THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12400, 16 November 1908, Page 3

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

MANIFESTO BY SIR JOSEPJEI [United: Press Association.] ., ■' \ ■Wellington, Nov. 4. The Prime Minister has issued a manifesto to the people of the Do-, minion, dealing with the period during which the Liberals have;. been in office. He enumerates the legislative progress that has been" made and reminds electors how the Liberal .legislation was opposed by the Opposition throughout "Conservatism," he says, "has had its day.-' in' j New Zealand. Wo know what it did. "We know what it sought to do. We know what it would dp again/if it could: ..A. progressive: Liberalism, based on the . principles ' that the State should Jiave- a", larger 'part and kindlier hand for its people than the "policeman policy 5 ' of the past* gave the land for settlement legislation, advances to settlors •■ arid "workers remission of rents, ; and -other conces-. sioris in times of stress, labour laws to secure fair wages, better treatment of tho. weak, tho injured, the aged, infant life protection, compensation for accidents, old_ age pensions. Progressive liberalism had clung to the policy of adjusting the burden to tho back blocks by abolishing customs ■ duties on the necessaries of life, and imposing a graduated land tax. Progressive liberalism would do much more if encoiiraged by 'the electors' confidence. It . would enable willing settlers to, obtain^ freehold farms of limited areas by" the ; land finance system ; provide a universal minority scheme based on .sound finance lines; help workers' wi^es with medical and skilled- nursing in maternity cases; push on with settlement of surplus native land and administer measures oh the; statute bpqk: for. the promotion of progress and the : advancement of every class of the community. ■ Sir Joseph Ward concludes: The vital importance to vail classes in the 'Dominion, of having our country's business prosecuted- so , as to assist the maintenance of that prosperity- it has enjoyed must be self •evident aiid a strong .and courageous -.Government is,; no unimportant factor in helping this on. I feel that the active employment of our people and the opening, up of additional avenues for work and investment and the extension! of our. commerce boundaries is a goal: that is worthy of our best efforts. It is to be regretted that while the Government has steadfastly pursued such a policy there, have been so many sinister efforts made to damage the- country's financial fabric' I would again repeat for your assurance that all our public financial en-, gagements have been provided for for many months ahead and the monies required/ for carrying out our public works have be"en arranged for on most satisfactory terms: What we require- is faith in ourselves -and our country and having this I am certain that our future is bright ■with .hope'i ■——-••--■ .. ....