THE MEMBER FOR NELSON,

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14290, 28 February 1912, Page 8

THE MEMBER FOR NELSON,

A critical point was reached last night in the no-confidence debate, when Mr Atmore, the member for Nelson, whose vote was understood to be the pivot on which the division was to turn, took the floor for tho first time. Had he been utterly destitute of oratorical gifts he would, under the circumstances, have been listened to with interest. As a matter of fact, he soon showed that he is a clear and vigorous

speaker, who has given some attention to questions of the day, -with the result that he has become profoundly disgusted with the party system. But party government is with us, apparently it is going to stay, and on a vote of no-confidence it was essential that Mr Atmore, however ho might dislike it, would have to declare himself on one side or the other. The House anxiously waited to hear how he would decide. The oracle gave forth only an uncertain sound. The speech of the honourable member for Nelson was, for the most part, a telling indictment of the Government. His policy, in many respects, notably the freehold, is in accord with that of the Opposition, but he wanted to be assured that the party as, a whole, sido by side „ with the acquisition of native lands, would apply the same process to the breakingup of large estates in European hands. Ho wanted to be sure that the present Opposition will not bo the successors of what he called the Old Squatter Party. We do not know what further pressure can bo brought to bear beyond the graduated land tax, which is already operating very effectively, in compelling owners of largo properties to subdivide and sell their land. We do not think that it would be in. tho interests of New Zealand or that it is in accordance with the wish of the people, that the possession of land should be treated as a crime, and that the land tax should be used as a thumb-screw, ever on the twist, and ever being applied to fresh, victims. Nor do we believe it is sound statesmanship or even common honesty to aim afc taxing the few for the purpose of making concessions to the many. Wβ do not believe, however, that any member of the Reform Party intends to reverse the land settlement policy to which the country is committed, or to adopt any retrograde policy. We have on more than one occasion in these columns advanced the view that when it comes to bo Mr Massey's turn to form a Ministry, it will be necessary for him to lay down a broad and progressive policy if he is to retain tho confidence of {he people. Last night's division has delayed Mr Massey's accession to office for the moment, but the'time cannot be much longer postponed before effect is given to the will of the people, who have made up their minds that he is to be given an opportunity to show what he can do.