A BRIEF SKETCH.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3582, 23 July 1912, Page 5

A BRIEF SKETCH.

THE REFORM PARTY’S POLICY. A LIGHTLY OUTLINED BY MR. , MASSEY. LAND SETTLEMENTTO BE MADE A SPECIALTY. I [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WOODVILLE, July 22. Mr J. H. Escott, M.P. for Paliiatua, was entertained ,at a social here this evening. There was a. large attendance of supporters from all parts of the district. The following members of Parliament were present: Dr. Newman, Messrs Sykes, Buick, Guthrie and Hine and HOll. Mr Massey. The Prime Minister in hi,s speech said he would not divulge their policy yet. It would be ready in about three weeks. They intended making a speciality of land settlement, as they could servo the country best by increasing the number of producers. They hoped to give every man who desired it an opportunity of going on the land and to increase production as it was possible to do. They would give security of tenure, and they would improve the valuation system by ex einpt in g imp rove m ents. It was .the intention to introduce a better 'system of roading, to improve agricultural education —in -which New Zealand was behind. The colony being so far off the markets it was necessary for farmers to get the best possible education.

If they wore able “to do these things they would feel that they had done well for the peoplelie denied that Sir John Hall, Sir Harry Atkinson, or Sir Chas. Bowen were Tories and gave illustrations of their being great Liberals. The Cabinet could not make people rich or prosperous without work, but they hoped to give equal opportunities to all and to make the chalices for life better.

At the termination of his speech the Prime Minister, on behalf of the electors of the district, presented Mr Escott with a. gold watch and chain. There was great applause and “For He's a Jolly Good Fellow’’ was sung.