The Seddon Government—A Capitalists' Government.

Otago Witness, Issue 2387, 30 November 1899, Page 44

The Seddon Government— A Capitalists' Government.

TO THE EDITOR. Sin, — I cannot understand how Mr Barclay — ardent Socialist that he is — can be co contented and unconcerned about what after all must be the fundamental principle upon which the 6ucoesß or failure of- his creed depends. Socialism, I take it, to be desirable, should be a means of promoting the physical and moral wellbeing of the people ; above all it must be sincere', it must have a high senso of honour. If the system is deficient in these qualities, Socialism more than any other ism is subject to a corruption and mortification that must rapidly bring about decay. Therefore, Socialists should be highly sensitive in honour and political morality. ' . I noticed a letter from Mr Barclay in yesterday's Times, explaining his attitude anent the Government propoail to fix the price of "■ coal. It is quite clear that Mr Barclay does not think that the Government is sincere in that proposal. Regarding the Government's other Socialistic acts,* is not the banking legislation, taken at its best, a shirking of the responsibility by the bank and its clients from the natural consequences of their financial sine-^a trans- - ference of the burden from those who 'have . a right" to bear it onto the shoulders of the whole people. What eeems to be coming to light' is the - fact that the lands for settlement scheme and the advances to settlers scheme are being worked, not so much in the interests of the 1 bona fide farmer as they are in the interests of the financial institutions. • '• • How is it that the holders of some of the large estates prefer to sell to the Government rather than in the open market? Comment is unne- - cessary. Regarding the advances to settlers scheme, T know of instances where Bank of New Zealand properties have been cold at higher prices than they otherwise would have been sold at simply because of the low rate of Government interest. Who- received the benefit? Certainly not the farmer. i Then regarding settlement on Crown lands, how is it that Mr John M'Kenzie re-let throo runs of over 40,000 acres, in Central Otago, for a term of 21 years, and that in the face of a petition of intending selectors, backed up by the efforts of the Maniototo Farmers' Club, to have the land cut up for settlement? Or, how is it, at the time when the Otago Central railway taps the Maniototo Plain — a time when there should be an impetus given to settlement— that every acre of available land in the district has been re-let for terms of 14 and 21 years? A little reflection on these facts will do Government supporters no harm. I have fought for the Liberal party in the past harder than most men in this district, as my neighbours are aware, but in the face of the evidence I see, I have concluded that the present Government is trifling with the people, while it is lending itself a willing tool to the capitalist. — I am, etc., John Law, Jun. Ranfurly, November 21.