THE PREMIER ON TARANAKI.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 135, 29 November 1911, Page 4

THE PREMIER ON TARANAKI.

Sir Joseph Ward mentioned the progress of Taranaki. It is perhaps better settled than most parts of New Zealand, and there is very little Crown land without tenants. If we have had our share of money available, we have deserved it, but Taranaki very sadly wants more roads, more railways, more bridges. This prolific province will for every transit facility afforded return ® hundredfold. It is not a speculation to road Taranaki. It is the surest of sure things. It may be wicked to borrow money to open up Taranaki's back couoitry, and it may be necessary to duplicate suburban lines so that clerks can stay in bed a quarter of an hour longer, but, at least, we beiieve that no unnecessary works should j be undertaken until necessary works are completed. The Premier mentioned Moka/u and refuted the Reform Party's charges. It is to be expected' that such charges wiM be made at this election and at every future election as long as the chief game of one party is to call the other names. But the Government is corrupt—the Reformers say so. If il is corrupt, the people are corrupt and have been for many years. It is probably a very natural accusation for the Heformers to make. The question is, "Does the Government policy appeal to the common sense of the community?" The people have been saying so for a score of years. Does the Government accurately reflect the wishes of the people ? The people have said so for twenty years. Has the Government made mistakes '< Heaps! It is a Government of fallible men representing fallible people. Could the Reform Party possibly make a mistake? The elector will answer this question himself. Is this true? Sir Joseph Ward said it on Monday night. "If they looked at the matter impartially they must admit that the present Government had legislated for the benefit of the worker, farmer, the business man, the employer, the servant of the State, and without exception that the legislation has been for the benefit of Unpeople as a whole." The Reformers .say it is a lie. Is it?