The Clutha Leader. BALCLUTHA: FRIDAY, OCT. 23, 1896.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXIII, Issue 1164, 23 October 1896, Page 5

The Clutha Leader. BALCLUTHA: FRIDAY, OCT. 23, 1896.

Having brought down the Banking Bill in the last days of the session' when members had ..their, traps packed up and were anxious to leave Wellington, Mr Seddon, ho "'doubt 'expected ''the j measure would pass witho/.it scrutiny or amendment. In this he was mistaken. The House expungod the clause removing the liquidation of the Colonial Bank from the Supreme Court. The Legislative Council, however, reinstated the clause and introduced other amendments. Three different sets of managers were appointed by both chambers and three conferences were held but to no effect ; no agreement could be arrived at and the Premier had ultimately to abandon the bill. The general feeling- seems to be one of gratification with the result. « We recently made some reference to the system of government by " party " as now practised. A very plain and emphatic illustration of the working of the system was given in connection with the Banking Bill before the House last week. It is scarcely necessary to remind our readers that through legislation introduced and forced through Parliament by this self-reliant non-borrowing Government the country has been- placed in the position of a guarantor to the Bank of New Zealand to the extent of 1,4,700,000. During the )ate ses-' sion the Premier got a Parliamentary Committee set up to inquire into matters connected with the bank, and the action of the Government in relation thereto. This committee was almost a purely party one, Mr George Hutchison being the minority of one representing the Opposition. The committee's report — a party report, of course, submitted to the House • contained certain recommendations to give effect to which Mr Seddon had a bill prepared. Before introducing the measure he summoned a meeting of the " party," explained it •to them and instructed them as to their action with reference to it. The bill embodied a clause giving power to the directors of the. Bank of New Zealand to enter into and carry out an agreement for the absolute taking over by the Bank of New Zealand of alt or any of the accounts in tbe B. list by way of purchase- at such price as the said directors and liquidators agree upon. Some of the more venturesome spirits of the "party " wished the Premier to give them an assurance t.hat this clause was not designed in the interests of the Colonial Bank. They seem never to have thought of examining for themselves into the effect of the clause or to exercise their own judgment in such matters, a process to which they have long been strangers. Tie Premier declined to give the assurance asked, but decided to compromise the difficulty by generously agreeing to give his supporters a free hand, i.e., allowing them to vote according to their own convictions when this particular clause was being dealt with in committee. This is the only point in connection with the bill to which the indulgence was to apply. On all other points the party had 10 vote as instructed. They were bound to support the second and third roadings, but in committee, and in committee alone, could they exercise their own judgment, and that only in the one clause dealing with the B, accounts. Of course they might . speak as much and as long as the Standing Orders permitted against the bill, for such speeches are intended for their constituents and are sometimes read by them, but however much they might condemn the bill and however injurious they might deern it to be for the country they were compelled to vote straight for it. Theirconstituents do notalways see how the votes are given as th«< divisions are seldom given in the press and it is generally taken for granted that the votes are in the direction indicated by members' speeches. . This is a delusion, and only one of the .. many deceits practised in the carrying out of the party system. It is a co-incidence worth noting that the clause to which the Preaiier's indulgence extended was thrown out by the Committee. If out jnemory Serves us right, last time Mr Seddon extended a similar indulgence to his party was in connection with the liiquor Bill of last year when he deemed the indulgence so exceptional and generous that he embalmed it in the Governor's speech. He would now jseem to have determined on making the indulgence an annual one, like the annual Christmas dinner to the prisoners in H.M. gaol, or the annual school children's picnic ; and it is appreciated by the members accordingly. We hope our readers will ponder over the position and ask themselves whether it is one in which the colony of New Zealand should be placed. In a few days the whole country will be in the turmoil and fever of a general election when even the most servile of the "party" will inform the electors (hat he is in favour of the Government, reserving to himself the right to vote on every question according to his conscience. This is simply a- delusion «nd a snare and is calculated to deceive the electors. The Premier gives no uncertain sound in the matter. : He demands that the support of the members of the Government party Jbe

a support all , along- .the line, unconditional and .'uncomplaining, except on the pecasiun of his annual .indulgence. This obedience to the one will must be absolute in connection with every, measure he may introduce, every vote of public money, every appointment, and, in short-,. obedience in everything. This .is the condition of membership of "liis Party"; nothing -rise" \yill * he accept. And both by .word and action has he made, it so plain and distinct that no one can be deceived as to the position he has taken up and has so long maintainedi. The, members of the party know, the position well, and sometimes feel it irksome, but they obey even to the' extent of falsifying every pledge they have given (o their constituents. Those who have intelligently watched the proceedings in Parliament for the past few years can not possibly be ignorant of the true position of Government by party government by .one man, as now pracr tised and it is for the constituencies to say at the forthcoming election, whether this state of matters is to continue, or whether the people of* this colony' are again to resume the control of their own affairs. ._ i