A Welcome Awakening.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XXVII, Issue 1361, 21 May 1895, Page 3

A Welcome Awakening.

* * (Christchurch Truth.) It is a healthy sign to see the people of the colony taking an increased and genuine interest in the grave political questions now calling for solution. They are now prepared to hear both sides of the question, and judge for themselves as to which is right. This has been particularly noticeable in regard to the series of meetings which have, been held by Captain Russell and Mr George Hutchison, who, wherever they have spoken, have been enthusiastically received and attentively listened to. The Napier Telegraph is of opinion that this angurs well for the future of the colony, for if to know evils he half their cute, to seek to know them argues a desire for cure. Should this feeling continue to exist, as there appears every reason to think will be the case, the depressing social and commercial blight which the misdeeds of the Ministry have caused will soon begin co pass away. Mr Hutchison, at his Napier meeting, let some light in upon the political questions of the day and the doings of the present administration, He told his audience that in considering the methods of government they must also consider the trend of administration and legislation, That the Government had done some good and useful work there was no doubt, but they were well paid for it. having drawn something like £30,000 in salaries, not to mention perquisites. It was not the business of the Opposition to find out the good points of the Government—Ministers appeared to have some difficulties in convincing the electors that they were doing good, judging from the persistency with which they referred to the Fraser appointment and the Pomahaka purchase; but he (Mr Hutchison) was willing to admit that some good things had been done as well as some evil things half done. In considering the trend of the legislation of the present day, it would be admitted that it was unmistakably in the direction of Socialism, which had many apologists and not a few enthusiasts, whose supporters were led by the mottoes employed. It could not bo too strongly impressed upon the people to have nothing to do with a Socialism in political government which was revolutionary in its purposes. Socialism meant the end of competition and freedom, and the suppression of zeal, energy, and enterprise—those attributes which made the English race the foremost in the world, and all this was to be sacrificed on the altar of Socialism by those actuated by envy, idleness, and despair. Suppose for a moment that Socialism were successful, how long would the dead calm prevail upon the ocean of life? For a year, for a month, for a day? No, not for a single hour. And they must look with deep concern at the approaches being made by the Government to State Socialism. He repeated that it would mean the suppression of all competiition, and, therefore, the steps in the direction indicated required to be vigilantly watched and resented.” No doubt manyof those present who had nob made a sufficient study of the matter ■ were much struck with the truth of 'Mr Hutchinson’s statements when put before them so plainly. There have ibeen in the past large numbers of electors who have nob bothered much lover matters political who are now i beginning to realise that by their apathy they have actually assisted jagainst their will to bolster up a Government whose socialistic tendencies are so well known. Addresses, such as those delivered by the gentle ■man named above, will be productive of great good as showing the people that something more than bluff, ; bluster, and bombast are required to make us,a prosperous nation.