POLITICAL NEWS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVII, Issue 169, 18 July 1903, Page 4

POLITICAL NEWS.

COMING EVENTS.

Pbobable legislation this session plainly hinted at by the Premier in his address to tho Liberal and Labor Federation -. —Absolute Majority or Second Ballot Bill; a monauro to check " combines " ; important education proposals. In regard to the flrsb*mentioned, he added that now was tho time, and not immediately preceding an elestion, for eleotoral reform, and they must) all see the disadvantages of minority representation. BOCKS AHEAD. 11 There's danger ahead !" solemnly ; exclaimed the Premier at the Liberal and Labor Federation's social in Wellio«tcm. " Don'fc think for a moment," he added, " that the territorial magnates of this colony are quiescent. Don't think that those dominating in other respects are looking on calmly and quietly. No; silently, secretly, surreptitiously they still, in reap ot to our lands, I am sorry to say, have their ambitions. They still hope—l trust it is hoping against hope—bat they still cling to the traditions of the older country, aod they still have that earth hunger. I say to you, keap for the people that which is the heritage, the natural heritage of the people. (Applause.) Silently, secretly, surreptitiously are they at work. First of all they are endeavoring. to create dissensions as between town and country. If they can get the Liberals of the country at the throats of the Liberals in the town, their object has been accomplished. The dissension means •their opportunity, and they are at work endeavoring to bring about that position. But, I say to the Liberals of the country"—and he said it (reports the Post) with resounding emphasis— "stand fast; be firm; rely upon the support of the Liberals in the towns, because your interests are identical." (Loud applause.) "To the farmers and those in the country he would ask this question: Who are jour best customers—who pay you best ? Was it home markets or the combinations which fixed what they would give, and who fixed by combination what it was going to Co3t the farmer to live—the middlemen, shipping charges, bank and other charges when the produce arrived in another country. What was the result ? He would tell them. Fifty per cent, profit Nelson and Co.; another company principally engaged in distributing meat, largely frem New Zealand— 50 per cent, profit to the shareholders. Another company, net profits last year £46,000. (A. voice: "Outrageous 1") Did this not show the farmers that they wanted to be strengthened? Where were they going to get that strength ? From those here who were prepared to se« that the farmer received a reasonable price for his produce." He went on to say that in the matter of public expenditure those in the towns had always been liberal to the country, and had thus supported themselves.

THE CHEAP MBAT SCHEME.

Continuing the above remarks, the Premier said that after the shipping charges, after the freezing, after the middlemen's profits, they ocmld buy meat cheaper to day near London than they could buy it in the city of Wellington. It might be argued with some force that that was the result of the Government's assistance, by grading, etc., in the development of the trade. But he said to those in the towns, did not the existing state of things and the sending away of the meat raise the coat of living in the Colony? It was the combinations that caused tbat. Why should there be a difference of 6s per head on lambs fattened in Wanganui district and lambs fattened in Canterbury? Why should there be ! four or five shillings a head difference in the price of sheep ? And why should theep be worth more in a butcher's shop on Lamb ton Quay than it was in a butcher's shop in London? (Applause and a voice: " Down with the combinations }") " They were playing with the people of this Colony," said ! Mr Seddon, " and whilst, as you know, j there will be proposals to assist by administration the extending of our markets in the Mother Country, there ! I will also be proposals submitted to this I Parliament in the way of checking these combinations which are banded togethor--(Cheers)—banded together, and which unduly maintain unreasonable prices and raise the coat of living to the people of the Colony. When combines are formed which are against the well-being of the commonwealth, when they interfere with the eating, with the clothing, and even the hous ing of the people, then there are three points upon which there must be a combination in Parliament, so tbat these conditions mast by the will of the people be a thing of the past." (Renewed applause). THE COMING STRUGGLE. The Land Bill, which it is understood the Government will bring down, is being awaited with considerable interest. There is every prospect, avers one Parliamentary correspondent, of an attempt being made by the supporters of freehold tenure to so amend the law that all leaseholders shall be enabled to acquire the freehold of their leases. It is said the proposal, as has been indicated by several speakers during the present debate, will be strenuously opposed by the upholders of the present system, and there is every appearance of a long and fierce debate taking place on the second read ing, while the proceedings in Committee should prove highly interesting. An Opposition estimate is that the fl freeholders" are in the majority from four to eight, and that this know* ledge is likely to spur opponents to change to *' stonewall," which will effectually block legislation on the subject. In order to get his bill through the Premier will probably be glad to settle the matter by. leaving things as they are. In that event the contest will be continued during the recess, and even now arrangements are being made for the campaign, which will be carried out by supporters of the present system by means of public meet ings from one end of the colony to the other.