MR. MASSEY'S SPEECH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13690, 5 March 1908, Page 5

MR. MASSEY'S SPEECH.

SOUTHERN PRESS OPINIONS.

INTERESTING COMPARISONS.

[by TELEGRAPH.— OWN CORRESPONDENT. ]

Christchurcii, Wednesday. The Press refers to Mr. Massey's speech as an able and vigorous utterance, and as being far .more of a, policy speech than any of thoee delivered by Sir Joseph Ward during his recent tour. " Sir Joseph was so nebulous and uncertain in his so-called policy speech," it says, " that even some of his most servile Ministerial journals are complaining that nobody knows what the policy of the Government is, and the party are left wandering in the- wilderness without even a pillar or cloud to guide them. Mr. Massey disposed of the suggestion that an alliance was probable between the Government and the Oposition. He showed that wide differences of State principle separated the two parties, and until these were bridged over, it was impossible for anything in the shape of a coalition to take place." The Times concludes its'remarks as follows:—"The Opposition, if Mr. Massey lias been correctly reported, would remove the protection from our local industries by framing a Customs tariff for revenue purposes only, would part with the remnant of the public estate as speedily as possible, would amend the Conciliation and Arbitration Act out of recognition, and would undo what the Government has done towards the suppression of gambling. Mr. Massey's proposals for the reform of the Legislative Council, for the revision of the local government system, and for the presentation of the public accounts, however, are worthy of tlia serious attention of Sir Joseph Ward end his colleagues, and if they arc wise they will aot allow them to pass unheeded."