FAITH IN COATES

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 506, 8 November 1928, Page 6

FAITH IN COATES

CORDIALLY WELCOMED IN MANAWATU A KEEN CAMPAIGNER Press Association LEVIN, Wednesday. The Prime Minister addressed over 1,200 people at the De Luxe Theatre this evening. He spoke for two and a-half hours, and received a cordial reception, though he was subjected to j a running fire of interjections, off most j of which he scored in repartee. The i speech followed the general lines of his j policy speeches. Referring to criticism of the Mangahao hydro-electric scheme, he said that it was never intended to be a big producing station, but the key point in the general scheme with Arapuni and Waikaremoana in the North Island. He declared that if the standard rates for power at present being charged remained in 1940, the Dominion would have, after paying interest and sinking fund and annual revenue, seven or eight millions from the State hydroelectric enterprises, which would be sufficient to pay the total of liabilities in that respect to-day. Unemployment was attributed to economic, and not political, causes. The payment of standard wages for relief works would only attract men from private employment. SAMOAN POLICY He defended the Government’s actions in Samoa. The Samoans would have to realise that New Zealand was going to govern there. if there were rebels there, they would have to take the consequences. Unfortunately there were political leaders in New Zealand (one in particular) who were never happy unless they were mixed up in revolutions. New ZeaJand had dealt most justly and patiently with Samoa. LAND SCHEME The Government’s land, policy was elaborated under three heads: (1) Part-time farms for men in employment; (2) small farms of from 10 to 20 acres for country workers, who would thus be able to provide a home where they would remain in times of depression instead of drifting to the towns; (3) a group system enabling associations of men to take up land in blocks with financial assistance from the Government. At the conclusion of the meeting, a vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Coates. with an expression of “confidence in the present Government, of which ho is the distinguished head.” The motion was carried with acclamation and enthusiasm. CHILDREN'S WELCOME The Prime Minister and Mrs. Coates arrived at Foxton this afternoon. As the Ministerial car drew near, school children with streamers closed the road and stopped the car. Mr. and Mrs. Coates were cordially greeted by the children, who were lined up along the footpath. The Prime Minister briefly addressed the scholars, and was heartily cheered. He then went to the Town Hall, and was accorded a civic reception. Mrs. Coates was presented with a bouquet. The Prime Minister delivered a speech lasting an hour and a-half, and was accorded a splendid hearing. Referring to the trouble in the hemp industry, he said he had endeavoured fo effect a settlement between the parties on an equitable basis, and he hoped an agreement would be come to on lines similar to the agreement. He was accorded a vote of thanks, and renewed confidence was expressed In the Government. Amid cheers, he left for Shannon, where he briefly addressed a meeting at 5 o’clock, and then came to Levin.