MR. MASSEY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXV, Issue 13059, 29 April 1910, Page 4

MR. MASSEY.

The Leader of the Opposition has spoken, but what lias he said? Precious little when the speech comes to bo boiled down. He resurrected the already threshed-out question of the postponement of the meeting of Parliament, and repeated the ofttold tale about the salary of the Financial Adviser. In season ami out of season he has complained about the Government’s extravagance, and now that a retrench, merit policy has been initiated he finds fault with it. He has persistently argued that the railways are not paying interest on expenditure, and because Mr Millar is trying to make the railways pay ho now says the Government should “do everything possible to reduce the burden upon the people generally,” quite oblivious of the iact that if there is a deficit on tho railways, that deficit will have to be made up by some form of taxation. And this is the kind ol criticism we have from Mr Massey year in and year out. True ho urges a more progressive land and native policy, but it is Satan reproving sin with a vengeance to find the champion of tho land monopolists who for years have blocked settlement in New Zealand appealing for progress in the matter of land settlement. -This is about the only plank Mr Massey has in his platform.' One may seek in vain through his .speech for any new policy; and yet he has the presumption to suggest that “the electors now understand the aims and objects of his party much better than formerly,” and that “the most progressive men, those wiio wore most really Liberal, were amongst the members of the Reform Party.” But probably Mr Massey is right. The electors understand much better than formerly that tho main aim and object of his. party is to get a turn on the Treasury Benches.