The Policy of the Opposition Explained.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8051, 30 March 1905, Page 7

The Policy of the Opposition Explained.

(Far Prtßs Associttlba);

AUCKLAND,. March 29.

Mr M-issey, Leader of ti'i'e Oppi sition. addre^i-ed a..meeting of between 3000 and, 4000 pfopl?:hi the Drill -Hnll torn'aht. The Mayor of Auckland pre sided. -...'■

Alter-expressing the regret ot himself mid his colle>>gue« at the d-^ath if Mr Cadman,, Mr-Ma-s-y replied at considerable -length to tne Premier's speech ot a fortnight ago with reference to a eliAllenge thac the Opposition should formukte a policy. He claimed they had already p.it fojward a sub-stantial platform m prooonng to gt-ve leaseholders the right to acquire the freehold, in tike tiie Legislative Council elective,ptaca tne public service1 undir an inde peudent boaed, place the public accounts under ft proper system of audit, s-ttle tha-native lands, reform of locil govt>rnmoat,'aud effect economy in tho public expenditure The Advances to Seitlers Aci shoull, he thougat, ba ap. plied to city ptoperilas. As regard* local government, all arterial roads should ho maintained by the Govero. ment and the system of Parliamentary grants for loc il works should be abolished* The Land Tenure Commis-f-ion was a biased Coaimiß&ioa and was tho laughing ctock of the colony. Jt was simply st^newa ling uutil the arrivalof the next session of Parliament should interrupt ios labours. The Government, had returned themselves in office by usimt pub.ie money for party purpose?. The Opposition were fighting against heavy odds for the politicnl. rights of the people and tae speaker strongly appealed for support for the r candidates.

Eeplying to questions Mr-Massey said tho Opposition had no intention to abolish the Old Age Pensions, but he considered it should, be made either general or contributory.; The Leg'slative Council could only be abolished by Act of the Impeiid Parliament.

A hearty vote of thanks was carried