NATIONAL ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10424, 23 April 1897, Page 6

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION.

QUARTERLY MEETING. The quarterly meeting; of members of the National Asiociation was held ab the Abso> ciation'i Rooißß, Quoan-atreeb, last night. There was a fairly large attendance, Mr. \Y. F. Masaey, M.U.R,, presiding.

The Chairman, in opening the proceeding?, stated thai the subject eeb down for discussion was, " The pieaenli political iesuee." The principal of these issues seemed to be: Whether they should hare extravagance or economy iu connection with the business of the colony; whether public expenditure should be kept within the limits of revenne ; whether the Government should be allowed to compete with private individuals in ordinary business affaire, and then making up their losses by increased taxation; and whether an army of inspectors and a system of espionage was conducive to the welfare of the people, and in the best interests of the country! Mr. E. Bell, who was the first speaker, taid the National Association throughout the colony had justified its existence, and had created a healthy public opinion. They had lucceeded in (ending to Parliament, as the result of the late election, a large number of men opposed te the present Government. Mr. Bell went on to condemn the present system of Government patronage, and oontended that! the continual surpluses placed before the country were not the result of legitimate administration, but of exploiting one section of the public for the benefit of another. The speaker also referred to the competition of women with men in commercial and industrial pursuits. He believed this competition was a mistake. The advent of women in politics was a dangerous experiment. Mr. Bell went on to ipeak in favour of federation with the other colonies, and concluded with a condemnation of the workiug of the Advances to Settlers Act.

Mr. G. Oakland, Awitu, read a short paper on the present financial position of the colony, criticising the recent financial statement of the Colonial Treasurer. In view of tlio increase in the public debt Mr, Garland contended that there was really no surplus, notwithstanding the fact thud a surplus rs shown in the statement. Mr. Garland advocated the necessity of reducing taxation and stopping all borrowing, at any rate for some time to come, Dr. Wallis, the next speaker, contended that the members of Parliament had acted unwisely and reprehensively in suspending the legislative business of the colony, while the Premier and his wife attended the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. No one desired, he said, more than he (Dr. Wallis) did that Her Majesty should be honoured, bub if they sent Home the Premier and paid his expenses, besides having their own celebrations in the colony, they would have done all that could be expected of them, By suspending the business of Parliament they did not prove their loyalty, but their foolishness. In connection with the recent election the Opposition bad been outgeneralled, and when the question of suspending Parliamentary business came up they were again out-witted, and frightened by the threat of being charged with disloyalty. The people did nob yet know whether the Government actually had a majority; they were threatened with war, and the head of the Government was absent; aud the securing of justice to Auckland and removing her present isolated position must be poetponned. Dr. Wallis also denied the existence of a true surplus aud condemned the action of the Government in placing in the Legislative Council shunted politicians, of the right colour and blinded supporters of the present administration. Parliament should have discuaeed all these and other grievances. The Chairman, in reply to Dr. Wallis, stated that if that gentlman'e suggestion had been carried out it would have meant two seuione, and great additional expense. Everyone knew that though the Opposition was strong and vigilant, the Government had a large majority, Mr. M&ssey further contended that, owing to the attitude taken up by the Premier, the Opposition bad either to agree to the suspension of business or the Premier would not go home. Mr. Massey also explained other matters. Mr. Monk, M.H.R., in a stirring speech Mid tbat apathy wae one of the mosb deplorable features of the politics of the colony. Dr. Wallis had spoken of violation of the constitution; but he should remember the Premier wai not governed by constitutional principles—that he was a law unto himielf. Mr. Monk proceeded to justify at tome length the action of the Opposition during thv recent session. Mr. Vaile, jun., made a short speech. Votes of thanks to ithe speakers and the chairman brought the meeting to a close.