (A voice: Rot!).

Mr Massey: I think so, too. The British navy and army would have a good deal to say before that happened.

Proceeding, the Prime Minister said that at the outbreak" of the war business bad been paralysed, but now it was back to normal. There was at first a great cry of unemployment, but now .that had almost come to an end. There was very little unemployed now. (Applause). So far as the Government was concerned, he hoped and believed they would be able to keep public works going. They had more men on now than for years past, and he believed they would be able to keep this up. In that respect New Zealand was. much' better off than the other Dominions. In New South Wales according to official returns there were thousands of men on public works only working three days a week, and he sincerely hoped and believed that nothing like that would take place in this country- (Applause). Loan money was much more difficult to obtain than before the war, but later he was hopeful of being able to obtain enough for requirements and to go on quietly.

The outlook for our primary products had never been better than at present, and there was a tremendous demand for New Zealand meat, and for wool and every other product; which this country had been in the habit of sending away, but there had been difficulties in connection with kauri

| gum and flax industries. The former had,' however, to a certain extent revived, though the price was not yet what it was before the war. The Government had arranged in I case of gum being unsaleable and of | gum-diggers wishing to go on digging the gum to- advance a portion of the value at which it stood prior to the war. (Applause). As a result, there was no chance now of gumdiggers swelling the ranks of the unemployed. He would like to do the same for the flax industry, but it was much more difficult to handle and to manage. The Premier, who spoke for an hour and three-quarters dealt with many other matters. ,