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Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIX, Issue 9992, 22 March 1893, Page 4

One of Mr Itolleston’s ablest lieutenants has taken the field, in pursuance of the offensive tactics resolved upon by the Opposition. Like his chief, Mr Bruce started at Auckland, which is believed, since the southern farmers have converted by the boi.-'fiwnt 1-in-l legislation of the present Government, to be the stronghold of. Conservatism,.-. By, >,dint.- of^

his good humour, candour and undoubted oratorical gifts, Mr Bruce succeeded in obtaining what was denied the leader of the Opposition, a unanimous vote of thanks tor his address. Mr Bruce is withal a most ardent party man and an uncompromising opponent of the Ballanee Ministry. He is nob ashamed of his Toryism, and scorns to assume the title of “ Old Liberal,” or to claim credit for initiating part of the present Government’s policy. He is against the Liberals, old as well as new, and all their works. Free trade for the townspeople and freehold for the farmers are prominent articles in his political creed. He does not approve of stimulating land settlement, but thinks it should proceed according to natural and economic laws. This is the well-recog-nised policy of those who believe in free competition and the survival of the fittest, always, however, with the tacit understanding that existing laws in favour of the wealthy and propertied classes must not be interfered with. As for the Liberal legislation of the past year or two, Mr Bruce is convinced that “ its logical outcome is Socialism and Anarchy.” Socialism and Anarchy is a pretty combination as a logical outcome of anything. Mr Brueo does not seem to be aware that these two terrible words represent opposing poles. Socialism is the creed of the Collectivist, who believes in the State being and doing everything 5 anarchy is the goal of the logical Individualist who wishes to sweep away the State and all its laws, so as to leave the individual the fullest liberty. The “logical outcome” of Mr Bruce’s statement is that he believes it possible for the State to ha everything and nothing at the same time. The only other point of importance in Mr Bruce’s speech was the repetition of Mr Rolleston’s cry that the present prosperity of New Zealand resulted from the operation of laws beyond the control of the Government. The value of this statement lies in the admission that the Colony is prosperous—a fact which Opposition orators were wont most strenuously to deny.