PRE-SESSIONAL ADDRESSES

Grey River Argus, 13 May 1911, Page 3

PRE-SESSIONAL ADDRESSES

MR. HERRIES AT HOKITIKA. THANKS WITH ACCLAMATION. (By Telegraph— Per Press Association) HOKITIKA, May 12. Mr W. H. Herries, M.P., delivered a political address at the Princess Theatre to-night. There was a fair atendance. The Mayor presided. In the course of his speech Mr Herries compared the personnel of the ■ present Government with tfhe original members of the Liberal Government and showed how deterioration had taken place in the personnel and policy. He commented on' the vacillation of the policy of the present Government, showing that they had no fixed ideas. He dwelt at some length on the financial .aspect of affairs, pointing out that though barrowing was necessary a great waste was taking place in connection with the expenditure of public money. He commented adversely on the flotation of the 5-million loan, and criticised the financial operations of Sir Joseph Ward generally. Referring to the policy of the Opposition, he describ- ■> ed the land policy which they would adopt on the same lines as Mr Massey and other Opposition speakers. He dealt with the proposed Native Land policy of the Opposity party, the essence of which was the i n dividual is ation of the titles of each ' Native by area. He next dwelt upon" the necessity of a change in the appointments to the Upper House, which he contended should be elected on the same franchise as the Lower House. He. pointed out the danger to democracy of the power at present exercised by . the leader of the Upper House, who did not represent the people at all. Dealing with local government, he said that the Opposition were prepared to do what the Government were afraid to do — that is, bringing down a local government bill giving the local (bodies an assured finance and doing away with the present pernicious system of grants on the public works estimates. He severely commented on the mining policy of the present Government, showing that though the House was liberal in its votes, especially m regard to prospect ing, the Minister would not expend to any .extent, what the House voted. He compared the action of the various State governments in Australia in mining expenditure with that of New Zealand, showing how much more was done over there in comparison with the Dominion. He briefly dealt with the labour and other social questions, declaring himself to be in favour of the Arbitration Court and against any interference by Parliament with its work, and •condemning ■the pin prcking policy which was adopted 'by the department in bringing petty prosecutions against employers. Mr Herries spaoke two hours and 1 was accorded a vote of thanks, which was carried iby acclamation. *■