POLITICAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 327, 14 June 1911, Page 2

POLITICAL.

ACTING -PREMIER AT CARTERTON. OPPOSITION STRONGLY CRITICISED. By Telegrapi.—Press Association. Carterton, Tuesday. The Acting-Premier (Air. Carroll), accompanied by the Hon. Mr. Ngata, was present at a Liberal social at Carterton last night, and received a hearty reception. Mr. Carroll delivered a short address, principally dealing with Opposition criticism. He claimed that the Liberal policy had been consistent and progressive for the twenty years it had been in power. The Opposition, oil tile other hand, had gone through many phases. First it was the great Conservative Party, then the National Association, then the Reform Party, and now the only true Liberal Party. The Opposition had termed Mr. Ballance and his party the seven devils of Socialism, but now said Mr. Ballance was a noble and self-reliant man who did great good. The Opposition said that Mr. Seddon was galloping to a deficit and ruining the country. Now it said that Mr. Seddon was a great strong man whose work benefited New Zealand. The Opposition said that the Ward Government was hypocritical and dishonest, but a future Opposition would probably refer to tlieni as the noble men of 1911. The Opposition had opposed all Liberal measures, and now claimed credit for initiating some, improving others, ana would not repeal any. Mr. Massey had said the Native Minister was doing no good and should be removed as an impediment to progrew. Mr. Carroll claimed to have consolidated the Native land laws, introduced the Board system, put Native lands on the footing of Crown lands, secured a proper valuation, settled 1,700,000 acres of Native land in five or six years, settled last year 344,000 acres, 174,000 by sale and 170,000 by lease, yet Mr. Massey said he was doing nothing. He- referred to Taumarunni and Te Kuiti on the Main Trunk line as once Native lands, now municipalities, and said that lately a pastoral show was held with hundreds present where there were only ten persons some three years ago. Was that not progress? Mr. Massey knew nothing about Native lands and only indulged in vague generalities. He challenged Ilr. Massey to say where the six million acres of waste Native lands were that he was so fond of talking about. The statement was absolutely untrue. The Government was not a class Government, and legislated for all, small farmers, workers and the whole people. There was no need to pull down the Liberal banner now. All 1 should strengthen it and do their share I to help it and the progress of the country titer nil loved so much.— (Applause.) Mr. Ngata gave p. short address, and urged voting electors to beware of wolves in sheep's clothing.' The Opposition were putting on Liberal clothes and hogging to lie put in power. They would not repeal any legislation, and onlv wanted to Administer it. The Liberals had not changed. Let them beware of wolves. The social was a great success, and a large numbpr of guests was present.