THE PREMIER AND THE COLONX'S POSITION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10625, 21 March 1896, Page 3

THE PREMIER AND THE COLONX'S POSITION.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,—ln reading the Premier's speech at Nelson I have arrived at the conclusion that he snd his oolleagueß ia the Ministry are adepts at self-laudation—laudation which is not borne out by facts. Referring to the Christchurch Press, he deplored its circulation, and remarked " that private money was being used for the purpose of purchasing political support"; and, again, he stated " that the Liberal party were above purchasing support ... by such me&ns." Quite true! The Government purchase their support not with thair own money, but with the people's money, raised by taxation. In his next address will Mr Seddon inform his audience bow ranch of the taxpayers' money was expended at the last general election, and also all the byeelections which hs.vo taken place since then ; the cost an ordinary rates for special trains,

steamer and coach fares, and other travelling expenses ; »and, ae an addendum, their expenses during recess while flying about the country addressing meetings for self - glorification ? Now, I do not object to Ministers travailing provided they do so purely in connection with public affairs. Such travelling is not only justifiable, but absolataly necessary ; at tbe same time I hold it ia downright robbery when they expend a single penny of the ratepayers money for their own glorification, or to advance the interests of their friends or supporters. In his review of tho speeches made by Captain Russell and Sir Robert Stout he Laid their charges were not c&p»b!e of being substantiated. Many of them might not; but why ? Simply because the Government would not vouchsafe to Parliament any information asked for. I fear I wonld be imposing too much on your good nature were I to follow Mr Seddon's sneech right through, so will pins en to the tariff. I am an old,commercial man, and have compared carefully ths previous and present tariffs, and have satisfied myself that the increased ratio of the later ia nearer £100,000 than £50,000, and if the cnstoni3 revenue is not increased by this amount it is because all classes have to reduce their expenditure. It would be very amusing were it not that we will feel the burden to hear the Premier's remark : "He was not prepared to borrow money for political railways for finding employuifint and purchasing political support." Why, such a statement ii simply prepMteroas. Since he cams into office the liabilities of the colony from various sources must have increased somewhere to tbe tßi'-a of eight to ten millions. It must be particularly galling for the people of the colony to be told by Mr Seddoa that the finances of the colony .were now in a very flourishing condition—po3sibly h« means the Treasury. If such i3 the case, it is *he result of heavy taxation—taxation absolutely unbearable by the people, which is causing them to reduce their necessary expenditure, thus dGcrGftsms fcliff emp'oynisnfc or lawonr and adding increasing esergy to tha cry of the unemployed for work.

It is a well-known fact in the citias that the number of " Hwaggere " travelling the country for work which they do not obtain is tmce that of any previous year, and all farnisrs and runholders are complaining. Thia savours of prosperity, does it not ? Ask tbe farmers, who too frequently are called upon to supply thcai with food gratuitously. Let the labouring classes carefully consider whether the Government are or are not the cause of the present depression ; and if they decide agiir.st them, let them master strong at next election and return members who will guard and protect their interests more faithfully.—l »ru, &c, Not a Candidate foe Election, Dunedin, March 17.