Evening post. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1911. LEADERS AT THE FRONT.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 26, 1 February 1911, Page 6

Evening post. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1911. LEADERS AT THE FRONT.

« . Although the first two or three months of the Parliamentary recess are usually the slackest time in New Zealand politics, the leadens of' both political parties took the platform last night. Continuing his northern tour, the Premier invaded the stronghold of the Leader of the Opposition, and found quite a sufficient number of supporters at Pukekohe to ensure a highly successful meeting. Mr. Massey, who | spoke at Whangarei, had just as little I reason to complain of his reception. His meeting also was crowded, and its enthusiasm probably equalled that which greeted Sir Joseph Ward at Pukekohe. Whether as political or as personal demonstrations, the two meetings may therefore be fairly regarded as balancing one another, but of the two speeches, that of Mr. Massey is decidedly the more interesting, and that for more reasons than one. There is in the first place a greater novelty about it. Sir Joseph Ward has spoken several times during the present recess, several times even within the past week ; but thfs i 8 Mr. Massey's first appearance, or at least his first important appearance since Parliament rose. It must also be conceded to Mr. Massey that he- was not only more critical, but also more constructive than his rival, and if the first is an advantage which a Leader of Opposition usually enjoys, the second is one that is not as a rule within his reach. Sir Joseph Ward replied with some success to the critics of his loan policy, .but he had no new programme to submit. He was for the most part neither critical nor constructive, but expository, and his exposition, was mainly confined t& ancient history or to contemporary statistics — subjects of •which neither is very edifying or very thrilling. What we like best in the Premier's speech is th& reference to the British Navy, which came in very aptly in his reply to the complaints of the recent increases on taxation. The wealth per head in this country is, he . says, the largest in the world, and everybody knows that its social legislation is also the most advanced in the world. Yet all these blessings, and every other blessing that we enjoy, are dependent entirely upon the protection of the 'Imperial Navy, to which, nevertheless, our present contribution is absolutely paltry. Instead of resenting whatever share the Dreadnought gift has had in increasing the burden of taxation, the patriotic New „ Zealander should feel' ashamed that our regular contribution is not a larger one. Apart from the initial cost, the upkeep of the fleet that "we should need for our own protection if John Bull did not save us the trouble, would, according to Sir Joseph Ward, be £1,000,000 a year. As the Premier will be leaving for the Imperial Conference next month, we suggest that he might systematically devote a good deal of time and attention to Imperial 1 questions, and so prepare the public mind for an appreciation of the problems with which the conference -will have to grapple. Mr. Massey had as little to say of Imperial affairs as bir Joseph. Ward, but he covered a number of domestic topics with considerable effect. He continues, in our opinion, to labour the loan question a good deal tpo much. The country* hab oertainly to pay heavily for the five million loan, but the money had to be raised ; most of the objects for which it was needed are approved by Mr. Massey as much as by Sir Joseph Ward, and it is therefore disingenuous to argue as though the case were otherwise. One of Mr. Massey's expedients for reducing borrowing would, m our opinion, be beyond question a step in. the wrong direction. To sell tne freehold of the public estate and use the proceeds in lieu of loan money would equally involve the spending of capital, besides destroying a steadily appreciating asset. In his radical proposals for reforming the administration of the railways and of the Public Service generally we are in entire accord with Mr. Massey, and we believe that public opinion much prefers these proposals to the negative attitude of the Government. In his references to the "Black" pamphlet we are also satisfied that the Leader of the Opposition will command the sympathy of the public. If the Premier and his indiscreet supporters carry the matter any further on the present lines, they will assuredly create a revulsion of feeling. We do not suggest that Sir Jo&eph Ward is personally responsible for pushing the sale of the pamphlet which has been published by way of a reply, or for the endeavour to associate the Opposition with responsibility fov the original publication, which is condemned by all decent people, regardless of party. But a man is justly held responsible for anything that is done on his behalf and with his knowledge if he does not endeavour to check it. Let the Premier frankly accept the ■emphatic denial of any responsibility, direct or indirect, on. the part of .Mr. Massey or his party for the scurrilous publication, and refuse to countenance any insinuation, whether in an illuminated address or in a. speech, , t& ftfi cost^ry... H tbig U not .dona

•the public sense of fair play will surely rally to the support of the Opposition just as strongly as it supported the Premier against the original attack.