MR. CARROLL AND THE OPPOSITION.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 320, 6 October 1908, Page 7

MR. CARROLL AND THE OPPOSITION.

A THE FINANCIAL CRISIS. In tho courso of his reply to tho toast of "tho Ministry" at tho banquet tendered Messrs. W. H. Field, M.P., and A C. Pearco last evening, tho Hon. J. Carroll referred to a report in tho morning Dominion of a meeting of thoso —what are left of them—representing tho Opposition, a mutual admiration society, from wnat one could gather from the nature of tho speeches; but there was one point touched upon there. It was this, ho said: "It was pointed out that we wero on tho edgo of a financial crisis. Thero was severe depression within sight of them. It was a regrettable thing that any country should bo afflicted by a financial depression, hut under tho circumstances, in view of the fact' that wo wero in ollico so long,, they hoped that such would come about, because people would realise who had beeu at the head of affairs. It reminds one of that story in tho Great Book whero the sun was put back ten degrees in order to assure somo old patriarch that lie would not die of some skin disease. (Laughter.) I am sure that peoplo of this class will never permit New ,Zoaland to go back ten degrees in order to or gratify tho feelings of the Opposition. Tho Opposition have had their day, and they have served well in their day. Peoplo recognise that, and pay a tribute to them equally with ourselves, but the peoplo have arrived at this stage: that if this country to progress and to develop you will requiro moro advanced views than those held by those I refer to. The timo may arrive when wo will become tho Conservatives of the future; that depends ou tho minds of the peoplo; they' may consider that we aro not moving fast enough, and the verdict is in their hands every three years. Whether we go on for another three years or not, wo can take credit to ourselves that wo have reposed in the confidence of tho peoplo of this country for seventeen years. (Hear, hear.) It is their verdict, not ours, and I only trust that if wo arc to continue in power for a term longer, or any term they like, that wo will never commit any maladministiation, any indiscretion, or any default that will occasion tho forfeituro of our respect in their minds. (Hear, hear ) Whether in office or not —I can speak on behalf of my colleagues—we aro imbued with tho samo ambition as others to subscribe to lofty ideals and achievements, and our aspirations aro such as would, ii brought into effect, I believe, bring about as good results as can be expected in any other way." (Applause.)