REFORM PARTY RALLY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3432, 25 January 1912, Page 5

REFORM PARTY RALLY.

HUGE DEMONSrRAUOH IN AUCKLAND. MR MASSEY ENTHUSIASTICALLY RECEIVED. CONFIDENT OF CHANCE OF GOVERNMENT. “ PEOPLE WILL HAVE NO REGRETS ” [PEE PBESS ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND, Jan. 24. A huge demonstration was held by tho Reform Party in the Town Hall to-night, the attendance being over 3000, and the accommodation of the hall was fully taxed. Mr L. J. Bagnall (ex-Mayor) occupied the chair. A long programme of speeches was delivered by members of the Reform Party, of whom eighteen were present. The audience gave the speakers a very hearty reception, Mr Massey being the subject of a remarkable display of enthusiasm. When he rose to speak he was received with a great demonstration, the audience cheering and singing ‘ “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”

Mr Massey expressed thanks for the support given the Reform Party at the general elections. The old standing reproach to the party that it was unable to secure support in the greatest centre of the district to which he belonged was now removed, and Auckland would never regret this, he said, and what Auckland said to-day the rest of New Zealand would say to-morrow. Wellington had already stated its disapproval of the administration. He was delighted at the opportunity to introduce members of the Reform Party and of letting the people meet face to face the representatives of the party which was in a. majority in Parliament at the present time, which possessed the confidence of ■ a majority in the country, and from which the people expected an up-to-date policy, of economical, effective administration. The people would not regret having placed confidence in the party.

He referred to the staunchness and incorruptibility of member's of his party, who had grown old in the service and extended a compliment to new members of the party. The people were looking forward with great interest to the session next month. For the first time for twenty-one years they were going to hare a change of Government. wdiich they had demanded. He and his party were proud at securing the confidence and affection of the bulk of the people of New Zealand. Their responsibilities would be heavy, but they never shirked responsibilities, and would do their duty as sincerely on treasury as on the Opposition benches, their, first thought being the welfare of the country in either circumstance. Now Zealand needed many reforms such as his party had advocated in the past. They wanted the unoccupied lands opened up for every energetic settler who desired to go upon it. Finances must be placed upon a souud and proper footing, so that everyone could see- whether the money was spent properly or the reverse. His party hoped to be able to promote an economical and efficient administration. The State- must be prepared to pay for brains and ability, but they wanted to keep at a distance everything like graft or political patronage. The legislators should be the direct representation of the people themselves. They wanted also to see the country do its duty, as not the least of the nations which make up the Great Empire.

Altogether sixteen members addressed the meeting. At the conclusion a vote of thanks and confidence in the Reform Party was carried by an overwhelming majority.