MR. MASSEY ENTERTAINED.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 49, 17 February 1908, Page 2

MR. MASSEY ENTERTAINED.

\ Per I'ress Association. Auckland, Last Night. There was a gathering of over four thousand people at the Helvetia ostrich farm on Saturday on the occasion of the garden party tendered to Mr. W. F. Massey, M.P., leader of the Opposition. A presentation was made by his constituents, of a silver salver, rose bowl, and tea and coll'ee service. Mr. Massev is taking an opportunity later of replying to Sir Joseph Ward, so confined' his address to what lie called the very real danger before the country in the struggle between socialists and antisocialists. Mr. Lang, M.P,, said the Government policy was one of compromise, and he referred to tlie land legislation and the Gaming Bill. Mr. Mander, M.P., and Mr. Bollard, M.P., spoke mainly regarding socialism, and Mr. Monk, ex-member for Waitemata, dwelt at leugth on freehold versus leasehold. Other speakers were Mr. A. E. Harding, who m to lie the Opposition candidate for Kaipara, and Captain Bell, Opposition candidate for Waikato.

FIRES. Per Pre S3 Association. .Nelson, Last Night. About ll.JiO o'eiock this morning a five was discovered in Dodson and Sim's malthouse, in which was stored a very large (inaiiiity of barley. Although the brigade was early on the scene, the building was gutted before tlie flames could be suppressed. The building and contents were insured in Iho Standard ofiicc, but the. amounts are nor. ascertainable at present, Chriatehurch, Last Night. A ten-roomed house situated at Avonside, owned by Mrs. Coxliead and let as a boarding-house, was totally destroyed by fire about 2.30 o'clock this morning Only a portion of the .furniture was saved.