THE OPPOSITION ATTITUDE.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXI, Issue 97, 22 October 1908, Page 4

THE OPPOSITION ATTITUDE.

The contentions , of- the Opposition were categorically -referred to by .the Premier as follows:-^ The Opposition; eries out against, lavish expenditure, and; votes for all expenditure suggested in public works, and asks for;. moEe.The Oppositiou; ones, crUt against too much borrowing,! 'an'i" votes for every loan Bill. The Opposition pries out for reduction in expenditure; and asks for neW railways in its own districts. The Opposition cries out that it wants to see good finance, and when Government pays off £300,000 of floating debt out of ordinary revenue does not say a word of encouragement or approval. ; The Opposition cries out that it wants an improved audit system, and when Government, proposes a post audit by which every detail of every item would bo : laid on table of House, still finds fault. The Opposition cries out that the Government proposes to spend £500,---000 on a building programme in Wellington, though absolutely contrary to fact, and they know it, but still adheres to a statement that is wild exaggeration by over 100 per cent. The Opposition cries out that too much money is expended on buildings, and asks for new buildings, in Its own towns or districts. The Opposition cries out that it wants to see roads in the back blocks helped, and when the Government proposes, to spend £1,000,000 in four years say it is very pleased, but condemns through Mr Allen, its'spokesman, the additional £250,000 to-^be raised ' atliis year. The Opposition cries out about bad administration, Dut does not give a single case of where it occurs. The Opposition ories out that the Government is opposed to farmers, though the "Opposition did- its utmost to kill the cheap money scheme, which has been invaluable to. our settlers. . The Opposition cries out against the Government land policy, though under it an additional 10,000 souls have been placed on the land. The Opposition ories out against taxation, though under it our people get free education, free old age pensions, free text books, cheap money for farmers, and the service of the police, which, in England, is a charge upon the local rates. The Opposition cries out that the country is going. to i -thef'dpgs, and expects by preaching; such a doctrine to improve its position,' . The Opposition ci-ieis out that the Government railways policy by which concessions are given to the people, assisting iarmers and every other class, is unsound, but does not say what they would 'substitute, whether increased goods or. passenger rates, or a reduction of train service, and a diminished staff, tliough one or the other, or both, would be necessary.