THE OPPOSITION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2355, 23 November 1908, Page 5

THE OPPOSITION.

A SPEECH BY THE LEADER.

MASSEY AT WANGANUI

[Piu:ss Association.]

WANGANUI, Nov. 22

Mr. Massey. Leader of the Opposition. addressed an overflowing audience in the Drill Hall on Saturday night He was accorded an enthusiastic reception, and was loudly cheered at the conclusion of liis speech, which was much on the lines of those delivered at other centres. Speaking of the election ho- said, that the result of the first ballot and the anticipated result of the second, showed that the country appreciated the good hard work‘done by the Opposition dnria o- the past three years. Ho urged that there had never been a time when it was more necessary tint- the Opposition should be strong. Ho stronglv defended himself and party from newspaper attacks, and snowed bv reference to “Hansard” that the Opposition had played a leading part in the introduction and passing into law of legislation that had proved beneficial to the Dominion. Ho had -.consistently supported the Hon. John Ballanee’s policy of non-borrowing and self-reliance. He protested against Sir Joseph Ward’s references to wages paid during relief works between .1887 ami IS9O, and pointed out that Sir Harry Atkinson had had to do the best- lie could with the legacy ■ which the previous reckless Government had left. He pointed out that the fate Mr. iSeddon had endorsed the - relief works wages. Air. Massey dealt seriatim with the planks oi the Opposition platform on the lines already published.