THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 338, 27 October 1908, Page 7

THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION.

SPEECH AT FEILDING. OPPOSITION POLICY STATED. PROGRESSIVE AND DEMOCRATIC. (bi telegitApn,—special couuespondikt.) Fcildlng, October 26. Sir. Massey, Leader of the Opposition, arrived in Feilding from the North by the three o'clock express train, and was received by Mr. Lcthbridgo, M.P., and prominent members of tho Opposition party. Ho was then taken to tho Oddfellows' Hall, where a reception was given by Mr. and Mrs. Lethbridge. There was a large and representative attendance at the gathering, and the reception was one of tho most enjoyable functions held in Feilding. During tho course of the afternoon, Mr. Lethbridgo, in a few well-chosen words, introduced Mr. Massey, who was received with hearty applause. Mr. Lothbridge stated that it was his intention later on to take an opportunity of saying good-bye to the electors of Oroua, and to thank them for "putting up with him" for such a long spell as twelvo years. (Laughter and applause.) Mr. Massey suitably replied, and thanked Mrs. Lcthbridgo for tho kindly thought that had prompted such a pleasant gathering. His work had much in it that was arduous, but it had its compensations, and this function was one of them. Ho was meeting many new friends in Feilding, and he had also that afternoon met four ladies from his own constituency. On tho motion of Mr. A. H. Atkinson a vote of thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Lethbridgo was carried by acclamation,

ENTERTAINED AT DINNER.

Mr. Massoy also met a very la.rge company (some 60 or 70) at dinner, at which Mr. Hugh Bun-ell (president of the Feilding A. and P. Association) presided. Some of those present had journeyed twenty-fivo miles to meet Mr. Massey. Mr. Lethbridge proposod the health of the guest, "than whom there was not a harder worker in or out of Parliament." Mr. Massoy said he regretted the loss of Mr. Lethbridge, but hoped Feilding would sent another good man to nil the vacancy, and he hoped that the people of the Dominion would send a stronger Opposition party into the new Parliament, for a party of • sixteen was not strong enough to work, effectively in opposition. The dinner passed off very enthusiastically. MR. MASSEY'S SPEECH. When the Leader of the Opposition took the platform at eight o'clock the commodious drill hall was packed even more closely that at the Premier's meeting last -Tuesday, and that ivas a record crowd for Feilding.' Mr. Massey was received with prolonged applause. Tho Mayor of Feilding (Mr. Trewin), who presided, introduced Mr. Massey in wellchosen terms.. Mr. Massey, after thanking his big audience for having given him such a rousing reception, expressed his regret at the departure of Mr. Lethbridge from the political arena'. Mr. Lethbridge had beerr a most populai and useful member of the House. (Applause.) The Opposition Policy. — Sir. Massey then onunciated tho Opposition policy, which, lie said, progressive and democratic, and was summarised as follows The restoration of Parliamentary coiu. trol of the publio finances by improving the system of public audit and by restricting the power now possessed by tho Ministry of tho day of expending upon' one object money voted by Parliament for another. ' ' : Tho establishment of a Civil Service Board, with tho object of excluding pol- . itical influence in making public appointments. Tho establishment of > a- sound- and assured system of local government finance, with a view to the equitable distribution and economical expenditure of public money in place of tho present system ■ of arbitrarily varied Ministerial grants -md doles. Tho encouragement; of land settlement by restoring the system of granting Crown lands upon the optional plan with power to all existing and future tenants to acquire tho freehold upon equitablo terms, but subject to provision for preventing the creation of large holdings. The settlement of the Nativo land question by the rapid individualisation ' of all Native titles, and by affording to ' the Native race the common privilege of disposing of their lands to the best advantage in the open market, but sub- < ject (1) To a sufficient area of good and accessible land being reserved inalienably for the support of each Native and his descendants; (2) To tho.same restrictions as to. area to be acquired by any one selector as pertains to Crown lands with the object of preventing tho aggregation of large estates. The maintenance and improvement of our. national system of education, and in particular by increasing the minimum remuneration and raising the status of country teachers. The reduction of duties on the neces- . saries of life and appliances required in the Dominion's industries. Tho reform of the system of carrying on pfiblic works with a view to secure efficiency and economy. Amendments of the Arbitration Act such as will provido a sufficiently powerful deterrent against strikes, or' failing that, to securo simple means of concilia-' tion. The encouragement of the immigration of tho right stamp of British settlers. The improvement of the defence forces of tho Dominion by encouraging every citizcn to take a personal share in the defence of his country and his home. Tho encouragement of private enterprise and individual effort, and the opposing by every legitimate means of that tendency to Socialism and dependence on the State which is sapping the virility and independent character of tho people. The promotion and encouragement by every proper means of tho candidature for Parliament of honourable and capable men, so as to ensure purity of politics and honesty of administration. Land, Taxation,' and Industries. Mr. Massey replied to the Premier on' tho land and taxation questions along familiar linos, and passed on to industrail matters. He charged the Government with hurting rather ' than helping our , two greatest industries, mining and agriculture. Ho thought the proposals regarding tho Parliamentary Buildings was ono of the mldest and maddest schemes ever presented to Parliament. Ho felt that the time would come when we would be sorry that we had not kept a tighter hand upon the purse-strings. Tho Government's Native land policy came under review, Mr. Massey saying it was, a thousand pities that so much material (land and Maoris) was going to waste. Tho problem should have been solved long ago. The second Ballot Act. The Second Ballot Bill was explained. It was a surprise sprung upon Parliament, and nobody asked for it. It was rushed through Parliament with the object .of preventing Labour being represented in .tho new Parliament. Mr. Massey advocated'.proportional representation, which would come to New Zealand yet, and tile sooner the better. Ho would havo supported proportional representation. A reference to the "gag" clause was received with a shout of laughter. Ho beliovcd the Second Ballot Act would bo a ghastly failure. Defence. He did not think the Prime Minister was dealing either fairly or firmly with (Die defence problem. Volunteering was in a bad state, but tho 'Government would not face the question. The volunteers werb not being encouraged, rather, they wero snubbed. Ho did not believe in but would develop tho cadet military training for young manhood up to .21 years, Thoy should have military instruction, drill, and bo taught how to handle tho

rifle. Ho was not so sanguine as tho PrS« rnier regarding possibilities of attack. It was not a raid wo had to fear, but .in invasion for permanent occupation. New Zealand was a great and prosperous country, and if wo lived in it wo should he prepared to fight for it. Wo should mako it a hornet's nest for any invader. The Land Question. The Leader of the Opposition then quotet the opinions of Ministers on the land ques« tion, which was at tho root of all prosperity. He feared that the exodus of our capital to Queensland would be followed by an exodus of our young men. Wo wanted more population of tho right kind, and did not want to lose our farmers' sons following fathers' capital to Darling Downs. The Dairy Regulations. Ho had been asked to Tefer to tho dairy regulations imposed upon a verv hard-work-mg section of tho community. Ho explained that tho Government had' backed down on thoso regulations as on the Land Bill, for tha enforcement of the regulations was postponed for twelve months. He believed that' thoso regulations had done a great deal of harm to one of our most prosperous industries. Every practical man must declare tho regulations to bo absolutely impossible to comply with. Whilst it was right to go ill for cleanliness, too many restrictions were proposed. The Workers. The Arbitration Amending Act was explained. Ho advocated fair pay for a 'fair day's work and a better feeling between masters and men so as to get rid of the continual disputes that had marked the past year. He believed that workers should nave their unions and should have representation in Parliament according to their numbers. The Opposition had been jeered at by men who were not nearly as liberal as the Opposition party. Reference was made to the works of • Mr. Bowen (education), Sir Henry 'Atkinson (readjusted finance). Sir John Hall (women's franchise), ana tho points 'were all taken with hearty applause. Mr. Massey explained his own liberal proposalregarding advances to workers, which proposal was rejected by . tho Government, and aftorwards incorporated in. a Government measure. Finance. ' Regarding finance ho said wo could noli possibly do without borrowing money,, but wo were borrowing for things that we should not' borrow for. Ho did not say it was always wrong to borrow locally when money was cheap and plentiful, but it tvas neither cheap nor plentiful unfortunately for some of us. (Laughter.) Ho did not like tho Government going to Australia for money. They should go to London, where our credit should be good enough to get money at a fair rate of interest. (Applause.) Socialism. Socialism was attacked vigorously-, ' and tho speaker pointed out tho attitude towards this question. It was right that tho .Stato should help individuals, but it was not right to go on nationalising the land in tho insidious way in which Socialists in Parliament were doing. Roads and Bridges. The Government placed members in as awkward position regarding its roads and bridges expenditure. "What do I know about roads and bridges in Wostland or Southland?" asked Mr. Massey. "Therefore we 1 do not know whether these grants are being properly expanded. Under the wretched system prevailing wo havo to go to tho Minister and ask for roads and other worka which should not havo to bo asked for. Local bodies should havo assured finance, so as to save Parliamentary grants and prevent tho uso of improper influence. There is plenty of room for reform in this country, and I hope-we will have sufficiently strong members in the new Parliament to insist upon some of these reforms being given effect to.'' Some "Ifs." , Mr. Massey, who was in his very best form, and was frequently applauded,. concluded at 10 o'clock by. giving reasons why you'should vote for the Government. (Laughter.) , If you believe in tho leasehold and Maori landlordism, • .remember tho .Land Bill, and vote for the Government. (Laughter.)

If you believe in the Single Tax and putting all the taxation on-land, remember that Single Tax is represented in the Cabinet. If you believe in taxing the dairy fanners' cows—(laughter)—remember the proposed dairy regulations. If you want the' drift towards the worst form of Socialism to continue, remember the statements of the Prime Minister and Dr. Findlay and the legislation of recent years. If you believe in waste and extravagant expenditure of public 'moiiey, think of the schome for rebuilding the Parliamentary Buildings aiid similar schemes. (Laughter.) If you believe in taxing the appliances for mining and agricultural purposes, ifr you believe in the Second Ballot Bill, with its "gag" clause, and underlying principle of allowing majorities,to tyrannise over minorities and preventing minorities from having . any representation in the Parliament of the .country, then vote for the Government. ' (Laughter J 1 ' The Case for the Opposition. On the othor hand, if you want satisfae* tory • legislation and clean and economical administration, vote for the' Opposition. (Applause.) 1 If you want to prcsorvo and encourage freehold tenure, if you want Parliament aa a ivholo to be mado directly representative of the people, if you want the Native iands settled with satisfaction to both races, if . you want a better system of local Government and a more satisfactory expenditure of public money, if you want to sec volunteering encouraged and the defences of . the , Dominion placed on a satisfactory footing,| if you want to seo the country prosperous and every man given a chance of improving his position in life—then voto for tho Opposition candidate. (Prolonged applause.) Aftor thanking tho people of Feilding for tho splendid hearing, Mr. Massey sat dowr amidst loud and continued applause. Questions. Ho invited questions, and the privileges was taken odvantago of. In answering,. Mr. Massey said ho thought there would bo eighteen second ballots instead of 9 as estimated by the Premier he did not believe in a further increase to old age pensions. He was opposed to a State bank. He believed tho increase in the cost of living was due to the operation of the Arbitration Act, and people were beginning, to realise that statute law could not override the economic law. Tho way to benefit tho working man was to keep the country prosperous, and lie was dead against tile compulsory licensing of bookmakers. It; was a disgrace that we should give professional gamblers a status." He believed the Government should have the opportunity of granting tho right to private companies to utilise our water power. - Oil tho motion of Messrs. A. G. Carty and H. Tolley (president of the Chamber of Commerce), a voto of thanks was accorded to Mr. Massey for his excellent and instructive address. Mr. Mexfced moved that tho meeting passa voto of confidence in Mr. Massev and his party. This was received with prolonged! applause and cheers, and the chairman declared this amendment carried. In returning thanks, Mr. Massey said thaf after such a great reception, and such a'votft of confidence, ho could assure tliom that this would not bo his last visit to l'eilding. Cheers and a voto of thanks to the chairman, moved by Mr. Massey, concluded one of the most enthusiastic meetings ever held in Feilding,