FRUITS OF LIBERAL ADMINISTRATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5582, 4 June 1896, Page 4

FRUITS OF LIBERAL ADMINISTRATION.

Commenting tho other day on the work of the Liberal Government as compared with that of past Administrations; the Auckland Star said: — It would be impossible in the space at our command to summarise the measures — upwards of a hundred — passed by the Ballance and Seddon Governments. Suffice it to say that their general tendency has . been to afford the public protection, and enlarge the powers of the people. Among mercantile laws they have made the proceeds of auction sales trust moneys, haw protected the public against untrue' prospectuses and wildcat company promoters, increased the safeguards against fraudulent bankruptcies, increased the : security of insurers with foreign companies, and saved the country from a great financial crisis. Among industrial laws they have, by their legislation, given the worker increased security for his life and limb, lightened his labours, made his wages a first charge on money due to contractors, provided for the amicable settlement of trade . disputes, by the establishment of labour bureaus greatly assisted in the distribution, of labour, and. through the system of co - operative works have given the worker the full l yalue of his earnings. Under the .Family Homes Protection Act they have enabled the head of a family to settle his home (up to the value 0f. .-81506) for the . benefit of himself and family. They have made better provision for the protection of infant life, and for the support of deserted wives and children. They have facilitated manual and technical instruction in public schools and separate institutions. The mining, butter, timber and other industries have been made the objects of fostering care, and several important Acts have been passed with these objects in view. And beyond all else' they havo thrown the lands of the country freely open to the people, and settled thousands upon them.