MR SAUNDERS ON THE PAST SESSION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10200, 7 November 1894, Page 2

MR SAUNDERS ON THE PAST SESSION.

(Pbb United Press Association.) Cheistchubch, November 6. Mr A. SaviDders, "member for Selwyn, addressed his constituents last night, and delivered an Opposition speech. The present Parliament was weak through members at the elections being pledged '' tosupport Richard Seddon instead of measures. The Sergeant-at-Arms appointment was illegal, contrary to law, and corrupt. The use of money and the patronage of the Government were, he declared, a departure from Mr Ballance's self-reliant and economic policy, «nd a breach of the pledge on which the "Government were returned, *nd the proposal to borrow £5,500,000 Ithe reverse of Treasurer Ward's views as expressed in his Financial Statement of 1893, made before the election, and was quite far enough to go iri the direction of reckless extravagance. Mr Saunders found fault with tbe Treasurer for giving a glowing account of the gauntry's credit when there was no surplus, and the national debt had been increased. Mr Saunders -said he did'not vote on; the Bank of New Zealand two million guarantee, as he was not prepaiad to say.the step was a right one. He approved of the licensing poll being taken on the day of the general election, objected to nominee committees, and-to paid temperance advocates not being eligible to seats. He supported an , elective . Executive, on the Swiss principle, and said -aiixxo good legislation bad been' passed respecting Native lands. He received a vote of thanks and confidence.