POLITICAL ADDRESS.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXXII, Issue 12669, 3 May 1905, Page 3

POLITICAL ADDRESS.

MR MASSEEY AT 'C^iSTCHtipjQH:: : Per Press Association.'-' '.'' CHRISTCHURCH, May. 2.Mr Massey, the Leader of the Opposition, addressed a crowded audience at the Theatre to-night. His speech was mainly on the lines of his recent speech at Dunedin, but he also dealt with the Premier's speech at, Pabiatua. - ■ ■' Mr Seddon had said thatf his (Mr Massey's) statement that under the Public Revenues Act the balance of one vote could be transferred to another, was false, but he quoted the section of the Act to show that moneys may be" transferred in aid- "of any other vote in the same class. It was true as the Premier had stated 1 , tibat the Stafford Government had' transferred the balances of votes, but these balances were in respect to votes the particular work in connection with which had been completed." The provision for refering disputes between the Audit Department and the Government had been repealed by the Grey Government and remained repealed until 1900 when the present Government revived' it'.'

Regarding the finances Mr Massey said that if the Public Accounts were kept as a business, man .keeps -his books, there would be no surplus to transfer to the Public Works Fund.- '".-.'

Speaking of Legislative Council reform Mr Massey said that men like Sir John Hall should be appointed' to the Upper House. (Prolonged and cheers for Sir John Hall.)

Speaking of the Land for Settlements Act Mr Massey advocated- the adoption" of the system of submitting to the. House a proposal to resume compulsorily any particular estate.

Mr Massey condemned the Premier's methods of electioneering at the expense of the colony. He stated that the policy of the Opposition consisted of a proper audit of the Public Accounts and the repeal of tlhe Public Revenues Act, 1900, reform of the Legislative Council, the establishment of a public service board, economy and sound finance, [ local government reform, (jinking funds in connection with future loans, the option of the freehold to the settlers oh Crown lands, independency of theemagistracy,, Parliamentary business to be done in reasonable hours, and an equitable'settlement of the native land question. ■'--., Mr Massey spoke for two hours and had a- very favourable hearing. ' At' the' conclusion, of his address he answered a num-: ber of questions and was accorded a vote of thanksJ , --•. .■.