SPEECH BY MR MASSEY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 6396, 19 December 1907, Page 5

SPEECH BY MR MASSEY.

CRITICISM OF THE GOVERNMENT., PBBSB ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND. December 18. The Deader of the Opposition, Mr W. F. Massey, speaking at Pukekoho last evening. «bondemned tho custom of suspending the Standing Orders at the olid of sessions for the purpose of getting B ; l!s through quickly. In referring to the land legislation passed last session, Sir Massey said that tho Taxation Bill did not seriously affect tlie wo-king farmers of the Dominion, but there was ouo objectionable feuiiire i« it, viz., tho proposal that when less than 25 per cent, of the jiurehasc money was paid in tho ouso of sale tho vendors should remain liable to taxation. After a severe struggle the Apposition succeeded in getting n clause inserted to the effect that where n commissioner 1 was ' satisfied that the transaction was a bona fide one, the vendor would he relieved of further liability. He did not, however, think that interference or this kind,was necessary at all. This policy of interference with, individual liberty was part of a progress towards Socialism which a. largo number of people in this as woli as in other countries seemed to bo clamouring for, nd which was quite antagonistic to true Liberalism. In referring to tho Land Bill, ho jiointod out tho.contrast between the Fabian-like measure of 1900 and the modified measure of 1907. , ■ Vp-./.p A

“Do not lot anyone imagine,” Mr Massey wont on to say, “that ihn last has been heard of tho land question. It will oomo up again at the next election, when the Socialists will bo asking for more.” The freeholders, ho said, would endeavour to' have tho existing conditions modified so ns to make the terms of obtaining the freehold easier than they were under tho present law. hear.) They would net rest until they obtained for future Crown tenants tho option of tho freehold in regard to lands for settlement as well as ordinary Crown lands. If the principle was right in, the one case, it was also right in, the other. (Hoar, hoar. By the wcerit ‘ legislation a groat blow had boon struck at successful land settlement, from 1 which a recover; would bo impossible until some amendments had been made in the existing law. The native land question had not been satisfactorily dealt with last sdssion, when, as was usual, a Bill had been introduced and rushed through in tho, : dying hours of tho session. What was required was; a simplification and modification of the existing laws, so that they could bn generally understood. So far ns tho policy of tho Opposition Was concerned, there was no obstruction. They jilaoed the interests of the country before those of party. They endeavoured, as far as possible, to safeguard the people’s money, and ho claimed that they now exercised an influence for good on the legislation passed. (Hear hear.) THE TAHIPT. ’ In TeEaird to the tariff, lie sail, that whilst, tho revision had given relief .in cm tain directions/ tho new tariff, ho was sorry to say, was more proteeti /o in somo respects than tho old one. , .

In referring to ■next year’s elections, lie said that many people were wider the. impression .-'that they were going to have throe parties. , Hie himself believed that 'pointed in that direction. The Socialistic party was for a long timo the power behind tbo throne, but it was no longer satisfied with that, and wished to got on to the throne itself. Many jiooplo agreed that the time Lad come,when the line should bo drawn between .Socialism and genuine Liberalism. jThe people had to dlacide whether they were going'to he governed by straightout Liberals, or by straight-out Socialists, or by opportunists; - who would pander to the Socialists in the way experienced during the past five sessions. The most liberal men in Parliament were those who sat on the Opposition side of the . House. (Applause.)