THE COMING CAMPAIGN.

Observer, Volume XI, Issue 754, 10 June 1893, Page 7

THE COMING CAMPAIGN.

The platform of the Auckland Liberal Association has been slow in coming, bat it is out at last. It was presented in the form of a report, at the meeting of the ABsoeiation the other night, and was unanimously adopted. It certainly ib a good deal to take at one mouthful, and although the delegates accepted it without a murmur we shall be very much surprised if the Liberal candidates swallow it so readily. Not that we think it should not be swallowed. Very far. from it. But it is such a decided step towards Socialism that canny and weak-kneed Liberals will be loth to risk all their electioneering eggs in that one basket.

The proposals that are novel to the community are that the State should oontrol the coalmines and gumfields and the coastal marine service of the colony. This is socialism. It is reasonable enough that all these interests should be vested in the State, and there is little doubt that sooner or later they will. But why should the Liberal platform stop where it does? Why should it not also embrace the goldmines, the gasworks, the tramways, the timber forests and mills and many other similar industries upon which the comfort and welfare of the country depends ? It is a pity, in reforms like these, to Btop bo far short of what might possibly be achieved. * *

The single vote principle is popular, and bo will be the proposal that local administrative bodies, and of course these inolude licensing' committees, shall be elected by universal suffrage. It is not only property owners who are affected by the liquor traffic, and consequently it is not property owners alone who Bbould be privileged to exercise votes on the question. The principle of elective governors is already one of the main planks of the Liberal platform, and so also ia the proposal to abolish the Legislative Council. The Upper Chamber is not only looked upon as useless and unnecessary, but it has lost caste with the people.

We like nearly every plank in the platform. They suit our views with scarcely an exception. We have repeatedly advocated a State bank, we believe in the land tax pure and simple without taxation of improvements, we approve of equal facilities for education and the best education within the reach of all, and we cordially endorse the principle of opening up the country by a system of good roads and other proposals. These are all planks in the platform of true Liberalism. * *

But there are some things that we decidedly do not like. One of these iB the item ' Old Age Pensions.' Pensions for what? Pensions for whom? We think we know what is meant, but the proposal has no favour with us. We might almost go as far as the ' senior member ' and say that the next thing suggested would be ' free beef, bread and beer ' for Liberals. Neither do we like "the clause which provides that no absentee shall own lands in the colony after five years from the passing of the Act. This reads very much like spoliation.

But it will be very interesting to see how the candidates view the platform. They are not likely to accept it, and if they do not they ' cannot expect their candidature to be promoted by the Liberal Association. It has been said that the platform has been inspired and put forward as a trap to weak-kneed Liberals, but be that as it may, some will have a difficulty in reconciling it with their convictions. At all events there is no getting away from the fact that with one or two minor exceptions it is an excellent Liberal programme flavoured with a decided spice of Socialism. Let us see how it will be received.

The Parnell election is already resolving itself into a fight between Mr Frank Lawry and Mr Seymour T. George. Mr Lawry met his constituents last Wednesday evening, and, as might have been expected, had a most enthusiastic meeting. Mr Lawry has a good record. His stewardship has been a faithful one, and he has been a consistent Liberal membei devoted to the interests of his constituents in particular, and also to the interests of the people in general. Moreover, Mr Lawry is popular with his constituents, he is in touch with them, and for these and many other reasons he will be a very hard man to fight.

There wbb something very pleasing in the manly, independent speech made by Mr Lawry. It was a dear and forceful vindication of the Government policy from the standpoint of a Government supporter, and it was effective in showing the electors that the- course their member had followed in the House was consistent with his pledges and calculated to promote the best interests of those whom he represented. Mr Lawry took occasion to speak with no uncertain sound concerning the mean little device used by the Herald to create the impression that he did.not intend to stand for this seat again. Not only is it Mr Lawry'B intention to Btacg, but he is resolved to go to the poll againßt the Archangel Gabriel himself, if needs be.

We shall be mistaken indeed in the electors of Parneli and in Mr Lawry's friends if they allow themselves to be influenced by any of the transparent dodges now being resorted to to injure or prejudice the prospects of his candidature. It has been resolved by the friends of the other candidate to win the seat at all hazards, and everything that can be done to secure that object will be done. It is not clear that they will even stop short of toadyism for the votes of the ' Parneli ' dogs. Who are the Parneli dogs ?do you say. Well, we shall tell you some day before the election.

In, striking contrast with. the cheering, hopeful speech of Mr Lawry, was the lugubrious deliverance ■ of Mr W. F. Buckland at Onehunga. Mr Buckland's address was the grumble of a disappointed man. His term of membership has expired, and he sees no chance of re-election. And consequently, he attacks every one connected with the party in power, and traduces the whole of their policy. According to Mr Buckland, the country is not prospering, its prospects are not improving, there is no influx of popalation, there is no surplus, everything is going to the bad— but stop! we shall have the blues as badly as Buckland has them if we go on. Mr Buckland does not point to anything he has done for his constituents or his country. Why? Need you ask. His whole speech is coloured by a bitter hatred of everything Liberal, of everything progressive. And it was for such a man that Onehunga rejected Sir Maurice 0 Borke. No wonder the customary vote of confidence was conspicuous by its absence;