THE REFORM PARTY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 297, 12 June 1912, Page 5

THE REFORM PARTY

TALK AT TAIHAPE By Telegraph—Press Association. Taihape, Last Night. The occasion of making a presentation to Mr. P. P. Hockley, the Opposition candidate for Waimarina who was defeated at last election, was utilised tonight for a Reform Party rally. The hall was well filled. Mr. J. F. Studholm* presided. Among the speakers were Messrs. Massey, Guthrie, Dr. Newman, C. K. Wilson and P. M. B. Fisher. The pioceedings at times were lively, but good humored. Mr. Massey, after paying a tribute to Mr. Hockley, referred to the vacant High Oommissionership and Sir Joseph Ward's resignation as a Trade Commissioner, and asked why the High Commissionership should be allowed to remain vacant. It must be either in the interest of the party or that of an individual. He criticised adversely the Taising of short-dated debentures, He admitted that borrowing was necessary, but the loan should have been raised months ago, before money hardened. He touched on the party's land policy and the necessity for opening up all unoccupied Crown lands and . also native lands. Other speakers expressed confidence in a change of Government. A purse of sovereigns was presented to Mr. Hockley, who was enthusiastically received.