THE WINTON SPEECH

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LVII, 24 May 1910, Page 5

THE WINTON SPEECH

REPLY BY MR JAMES ALLEN, M.P

[PBESB >BBOOTATION.I MILTON, May 23. Mr James Allen, M.P., addressed .a meeting of his constituents to-night, this being the first of a series -of addresses by him in reply to the Prime Minister's Winton speech.

He repelled Sir Joseph Ward's charge of the Opposition misrepresenting the political situation. The Opposition had pointed out the extravagance of the Government, and proof of their contention, was found in the Premier's admission that the Government could save a quarter of a million yearly without impairing the efficiency of the Civil Service. The Opposition had represented that these were improper charges made on the Public Works Fund, and pro <1 that they were correct was that the 33 charges were gradually being transferred to the Consolidated Fund, where they ought always to have been. As io alleged misrepresentation for political aims, the Opposition denied the charge altogether. Indeed, "the boot was in the other leg." Then, it was the •pposition who suggested to the Government that the graduated land-tax i/is the proper means of compelling W^e estates to be divided up, with, the result, so far as they were personally concerned, that large landowners who had been their supporters dropped them al : together. Mr Allen also referred to the action of the Opposition on behalf of local, bodies, and pointed out what they had done in the way of improving the Oldage Pensions Act, the Land Settlement Finance Act, and the Workers' Homes On the subject of defence, he differed from the Minister of Defence on details, but on general principles he would support him. He admitted it would be difficult to select 20,000 men out ot the 65,000 available between the ages of 18 and 25, but his solution was to make exemptions fairly extensive. The increased cost on account of defence proposals amounted to about £320,000, but the increased taxation asked for in the Budget was £448,000. He believed if reasonable care had been taken with regard to expenditure, and some sense shown in remissions of taxation, there would have been no occasion for further taxation at all.

A vote of thanks was accorded Mr Allen for his address, and the meeting expressed continued confidence in him as member for Bruce.

Second torm technical classes bop>ns on the week commencing June 6th. Mooting;.'' are to be held shortly at Kaponga, Kapuni, and Manaia to arrange classes.

£500 given away. — Varnishine, the brilliant polish for tan boots and linoleums; easiest, quickest, brightest. Particulars in e£wh 6d tin. A.ll grocers.