An Elector's Catechism.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 1, Issue 82, 4 November 1890, Page 2

An Elector's Catechism.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—l. What at the present time is the first duty of man ? To register, his vote. 2. Why should he register his vote ? That he may be able to help to elect a good Liberal member. 3. What is a good Liberal member ?

One who is anxious to do the greatest good to the greatest number. 4. What .should he be in favour of ?

Firstly, He should be in favour of a liberal land law, to assist the people to settle on the land instead qf having a large floating population, or, in other words, instead of having so many men running about the country with their swags on their backs, rushing to wherever there is any likelihood of obtaining employment. Secondly, he should be in favour of our present Education Act in its entirety, neither cutting down the standards or interfering in any way that is likely to lead to the introduction of Denominationalism. Thirdly, he should be in favour of a progressive Property-tax, and a tax on absentees. Fourthly, he should be in favour of strict eeonqiny, not only cutting down but amalgamating offices, and doing away - with all retiring allowances, a working-man who, if he has a family, can only by strict economy and' self-denial keep out of debt, has to depend on his children to keep him alter he is past work, and why- should a man who has from double to ten times as much salary, have a retiring allowance !yom a country which can hardly pay its ,way. Fifthly, he should be in favour, of passing such bills to protect the work-ing-men's interests as may be necessary, audi as the Truck Bill, Eight Hours' Bill, ancl others, which (by the supreme wisdom of bur Snobocracy as represented by some members of the Upper House) were thrown out last session. 5. What is a Conservative ?

One who is opposed to any great changes, but » Conservative in Zealand politics is generally one who is eitlier a large land-owner, ■ pr who has a large sheep run, or is interested in some of the groat monopolies which are ruining the country. The present Government is Conservative, and their policy last session was to keep their seats at all hazards, though to do this they had to take back their proposals, or to ynbinit to pass them in such a mutilated state jfygfp femer would hardly know them. 0. Who really governs the country ? Monopolists, laud companies, loan companies, and the Union Company.' End of Part I. I am, &c,