THE H.B. TRIBUNE. FRIDAY, MAY 31, 1912. THE PREMIER AT OPUNAKE.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume II, Issue 141, 31 May 1912, Page 4

THE H.B. TRIBUNE. FRIDAY, MAY 31, 1912. THE PREMIER AT OPUNAKE.

When the statement was made that the Premier intended to deliver a policy speech at Opunake the public looked forward to hearing the longdelayed announcement of the Government’s proposals. Anticipations, however, have not been justified. The Premier is reported at considerable length but in the whole of his utterances there is little in the shape of new wholesome policy. He reviewed 'past legislation and quoted numerous figures to show the | success which had attended the work of the previous Governments, but he threw practically no light upon the future. The people have j been, fully informed with regard to | the administration of Sir Joseph Ward and have passed their judgment upon it. What is now wanted is a full and explicit statement of policy from the Mackenzie Government. This is not forthcoming and apparently we shall learn nothing until Parliament meets. One matter of policy, however, has been touched upon and that is the intention to abolish the second ballot and institute a system of preferential i voting. Mr. Mackenzie is to be ! heartily congratulated upon this dci cision, and it is to be hoped that he ! will have an opportunity to place his I promised legislation on the Statute j Book. The introduction of the second ballot was one of the greatest blunders Sir Joseph Ward ever com- | mitted, and satisfaction will be geni eral at the proposal to adopt a more I scientific method. It is therefore hoped that Mr. Massey will assist ! in bringing about the reform before j any political disturbance leads to an : appeal to the country. If we may ' judge from the Premier’s remarks I an effort will be made to pass a local ; Government Bill. He says it has I been recognised—that many of the ; superfluous local bodies must be abolished and new arrangements made for the payment of grants. There is urgent necessity for the j passing of the proposed legislation. ! The welfare of the country demands j that the administration of public affairs should he cheapened and ’ purified. The degrading commission agency work which is at present forced upon -members of Parliament does more than anything else to corrupt New Zealand politics and the power of a Government to scatter votes of money among the electorates leads to bribery in its worst form. The new bill proposes a way cut of the present unsatisfactory conditions and it is matter for sincere regret that Government will be unable to secure its passage through the House. If Mr. Mackenzie abolishes the Second Ballot and gives us reform of local Government he will do something to-

wards justifying his Premiership. These two questions have, however, about exhausted the Government policy. The proposal to extend the land tax exemption and increase the graduated tax is not new. It is a tinkering proposal that in the end will bring no benefit to the country. In searching Air. Mackenzie’s speech for policy, however, we must not be so unjust as to overlook.his proposals with regard to fish. He proposes to allow the use of the postal machinery for the transport of fish. Under this beneficent regulation we may expect the succulent flounder to rival the popularity of the picture post card. So determined is the Premier to have the people supplied with fish that he threatens to start State fisheries if those at present in the trade do not assist in the fulfilment of the Government’s ambition. Speaking generally- of the development of the country Air. Mackenzie holds sound popular views and his desire to assist the back-country re-

sidents will receive the hearty approval of the people. The work bf developing the country is unquestionably of the utmost importance and the provision of luxuries for the towns can easily wait until roads, bridges, and railways are provided for the country residents.