ALLEGED TAMMANYISM.

West Coast Times, 4 August 1910, Page 4

ALLEGED TAMMANYISM.

“HIGHLY IMMORAL PROPOSAL.” THE ENTERNAL LAND QUESTION. WELLINGTON, August 3. Speaking in the House of Representatives last night on the Financial Statement, the member for Hurunui dealt with the attitude' of the Opposition on the land question. Mr Forbes resumed the Financial Debate. He considered the proposal to wipe out the Public Debt a healthy sign, and one that would meet with the approval of the country. He did not doubt that public sentiment would be strong enough to prevent sinking funds for the extinction of the National Debt being diverted by any Government from its proper use. He regretted the Leader of the Opposition should level a charge of Tammanyism against the Party in power, which reflected on the personal character of the executive. He doubted if it were possible to bring down such a Land Bill as promised in the Budget —that is one that would be acceptable to both parties in the House. He believed that the legislation now on the Statute Book was sufficient, if given a fair trial. If the bill contained freehold proposals, it would be put of touch with the growing sentiment of the various people throughout the world. He condemned Massey’s amendment which he characterised as the most barefaced attempt to bribe the constituencies ever made. It meant that the lessees under the renewal lease and small grazing runs would be given a present of £647,000, the amount of improvement on the original valuation. The settlers of the Cheviot would, on the same principle and on a low estimate of the improved valuation receive £IIO,OOO. He himself- would receive £3,000 as his share. Was not that a proposal of Tammanyism ? He believed the people would never sanction such an immoral proposal, nor allow men with such low ideas of their public duty to occupy the Treasury benches. There was no difficulty,’he said, in inducing settlers to go on the land under the present conditions, though something ought to be done to accelerate the resumption of land for closer settlement.

Mr Massey, in a personal explanation, pointed out that if his amendment had been carried out, it would not make any difference to the settlers on the Cheviot estate as this was held under a special Act. Referring to the charge of Tammanyism, he denied he had applied tho word personally. It was the ■ system he had condemned.

AN OPPOSITION CHARGE. MR MINE MAKES SUGGESTIONS. WELLINGTON, August 3. A good deal of use has been made this session of tho word “Tammanyism’! by the Opposition when its members have endeavoured to indict the Ministry for inacpacity and implied corruption, So far the charges have boon vague and it was Mr J. B. Hine tho Opposition member for Stratford, who came nearest to a definite statement.

“It is Tammanyism,” said Mr Hine, “when the Government goes out of its way to purchase a block of laud near Now Plymouth on the eve of the election. I call it Tammanyism when the Government goes out of its way to boycott newspapers in the Dominion, because of their policy, and gives its advertisements to less reputable dailies.” Members; Who are they, •

Mr Hine; Yon know as well as I do. It is Tammanyism when members of Parliament who have helped to put the Land for Settlement Act on the Statute Book, act as commission agents to sell land under it to tho Government of the clay.

Sir Joseph Ward: Wlio did that? Mr Hino: The Premier knows. Sir Joseph: I know nothing of the kind and you ought, to name him. Mr Laurensqn i Namp! Naipe I It }s scandalous!

Mr Hino: Sot up a commission and I will give evidence.' Sir Joseph; Give us a name to justify it. ■ Mr Hino: I will not. (Laughter from Government members.).

Sir Joseph: Because you cannot . Mr Hine; ’What about the taxation inquiry ? You did not give names. Sir Joseph: It is very improper, Mr Speaker. The Tamraanyism rests there (indicating the Opposition). Jle has made a very serious charge against somebody and he ought to state the name, but ho cannot. Mr Hine: If the Government will grant a public commission I will give mv evidence on oath.

The Hon. R. McKenzie: To enquire about what?

Mr G. H. Poole; A present member of the Assembly?

Mr Hine: I am not going to bo drawn. (Laughter).