MR G. J. SMITH.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIII, Issue 10566, 28 January 1895, Page 3

MR G. J. SMITH.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—l am inclined to agree with you that Mr Smith made a very good speech on tho whole. I should say it went fully 15oz to the pound, which is nob bad considering that some havo only gone 9oz to the pound, and tho member for Ashburton not loz to tho pound. I with, him where you jn' hia..

stating 1 that be did not think Mr Seddon sincere on some points. lam euro that a largo number have-lost faith in his sincerity, but for all that I have no wish to see him replaced by either Sir -Robert Stout or Tories. The' chief fly_ in the ointment I had against Mr Smith was in reference to his answer in connection with the Old-Age Pension Fund.,' When asked where the money was to coma from to give a pension to the aged he did not know, and then ho mentioned a higher sum per week than I expect to see given for some time to come, which seems to indicate to me that he has scarcely given the matter sufficient thought. His idea that the young must make provision for themselves whilst young does not meet the case of out present aged. Had I heen asked the question I would have replied as follows: expect that I myself have got to provide part of the fund, and each of you will have to do the came, and I hope wo, shall all willingly contribute our fair share.” Had Mr Smith spoken in such a strain his speech would have gone fully sixteen ounces to the pound. As it is, wo have no reason to be ashamed of our member, and I hope that with a little more experience we shall find no shortage in him. If we had a majority of the House as earnest aa Mr G. J. Smith we should soon have better laws enacted, including a pension for the aged, at least, that is the opinion of one who voted for him.—l am,.&c., OUNCES EE QUIRE D.