THE PRIME MINISTER

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 254, 26 April 1912, Page 5

THE PRIME MINISTER

HIS NORTHERN TOUR. By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, Thursday. To-night the first social gathering attended by the new Prime Minister in the Auckland province was held at Clcvedon, when the Glevedon branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union held its annual dinner. The president (Mr. Alec Bell) presided. Mr. Mackenzie was congratulated on his attainment of the Prime Ministership. He expressed appreciation of the reception accorded him, and said that every member of the new Ministry had graduated to his position, and he commended them as earnest workers who intended to use their utmost endeavors in the interests of the Dominion. He referred to the question of protection raised by a previous speaker, who had said that the agricultural industry was .suffering. Mr. Mackenzie said there were industries in the country, established under protection, that were producing as good an article as could be imported. He referred particularly to the woollen industry. There were, no doubt, mercantile associations in league with houses in the United Kingdom, and that was productive of harmful results. The Government intended to appoint a commission to see that the cost of living was not unduly raised, and that the concessions granted' by the Government were enjoyed by the'people. AUCKLAND'S REQUIREDENTS. Auckland, Thursda v. Replying to a deputation asking £12,000 for additions and general improvements to the museum, the Prime Minister promised a £ for £ subsidy on £OBI, contributed by the public. l{'e woubi endeavor to grant a reasonable sum in addition to meet present demands. A DEMAND FOR A RAILWAY. Hamilton, Thursday. Replying to a deputation of settlers of the Te Awamutu district for a trial survey of a line from Te Awanmtu to Putaruru, the Prime Minister said that at present there was no money available for such work. At the last election one of the blackest charges levelled against the Ward Government was that of borrowing. The Government had been blackguarded and abused from one end of the country to the other. If the last election was to be taken as an indication of the opinion of the people, there would be no money for constructing railways. It was easy to appease the outcry against reckless borrowing by ceasing to borrow. If the people did not want development it would not be given. Personally he favored progress,, but if there was no money the land could not be farmed. He concluded that political hypocrisy must cease, I