A POLICY SPEECH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 42, 8 February 1908, Page 2

A POLICY SPEECH.

o THE 'PREMIER AT AUCKLAND. L'HE GOVERNMENTS INTENTIONS. ',, Per Press Association. \ Auckland, Last Night. The Priuft Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) iddrcssi'd a public meeting on polilie-il .uatters Lliis evening. Relerring to the work of lust session, he claimed that the J iovernuient did work which would stand lavorably in comparison with that of my oilier session. The legislation passed last session had provided the basis upon which a great superstruotion in the interests oi men, women, and children ] could be Uuill up. A great revolution ] Mull as was now being worked could not i in reason be exacted to develop to coin- i pletion in a year or two, bin he was persuaded, as ilie result of investigation, iluit we bad al least in this country got our great native problem on sound lines, and that a permanent and lasting good Lo both the European and native races would lie produced by the careful and vigorous carrying out of that policy. The position of the population question was not satisfactory. The increase from every source this year was 8000 less than the increase of last year. He whs strongly against bringing a large numller of immigrants from the Old Country, but we ought to continue our present system of assisting in a moderate way to bring suitable men and women to the Dominion. He proposed next (Session to ask Parliament to provide a system of superannuation of employees of municipalities, counties, and other local bodies, and also a system of purchase of annuities by the general public. As 'to the roading uf the backbloeks, he proposed, in addition- lo the setting | aside of a large sum for ordinary roading purposes, to provide a special sum of £200,000 a year for five years, and to have a map prepared in advance showing the roads for which.this money was lo lie spent yearly. With regard to Chinese, he did not think, in view of the legislation of last session, fliat any more would come, in vegetable, gardening the Chinese had practically excluded the Europeans. He suggested a State market garden in each of the four centres where the services, perhaps, of prisoners could be utilised. Last session he had promsied to look into the working of the old-age pensions system in the recess, and when Parliiment met again he would lay before it proposals which would improve the working of the system. Defining tne position of the Govern- . merit party, Sir Joseph Ward said its . policy was neither revolutionary soeial- ■ ism nor hidebound individualism. They > believed in the prudent use of the power i of the State to give equal opportunity , to all and make the people as a whole, • and not any class, healthier and happier. 1 This could not be done by visionary 1 methods or violent rapid changes, but t by courageous and careful extension of - State action along prudent and progressive lines.

A vote of thankg to Sir Joseph, Ward and unabated confidence in himself and the Government concluded the meeting.