POLITICAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1462, 24 May 1905, Page 3

POLITICAL.

THE GOVERNMENT POLICY.

'(Fee Press Association.) Thames, last night.

The Hon. J. McGowan addressed a large meeting of his constituents at the Thames So-night. He referred to the misleading statements made by the Opposition B 3 to She Government’s parsimony in connection with mining administration. He contended Shat himself and the Government were doing all that was possible to foster the industry. Hr quoted figures for the purpose of proving that the amount expended upon the mining industry was greater than Shat of any previous Administration, He [ustified the general administration of the Government, which he maintained was framed in the best interests of the colony is a whole, and was such as to win the highest praise from those best qualified to judge. He referred in detail to Mr Massey’s recent speeches, also those of the Government and members of the Opposition, which he characterised as misleading. In many instances only half the iruth was told. The Opposition changed their policy -as circumstances warranted, md declined to take any responsibility for legislation which they had assisted to pass, Buch as the Shops and Offices Bill. He outlined the future policy of the Government, which would include teachers’ superannuation scheme, Civil Service superan- > nuation scheme, classification of the Civil Bervice, old ago pensions increase to ten shillings weekly, purchase of land for workmen’s homos, harnessing rivers, the increase of teachers’ salaries, native lands, assistance to gold mining, forestry and fruit industry, home nursing for workmen’s wives and families, housing of workers, redaction in 'cost of food and living, limitation of land which was to be held by individuals (3000 acres of firstclass and up to ’20,000 acres of third-class land), restriction of areas, amendment to Land Settlement Act. A vote of confidence in the Minister and the Government was passed.