Telephone Talks.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 12803, 29 May 1914, Page 5

Telephone Talks.

Ting-a-ling! J.s Mr Massey there? It may be amusing to scarify Mr 0. \\ . Russell and others of the political campaigners, but why take them seriously? You know that when they condemn you for doing what they themselves did they do not mean it. They have 110 new ideas, and have to resort to growling. "Well, any way, why single out Russell? Do you consider him a leader/ Why not follow the example of the queen beo which never stings anything but a rival queen? It is quite true that he is a member of the Squadron, and a very talkative one, but don't you know that every member of that party is himself a party? Even their nominal chief will have difficulty in guiding them. Some had a taste of power—and pay—and the craving for more must have set in. Who is going to follow, if he thinks he is fit to lead? What do you really think of the intelligence of those taxpayers who applaud when you proclaim some extension of expenditure on such things as pensions? Does it not strike you that tliey rather enjoy paying taxes? By the way, why don't you reform the pension system altogether, and ease the State funds by compelling relatives of the indigent to perform their natural duty? Yes, I know that in that case the votes of the indigent and of their natural supporters might be given against you, but justice ought to he the chief consideration. Is it just that the State should take upon itself the duty of the individual? : I am glad to note that you state that you do not intend to pursue a skinflint policy, but please take care that your liberality is in the right direction. It is also quite possible to be economical without being mean.

Ting-a-ling! Is that Mr Atmore?

I see that you and the other disappointed ones -who form the Flying Squadron are still on the stump and vigorously denouncing the Ministry, Some of your companions in misfortune made a very poor show during their very temporary reign as Ministers.

By the way, on which side were you when you contested the Nelson seat?

Oh, I beg pardon. Of course it would come under the term nondescript, or undependable, wobbly, or socalled Independent. Have you ever noticed how bitter a man becomes when he is a convert, or a pervert? Of course he has to create an impression on his new companions that he is really sincere, and to indicate to his former associates that lie actually was of some worth and importance.

Well, it will be lucky for you if Sleepy Hollow does not awake from its usual torpor. .

Ting-a-ling! Is it Mr Isitt? That dose of cold water you got at Millerton must have been distasteful even to one who advocates its use, and the spirit subsequently infused at Westport was no doubt grateful and comforting. Of course. You too are another prospective Premier, when the Massey Ministry are discharged. But do you think you will be there?

.Your idea of a union of what you call Liberal and Labour is not likely to work. Unless I mistake the signs of the times Labour will not ally itself with any political party. The Red Feds are too independent, and the other sections of labour are too sensible. They know what they want, and they know that your party will not give it to them. Over twenty years of experience, when your associates were in power, has shown them that they can place no dependence 011 politicians, who merely use them for the purpose of gaining office or keeping in it.

Ting-a-ling! Are you there Mr Allen?

Thanks for your information in regard to the public finances. The statement is clear, but as you had a balance of £709,508 at the beginning of the financial year and a balance of only £426,005 at its close, what has become of the alleged surplus? Well, it seems to have vanished. If you go on creating surpluses of that kind you will have to go to the pawnbroker again to make both ends meet. Yes, it is quite true that you transferred a large amount to the Public Works fund, but it should be understood that the taxpayers do expect to see some portion of their utilised for purposes of benefit. Then, again, your figures deal only with the actual receipts and the actual expenditure. It is certain that the receipts cannot show any increase, but what about the liabilities at March 31st? If these are provided for how much of the balance will bo left? G-r-r-r! All right! Ring off! THE GOSSIP.