THE ELECTIVE EXECUTIVE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CVI, Issue 12571, 5 August 1901, Page 3

THE ELECTIVE EXECUTIVE.

TO THE EDITOB. Sir,—The Premier's speech on the Llec live Executive Bill is indeed a remarkable ■ outpouring from the- fulness- of .n-:s .near,, which, if his words-do not belie torn, is somewhat unduly inflated.' The'fact that a majority of Liberals was returned at the last election is a reason in the Premiers opinion against the Elective Executive, which reason being interpreted .means-that the assertion of Louis XIV., "The State :s----myself " is the boast of the New Zealand Premier. Now, I fancy, that New Zealand contains too many intelligent people to let such assumption pass unchallenged. The Premier of- New Zealand must learn that the people are the State, and that ■their will must be done, corruption and bribery notwithstanding. The people, returned men whom they thought were Liberal members in-order that more Liberal measures might be passed, and that New Zealand might progress towards enlightenment and freedom. ~ Representation, according to Mr Seddon, 'is-ai'mere sham, as our members, are but as' pheep, who blindly follow their leader. Now, if this" is the case it would surely be better for the people to know the sham, to hand the whole administration of*affairs to. the- Premier and save representatives' expenses. Mr Seddon s'next objection, is that the subject has never been before the people at election time's. Now that objection is easily refuted. For years pant every progressive Liberal that has been re-' turned Parliament has supported the Elective Executive Bill. For Christchurch city alone Messrs Ell and Smith have both been returned pledged to uphold the measure, and even Mr Collins has found-it expedient to become converted to the principle it embodies. The next argument advanced is that the proposal will cause trouble with the representatives of the Crown! Does this mean that the duoal banquets have had a- somewhat unsettling effect on our Premier's mind,-so that the Ministers of tie people are the representatives of the Crown? Imperialism has just a dash of poison in its cup. and it will b 3 well if Mr Seddon refrains from drinking too deeply of its dregs. And this possibly explains the mystic words that this measure would mean " cutting the painter with the Old Country." What eke i'fe can imply but that New Zealand must hug. abuses as long as they are the fashion in England passes mv dim .understanding. Evidently, as privileged Privy Councillor, to his Majesty Mr Ssddon would never again be able to hold up his stately head if such a measure of justice was done to New Zealand. But suddenly the Premier descends from his giddy .heights and addresses the populace. "To-day," he pleads, "the Ministry may be challenged. To-morrow that could not be.." The fact of the matter is that to-day weak Ministers a re sheltered by .the Premier, and their work is• allowed to be neglected." To-morrow ( with the Elective Executive a feeble -Minister would be challenged, and his place given to another 'worthier than he. and there would be no need of no-confidence, debates and the many evils that aiise from them. Then the 'last appeal is truly pathetic. Why subftitute chaos for prosperity? We may well echo why indeed! But this is like one of Alice's fairy-land enigmas. It has no answer. It does.not need one. It is nonsense.—l am, etc., ELECTED EXECUTIVE: