THE PRIME MINISTER

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 10713, 20 November 1912, Page 5

THE PRIME MINISTER

HONOURED IN AUCKLAND.

A BIG GATHERING.

(By Telegraph-rFress Association v AUCKLAND, Last Night. Tlio Auckland branch of the New Zealand Political Reform League tonight tendered a reception to the Hon W. F. Massey on the occasion of his first visit to Auckland since his accession to the rank of Prime Minister, and presented Mm with an illuminated address. The Town Hall was crowded, and the meeting was intensely enthusiastic, the Hon W. F. Massey receiving a magnificent reception. Mr Pa it (Mayor) presided, and on the platform were the Hons Berries, Allen, Rhodes, and Pomare, all of whom spoke briefly. Mr Aikin, vice-president of the Auckland branch, made the presentation of the address, wliich bore over twelve thousand signatures.

The Hon Mr Massey, in reply, briefly reveiwed the work of the past session. He stated that a full programme would be provided for next session. Referring to the question of Empire Defence, Mr Massey stated that the Government policy was first to put the Dominion in a position todefend herself if the necessity arose. Touching on the Hon J. Allen's visit to England, Mr Massey said that one of the most important of his duties would be to make arrangements on the London market for the short debentures which would be falling due within the next year or two. The meeting was an entirely orderly one, no trouble being caused, as was anticipated, by the Federationists.