"THE RIVAL LEADERS."

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12483, 9 March 1909, Page 4

"THE RIVAL LEADERS."

gl» .. (Special to "The Colonist.'!) Christchurch, March 8. Under bhe heading ' "The Rival Leaders,' ' the "Lyttelton Times" this morning remarks" editorially .-—The public must be thoroughly weary by this time of the little controversy that is going ou between the Prime Minister and the leader of the Opposition, ahd we have-no intention to .inflict the whole futile story upon* them again, but it is only fair to Sir Joseph Ward to point out that Mr Massey has now reduced his formidable "list of charges . down to the single indictment, that during the election campaign someone suggested that . "Certain districts .would be more likely to be benefited by public expenditure if those : districts were representedby Government supporters; rathei*. than by Opposiionists." : The much _' more serious charges that the Prime Minister had connived at improper promises being made to the electors; that he hadsqueezed the Hon J. McGowan put of the Ministry; that he had appointed the Hon Ngata to a position' for which there was no- legal 1 authority ; and that he had sent '"out* 'numbers of electioneering telegrams at the public ex-pense;-have all. been abandoned. The .truth. is that -IMr Massey' s charges 3iave failed at every - point. " If\the Opposition wishes to make any permanent, headway against the Government it must condnct 'its attack in quite a different fashion.. The electors ar&sick and tired of the recital of stupid, petty scandals. They have heard them so often nOw, that they are prepared to listen to" ;any capable leader, who will expound a bold progressive policy, and show his ability to .carry it into effect. .If there is a master of men in the ranks of the Op- . position, he never had a better opportunity to assert, his authority than he has to-day. ' ■.;*** ■ : ' ; <■'. "■